Vegan transition week day 7: Health tips

If you've ever expressed an interest in going vegetarian or vegan, you'll know that one of the first things most people say is "Oh, you're going to struggle to be healthy" or "You won't get enough protein, you know."

This is not necessarily true.

Sure, if you live on salads and vegan sausages 7 days a week, you won't be healthy, and you won't get enough protein. However, if you have a varied diet and pay attention to certain good things you need in your body, you can be perfectly healthy - even more healthy and less susceptible to many diseases (read the China Study!)

Of course, some good things are more difficult to get than others. Iron, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin b12 and protein can all be problematic when you cut out all animal products, but once you know what to concentrate on, you can easily make sure you get enough. Here are some tips to keep you on the right track!

• Put ground flax in all smoothies, sauces and soups. It will thicken the consistency a little but not effect the flavour. This will give you heaps of omega 3 fatty acids!
• Put ground almonds into curries, sauces and anything saucy but lumpy. You won't notice them but they can help bring down cholesterol!
• Put 1 tbsp of oats into any smoothies you make. This is a great source of energy in the morning!
• Boil a couple of handfuls of spinach for 3 minutes, drain and puree. This makes a great base for pizzas or curries and gives tons of iron and calcium!
• Switch between almond, coconut and rice milk in place of cow's milk, and get types enriched with vitamin b12 if possible. Vitamin b12 is difficult to get so this is important!
• Use TVP in place of ground beef in your favourite recipes. The consistency is the same and it beings heaps of protein!
• Eat beans and brown rice in mornings before a busy day. The slow release energy will carry you through the day, and this dish contains a whole protein!
• Whenever you make curry, chili or soups, make 4 times as much as you need and freeze it all for a quick and easy meal!

Also, some foods are supercharged for veganism! Try adding these superfoods to some meals each week and feel the awesomeness!

Vegan superfoods!

Beets

Quinoa

Spinach

Miso

Sweet potatoes

Blueberries

If you've just made the push into veganism, or are thinking of going vegetarian into 2012, feel free to post any comments or questions you may have and I'll do my best to help out.

In the mean time, happy eating!!