The key to succeeding on any diet is planning. With a Vegan diet, planning is more important because without proper planning you could cause great harm to your body. Although following a vegan diet has many health benefits, it is important to remember that you need to supplement the vitamins and minerals you will no longer be getting enough of thru the diet you will be eating. For example, on a Vegan diet you will no longer be drinking cow’s milk which supplies your body with calcium and vitamin D; you will need to supplement your diet with them.
As with any major dietary change, it is recommended you consult with your doctor before you begin. In addition, you might want to consider easing into a Vegan diet; that is start eliminating animal products one at a time so as not to completely shock your system. The Vegan diet works mainly on the system of substitution: instead of cow’s milk use soy or rice milk; instead of eggs use an egg substitute that is animal free; instead of getting your protein from meat, fish or poultry get it from tofu, soy or other resources.
Here are some great resources you can use in planning your Vegan diet:
- Vegan Outreach– Offers a PDF guide on the Vegan diet as well as answers to frequently asked questions and support
- Vegan Diet Advice — Offers nutrient information
- Becoming Vegan — Up to date information on nutritional needs for the Vegan diet
- Sugarrocket — Tips on going and staying Vegan
These tools will aide you as you plan for your new lifestyle. Remember to check with your doctor and continue to check Vegan Resource for news, recipes and tips.
