Vegan Myths!
Putting a stop to those tricky rumours
When you first go vegan, you might find that your friends and loved ones become quite concerned with your health and diet. Whilst it generally comes from a place of love, it can be quite disheartening and frustrating to have your values and beliefs put under the microscope.
To avoid unnecessary arguments and for your own peace of mind, it is a good idea to prepare yourself with some informative answers to whatever wonderfully misinformed questions come your way.
“Where do you get your protein?”
Be prepared to hear this often, especially if you frequent the gym. It seems that most well-educated people forget that some of the strongest animals on the planet are herbivores; I bet you’ve never heard someone question where rhinos get their protein.
Vegan protein sources are abundant in tasty wholefood sources, including tofu and tempeh, beans, legumes, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, whole grains and so much more. If you are wanting an easy and delicious way to increase your protein intake, try adding a scoop of plant-based protein to your morning smoothie.
“Vegans only eat salad.”
Many are misled to believe that vegans survive on a diet of lettuce leaves and carrots. Whilst we might not mind a salad on the side of a meal – it is rarely the main event. Vegans can enjoy almost every dish that omnivores eat. Simply replace meat burgers with Beyond Meat, cheese with No Moo, and your chocolate with Loving Earth. You will never go without on a vegan diet!
“All Vegans are iron deficient.”
Did you know that beans actually have a higher iron content than beef (per 100g)? Plant-based iron is known as ‘non-heme iron’ and is absorbed slightly differently in the body than meat sources. However, it is absolutely possible to get enough iron in a well-balanced plant-based diet.
Great sources of plant-based iron include: beans and legumes (especially lentils), tofu, tempeh, dark leafy greens and black strap molasses.
“Vegans need supplements; therefore, they cannot be healthy.”
Eating a vegan diet does not inherently mean you need supplements; however, it is important to ensure your B12 and iron levels stay at the right level.
This is no different to anyone else following an omnivore or vegetarian diet. The same way you might take vitamin C when you’re feeling sick or magnesium to help you sleep – taking a good quality multi-vitamin that makes you feel 110% is a good addition to any diet.
“Vegan cooking is too complicated.”
Have you ever had baked beans on toast? What about plain pasta and tomato sauce? Vegan cooking can be as advanced or as simple as you make it.
Going vegan can be a fun opportunity to explore new methods of cooking. Try baking with aquafaba and flax eggs or replacing beef with TVP and cream with coconut cream. With the help of a few Google searches and a couple of quality recipes, you’ll be making cheese from cashews in no time! Follow the Nurcha blog for tasty vegan recipes like this BBQ Jackfruit Pizza.
“Vegans are so pushy and preachy.”
If you’ve never met a vegan in person, you might believe the stereotype that all vegans are omnivore-hating sociopaths. This is so far from the truth!
The vegan community is filled with like-minded people who share compassionate and empathy for all creatures on this earth. They might be young teenagers, children, hippies, businessmen or grey nomads. There is no particular gender, body type or annual income needed in order to become a vegan. You are welcome at any stage in life, no matter who you are.
We know that it is not always easy to choose the “vegan option” and it can often result in unwanted attention at dinner parties or restaurants. We hope these answers can help put an end to some of those pesky speculations and give you the confidence to stand up for what you believe in.
Remember that together we can change the world, one meal at a time.
Author: Mairead Treise
