ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY WHEN GOING VEGAN

WHETHER YOU’RE A VEGETARIAN THINKING OF TAKING THE NEXT STEP OR NEW TO THE PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE, HERE’S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY WHEN GOING VEGAN.

It was once the domain of greenies and hippies, but these days, going vegan is a lot cooler and less niche than it used to be. It’s trending on Instagram, it’s being discussed on mainstream media, and even the tiniest local cafés are adding vegan-friendly offerings to their menu. On a larger scale, veganism is a key part of the health and wellness zeitgeist, fitting in to a new wave of consciousness around environmental and animal welfare issues, not to mention boosting sales of coconut oil and chickpeas throughout the developed world.

VEGAN 101

Vegans choose not to eat meat − including fish, shellfish, livestock and poultry − eggs, dairy products, honey and gelatine. For some people, the vegan lifestyle also means avoiding materials derived from animals, including leather, fur, silk, and wool, as well as cosmetics and soaps containing animal products or which are tested on animals. In recent years, widespread messaging has brought the benefits of eating less meat into the spotlight, paving the way for veganism to go increasingly mainstream. Overseas, restaurant chains like Wagamama and Pizza Hut have put vegan dishes on the menu, and large-scale supermarkets worldwide have extended the range of vegan products on the shelves.

As more people jump on board the plant-based bandwagon, experts say the diet has some great health benefits, but there are some key aspects to be aware of if you’re thinking of diving in. According to holistic nutritionist Natalie Brady, learning to listen to your body’s unique needs is an important part of the process.

“I’ve noticed a huge increase in vegan clients in the past year, and people often tell me they are going vegan because of documentaries like What the Health and Cowspiracy. Some of them have switched within a week of seeing these films! It’s a really individual choice, but of course it’s important to do it for the right reasons. “A lot of younger people seem to do it because of what they have seen on social media. Some people do really thrive off being vegan, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s body has different needs, no body is the same, and it’s about figuring out what is in your best interests.”

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY WHEN GOING VEGAN

IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

You don’t have to look far to read about the benefits of a more plant-focused diet, although the definition of the term is up to the individual. At her clinic, Natalie advises clients to stick to 80 per cent plant-based foods, and 20 per cent meat sources. But for those who do prefer to exclude animal products entirely, there can be some big positives if you do it right. “If it’s a wholesome, well-balanced diet, veganism promotes an abundance of wholegrains, legumes, nuts, seeds veges and fruit,” Natalie says. “This often means a whole lot more folate in the diet, as well as more vitamin E, vitamin C, and magnesium. Vegans can get a far wider range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared with other diets.” The high vegetable intake that’s part of the vegan diet means it’s.

sources: Good Health Choice, New Zealand, July 2018