Is a Vegan Diet Right for You?
The diet you follow is a personal choice. Some people choose diets based on their beliefs, others to help reach weight loss goals or live a healthier life. Are you considering going on a vegan diet for any of these reasons?
What a Vegan Diet is All About
Essentially, a vegan diet is based on not eating any animal product, including meat or food items produced by animals, like milk or cheese. Vegans tend to eat primarily foods like:
- Grains
- Legumes
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Soy products
- Nuts
- Seeds
Pros of a Vegan Diet
Often, since vegan foods are derived from plants, vegan diets are rich in organic, natural foods. This is one of the benefits of a vegan diet. Other benefits include:
- A diet low in processed foods
- Reduced intake of preservatives
- Eating less unhealthy fats
- Consuming lots of vitamins and minerals
- May reduce risk of disease like diabetes
As a result of these benefits and the lean, natural quality of a vegan diet, eating this way can help people lose weight over time. Some studies show plant-based diets are better for weight loss.
Cons of a Vegan Diet
While going vegan can help with weight loss and other goals, there are disadvantages to the diet, too. One obvious challenge of a vegan diet is getting enough protein. This essential macronutrient is found largely in meat and animal products like cheese.
Other cons of a vegan diet include:
- Not eating any animal product doesn't mean you'll make healthy alternative choices
- A vegan diet doesn't guarantee weight loss
- It can be unhealthy to go vegan if you don't know how to get enough carbs or protein
- You may be at risk of iron, calcium, or other vitamin deficiencies
How Vegan Diets Fit Into Fitness
If your goal in switching to a vegan diet is to lose weight, have more energy, or just live a healthier lifestyle, then you'll need to be active too! Fitness is part of a healthy life. Exercise gives you energy, helps you lose weight, and equips you for so much.
Building muscle is possible for most people on a vegan diet if they use the right protocol and understand how to go vegan healthily.
So, how can you make a vegan diet and fitness work together for your goals?
- Get your protein through sources like nuts, legumes, and seeds
- Learn which plant-based foods offer complex carbs and fiber
- Plan your meals around workouts (like eating carbs before and after HIIT)
- Try a meal service to get practice eating a balanced vegan diet
- Be open to going "mostly vegan" at first while you learn the ropes
Your diet is a personal choice! If you have any concerns about whether or not eating vegan is right for reaching your goals, we recommend asking at the gym about our nutritional resources. In the meantime, enjoy some healthy plant-based recipes: download our FREE Juices & Tonics Guide.
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