Thinking of Going Vegan?

Veganism, called by some as strict vegetarianism is the lifestyle practice of consuming only plant-based foods and excluding any form of animal products and by products. These include eggs and dairy products like milk, cheese, cream and yoghurt. A diet is defined as the intentional reduction of the amount of variety of food for the purpose of controlling one’s weight or to address health concerns.

Even though in a general sense, veganism can be classified into diet, those who embrace this lifestyle wouldn’t want to call it that simply because it is a lifetime lifestyle choice they wish to have and not only for a specific amount of time which is what diets usually are. Unlike most people merely concerned with their weight and use calories as a measure of what they consume, vegans are much more concerned with the nutrients they assimilate from plant-based foods which are generally classified into the fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds and nut. Consuming these in the right quantities provides adequate nutrients in a smaller number of calories.

Whether vegan or otherwise, careful consideration of what one puts into his or her body has a long standing benefit to one’s wellbeing. Those who are considering converting to a vegan lifestyle are recommended to consult with their doctor, nutritionist or wellness advocate who can recommend a program that provides a smooth transition so that there isn’t much shock to the system. Even for vegetarians who progress to veganism, withdrawal symptoms can be expected – acnes, fatigue, and grumpiness but after the initial speed bump, the journey can be very satisfying. Vegans claim they experience clarity of thought, more sustained energy, require less sleep.

However, care must be taken because too much fruit and starchy food such as grains and its derivatives like bread and pasta may lead to increased blood sugar levels that can lead to or aggravate diabetes. Too much fat, though healthy and cholesterol-free, can still lead to weight gain if not taken with other food groups like green leafy vegetables and high-fiber food.

Carbohydrate and protein contain four calories per gram while fat has nine calories per gram. Alcohol has seven calories per gram and is not very high in nutrients. As such, calories from a green salad or a fresh fruit smoothie with nut or soymilk is better at providing energy than a bag of potato chips and a diet soda which virtually do not contain any form of nutrients.