A vegan is someone who does not use or eat animal products, including meat, dairy and eggs. While vegans’ lifestyles and reasons may vary, from wanting to save animals to getting healthier, many often have assumptions made about them based on stereotypes. Join me as I debunk some myths that we’re pretty tired of hearing!
Myth: Vegans are annoying and force their diet/lifestyle on others.
A picture of someone shaming their friend for eating a cup of yoghurt comes to mind. While a lot of vegans believe that veganism is an ideal choice for many, very few force it on others, as vegans are no strangers to having certain diets forced onto them and getting judged for their non-conventional lifestyle.
Myth: Vegan food is boring, tasteless and limited.
While most people seem to think that we survive on lettuce, that couldn’t be farther away from the truth! In reality, a vegan diet includes more than just fruits and vegetables, extending to grains, legumes, beans and so much more. Almost any dish can be veganized, whether that involves holding off on some mozzarella cheese or replacing an ingredient with a vegan-friendly one.
Myth: Eating out is impossible.
Hard at times, but definitely not impossible. While not everything on the menu may be vegan-friendly, you will almost always find something that fits your lifestyle. More restaurants are offering vegetarian and vegan options to suit everyone, especially as these lifestyles are becoming more popular. You can also ask for a few simple modifications, such as omitting cheese, to make a dish completely vegan!
Myth: All vegans are protein deficient.
Most people tend to overestimate how much protein we need. Protein is undeniably important, but the dietary reference intake is only 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight! There are many plant-based proteins, such as lentils, tofu, black beans, chia seeds, edamame, nuts, hemp seeds and soy milk to name a few.
Myth: All vegans are healthy.
False. Unhealthy vegan foods exist, too. If you’re only eating french fries and vegan cheesecake all day, then you won’t be getting enough nutrients!
Myth: The only vegan B12 source is supplements.
Many people seem to think that vitamin B12 comes from animals, when it is actually produced by bacteria. People who eat meat get the vitamin by consuming animals who get their B12 from eating foods contaminated with vitamin B12. While nori, other plants and tempeh have been reported to contain B12, they aren’t the most reliable sources. The best vegan B12 sources are fortified foods such as fortified soy milk, and supplements. The requirement for B12 is actually very low, but it is still an essential vitamin.
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