Reasons to be vegan

This academic and food writer says the best evidence is anecdotal--look at healthy vegans, look at what they eat, and put two and two together. Conversely, look at unhealthy and failed vegans and what they eat to get a better sense of how some vegan diets are as unhealthy as diets get:

Someone can live on potato chips, pot, and cherry soda and call himself a vegan. Many recidivists have evidently tried to do just that.

We want to help you be one of those healthy vegans! Consider these great resources to aid your efforts. And we've got more such coming soon.

Comments

[Kris]

I couldn't agree more! I tried vegetarianism a few times in high school and college, and was unsuccessful because I didn't understand the nutrients that I needed to replace from my former omnivorous diet. It wasn't until I attended a seminar given by a whole-health professional that I began to look at diet differently. By then, I had given up most meat and only ate fish occasionally, but I was unhealthy, and terribly addicted to sugar and dairy. Once I found out that I have a mild allergy to dairy (and also found out what sugar really does to you), I changed my diet for good. I read up on veganism and decided to give it a try. I have never been healthier!

I've been a strict vegetarian now for 14+ years, and still dabble in veganism from time to time, but I have found ways to responsibly add eggs, some limited dairy and honey back into my diet. I went from a person who was always sick with some sort of respiratory problem, to one who gets the flu once every other year (not to mention avoided the family health problems, like cancer and diabetes). Now, if I could only avoid the occasional accident (yes, I am a known klutz, recently breaking my foot), I wouldn't need to see the doctor much at all, anymore!

The best part? There are so many great resources out there now for vegans and vegetarians alike. I've tried several recipes from the vegan books published at Agate, and they are wonderful! If you're thinking of going veggie, just make sure that you do your homework. It will open up tremendous food choice possibilities, and as long as you consciously choose your foods to make sure that your diet is whole, you can be healthier than you can imagine.

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now. ;-)
Kris