Disclaimer: I just recently wrote this article for Hercampus.com but unfortunately wasn’t able to link it to my blog for you all to ready without clicking on a separate link. Here is a copied and pasted version to enjoy. You may view the original print: here
There is a new diet trend that seems to be taking off recently. Not long ago, it was difficult for
vegetarians and vegans to find restaurants and fast food that catered to them. Now, you can
argue that Veganism has become a movement that is synonymous with healthy eating. Like any
change in diet it is important to look at the misconceptions before jumping on the bandwagon, or
choosing to abstain. Here is a list of the most common misconceptions about Veganism.
1. It will make you “skinny”
Just because you are eliminating some or all animal products from your daily routine does not
mean that it will magically make you drop ten pounds. Being “healthy” is a lifestyle choice that
involves a balanced diet and exercise. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, smart eating still
requires work. Being vegan or vegetarian may limit your unhealthy options but please keep in
mind that pizza is vegetarian and there is such thing as vegan brownies.
2. You won’t get enough protein
In major parts of the world different religions and cultures require people to abstain from eating
meat or specific animal products and those people have survived. Contrary to popular belief,
protein is found in many other options other than meat. According to health.com, a half cup of
beans has the same amount of protein as one ounce of meat. You can find many other
substitutes for meat with a little extra research. Some high protein foods include beans, lentils,
nuts, seeds and spinach.
3. Grocery Shopping is expensive
There is a lot of truth to this misconception. Healthy eating in general is overall pricer than a
Ramon and chips diet. well produced meat is actually just as pricey as shopping plant based.
Whether you are vegan/vegetarian or not, a healthy diet will cost you more. One trick to keeping
your budget low is to purchase frozen veggies which tend to be much cheaper. Overall, investing
in a healthier lifestyle is much more worthwhile in the long run.
4. Vegetarian/vegan food is Boring
Check out any of the uprising Instagram fitness gurus and you will see that this just isn’t true.
Vegetarian meals tend to be much more colorful and offer fresher options. Yummly.com has
beautiful looking and easy to make vegetarian/vegan recipes. Yes being a vegan limits your fast
food options, but it can extend your taste palette to much more advanced creations.
5. All or Nothing
Many people believe that to follow this regime or to pursue this goal they have to cut out all meat
or animal products right away. You are allowed to build your own lifestyle with what works best for
you. There are all different kinds of terms you can identify with if that is something you are
concerned about. For example, a Pescatarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat but eats seafood.
Decide why you want to do this be it for health reasons or moral reasons; And design your own
food lifestyle from there.
If you are just attempting to follow the trends then start cutting a few animal products out of your daily
routine and see how it goes. Choosing to go vegan/vegetarian is a lifestyle decision that takes a
lot of work, planning and research just like any major life decision. It is important to be educated
on the benefits and downfalls of diet changes because they can impact your body. Veganism and
vegetarianism are a choice and you should feel free to approach the concept with your own ideas
and alterations.
1 Comment
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much.
November 19, 2015 at 8:09 amI hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.