How to Go Vegan Healthily - 4 Ways to Make It Happen!
Going vegan is a challenge in itself let alone how to go vegan healthily. And whilst you may have taken the plunge thinking that the mantra of vegan means health is gospel, we can assure you that this couldn't be further from the truth. There are in fact many processed vegan foods that are full of fats and sugars. So, to help you navigate your first steps into veganism, we've put together 4 simple tips on how to go vegan healthily.
Here's how to go vegan healthily
1. Avoid vegan processed foods
There are a lot! Think about it; vegan ribs, vegan burgers, vegan cheese, vegan chicken wings... And whilst they may be a great substitute for all of those meaty and cheesy products you've been used to, they are ultimately processed and can be even more unhealthy than their non-vegan equivalent. Have a look at the ingredients on the back and look at what's really inside. If you find there are lots of chemicals and ingredients you've never heard of, it's probably best to leave it on the shelf and move on.
2. Start milking it!
Vegan "Milk" in all its glory comes in many forms, but ultimately it's probably going to come down to either taste or what you want to use it for. Firstly, it's a dairy substitute which means just that... It's a substitute. Most will not taste anything like "milk" no matter how much you close your eyes. Almond, soy and oat are the most popular, with rice also being readily available - keep it healthy by making sure you buy the "unsweetened" version as that will obviously contain less sugar. Also, if you have a little more in your budget try to splash out on the organic milks as there will be less chance (we hope) of it containing any GMOs meaning there is less bad stuff going into your body.
3. Plant protein
Everybody thinks that as soon as you become vegan you're going to start losing muscle and start looking a little bit "gaunt". This is definitely not the case. There are a number of vegan protein sources that are both super healthy and incredibly yummy. Tofu, tempeh and seitan are packed with protein as are beans, pulses and nuts. These can be eaten as part of your regular diet without really missing a beat. If you're into your weights and need something to up the ante post-workout, there are some great options available! Pea, hemp and soy are amongst the most popular and are obviously all "plant based". They can pack in almost as much protein per gram as whey protein, so just check before you buy how dense they are. The consistency will change depending on which plant protein you go for, so start with small amounts before investing in bulk sizes.
4. Sweets
Just because you see a sign saying "vegan brownies" doesn't mean there'll be fewer calories. Often vegan baked goods contain as much if not MORE sugar and calories than anything baked using non-animal products. Keep that in mind before you start buying vegan brownies in bulk on your next outing to the supermarket. Now that you're ready to embrace the healthy vegan lifestyle, why not eat well AND save money with our MyVegan discount codes!