Becoming Vegan

What does being vegan mean?

To be vegan means you do not use or eat any animal products. So no meat, eggs, dairy, along with other animal derived foods. Foods that may not be as obvious include honey, gelatin, beeswax, casein, and vitamin D3. Alot vegans also choose to avoid foods that were processed using animal products. Some of those include refined sugar (see my post about vegan sugar and finding it here) and many wines. Additionally, vegans often choose to not use products tested on animals.

What do vegans eat?

All beans, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes are vegan. My favorite meals are beans and rice, falafel, stir fry, and soup just to name a few.  To get enough energy I eat foods high in healthy fat, which despite popular belief are actually good for you. And now as that vegan lifestyle is becoming more know there are many alternatives to meat and dairy products, like vegetarian hot dogs, sausages, sandwich meat, soy and coconut milk, vegan cheese, ect..

Why do people become vegan?

• They love animals
• Don't want animals to suffer to produce our food
• Help the environment
• Wanting to improve current diet or become more healthy

Here is a link to the PETA website where they have a two week vegan meal plan. Some of the ideas are a little complicated, but it does include some good basics. http://www.peta.org/living/food/two-week-vegan-meal-plan/