Misundertandings about health effects and practical aspects of vegan diets can deter people from exploring this way of eating. Here are five of the most common misunderstandings about going vegan.
Myth: Vegans have to eat soy because it’s the only plant food that is a complete protein.
Truth: It’s true that the pattern of amino acids in soybeans comes closest of all plant foods to matching human needs. But all grains, beans, nuts, seeds and vegetables have all of the essential amino acids and are technically "complete proteins." According to expert protein researchers, vegans can meet protein needs as long as they get enough calories and eat a variety of these plant foods throughout the day. Soyfoods are fun and nutritious on a vegan diet—but they aren’t necessary.
Myth: Vegans don’t eat fat.
Truth: Some vegans don’t eat added fats but most do. Healthful vegan foods include some higher fat choices like nuts, seeds, olives, avocado, olive oil, canola oil and vegan margarine.
Myth: You need to enjoy cooking if you want to be vegan.
Truth: Some vegans like to cook and some never cook. Vegans can eat canned or boxed soup, spaghetti sauce, frozen dinners, pre-made hummus, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, frozen veggie burgers. Everyone, vegan or not, should include some fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet and some whole grains like brown rice. So a little bit of cooking (or finding someone to cook for you!) is necessary for everyone no matter what type of diet they eat.
Myth: Vegan diets are okay for most adults, but children and pregnant women need some animal foods in their diet.
Truth: With some rare exceptions, vegan diets are healthful for everyone. Many healthy and happy children have been grown from conception and raised from birth on diets free of all animal products.
Myth: Vegan diets cause eating disorders in young girls.
Truth: Some girls with eating disorders choose vegetarian or vegan diets or pretend that they are eating vegetarian diets as a way to control their food intake. Giving up animal products does not cause anyone to actually develop an eating disorder, though.
Comments
I like the mentioning of the "You need to enjoy cooking if you want to be vegan" myth. I like to cook every once in a while, but it's super easy to put a couple things on your plate right off the shelf if you look hard enough and shop in the right places.
Now this is the stuff I wish my peers knew! Being a college kid and a vegan is an interesting situation to be in. It is totally possible to not cook, and usually I have to make sure I'm not eating too many fats, strangely enough.
I don't cook very much. I enjoy most of my fruits, nuts, seeds, and veggies all raw. It's very refreshing to see an article like this ^^
Yeah, I'm a vegan and I don't know how to cook at all. It's sad! And yet, I think I still eat the tastiest food on the planet. Thanks for debunking a few of these myths, especially the soy one.
Seriously. It's about time more of this kind of stuff came to light!
--Casey
www . RawAndFit . com
I don't care too much for soy but I use a lot of coconut. Coconut has all the essential amino acids I believe, and its protein, globulin is of the highest class may be better than meat. It is nutritious as well as calorie dense, one coconut has about 500 calories. So if you aren't much into soy you could give coconut a try.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!