Vegan baby shower food
How to Throw the Perfect Vegan Baby Shower | Parents
Planning a baby shower—or any party—can be stressful, but we’ll show you how to make throwing the perfect vegan baby shower easy! Use these tips and tricks to create a compassionate party for a special mother-to-be and her bundle of joy.
DecorationsUse streamers, flowers, banners, and more! Opt for some DIY decorations if you’re feeling crafty, or purchase gift set centerpieces that the mother-to-be can use later—like this adorable onesie bouquet from Etsy. Want to assemble gift bags for your guests? Fill them with cruelty-free lotion, vegan candy (such as Cocomels caramels), and a vegan, cruelty-free candle.
FoodView this post on Instagram
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Food is the best part of any party, so you’ll want to provide a tasty and compassionate spread that everyone will enjoy. First, decide on whether you’d like to make the food yourself. If so, check out these finger food recipes from PETA. If you’d rather order the food, call or visit your grocery store to see if you can request a vegan meal or cake for your party, or join a local vegan Facebook group and ask if someone could recommend a vegan restaurant to order from. Some grocery stores, such as Whole Foods, have an array of delicious premade vegan foods that are great for parties—including cakes! Here are some ideas for vegan party foods to serve at the shower:
Wraps, sandwiches, and pinwheels are always a good idea.
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This baby carriage made out of fruit would be an adorable addition.
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Don’t forget the cake!
GamesView this post on Instagram
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From baby-themed Mad Libs to the “don’t get caught saying ‘baby'” diaper-pin collecting game, there are many tried and true shower games that guests are sure to enjoy. You can even “veganize” the the “dirty diaper” game by using Go Max Go or other dairy-free chocolate bars or use vegan baby food for the “guess the flavor” baby food game. Alternatively, you can supply fabric paint and have everyone decorate a plain onesie for the new baby.
GiftsHelp the mother-to-be create a baby shower registry of only cruelty-free and vegan items to ensure that guests don’t inadvertently purchase cruel products. You can even add a note to the shower invitations reminding guests that the party is cruelty-free and vegan and that the soon-to-be mom doesn’t use any products—such as clothing, diapers, or bath products—that harm animals.
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The Cutest Vegan Onesies!
The 5 Recipes From Fantasia Taylor's All-Vegan Baby Shower
American Idol Star Fantasia Taylor asked vegan celebrity chef Chef Joya to cater her baby shower to celebrate the arrival of her daughter Keziah, born on May 23rd. Taylor wanted her and her family to indulge in vegan soul-style comfort food, the chef's signature cuisine, without any meat or dairy, but with all the deliciousness of traditional dishes.
Chef Joya created a beautiful spread that consisted of a tomato-cucumber salad, dairy-free mac and cheese, rice pilaf with mushroom gravy, and a vegan crab cake made with jackfruit. We asked Joya for the exclusive recipes for these dishes so you and your family can enjoy these meals just like the Taylors.
If you love these recipes, check out Chef Joya's latest cookbook, Cooking With Joya: It's Soul Mahmazing, where you can find vegan soul food recipes created with love. Her recipes are designed to help "vegan newbies" re-create the meals they love with plant-based ingredients in their own kitchens.
Fantasia Taylor's favorite vegan mac and cheese
Jonathan Cooperloading...
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Recipe Developer: Chef Joya, author of Cooking With Joya: It's Soul Mahmazing
Baked Mac & Cheez
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 lb. elbow noodles
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup arrowroot flour
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 24 oz. unsweetened cashew milk
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 container vegan cream cheese
- 4 cups vegan shredded cheese, your preferred brand
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sugar, raw
- 2 dashes of hot sauce
- 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Boil noodles, in vegetable stock, until al dente (follow directions on the package)
- Drain the pasta, and set it aside.
- Melt butter, in a saucepan, and add both flours. Whisk, until incorporated.
- Slowly pour in half of the milk, whisking constantly to prevent clumps.
- Mix in cream cheese and half of the vegan cheese.
- Stir in the remaining milk, and add nutritional yeast.
- Once the mixture is smooth and the cheese has melted, add in the remaining ingredients, except for the remaining cheese.
- Bring mixture to a boil, and remove from heat.
- Spray an 11” x 13” pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add pasta noodles to the pan (optional: season with salt and black pepper).
- Pour vegan cheez mixture onto the pasta. Stir until pasta is covered in sauce.
- Top the pasta with the remaining cheese, and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Place the covered pan, in the oven, for 20 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil, and cook for another 13 minutes.
- Allow the mac and cheez to sit, for 10 minutes, before serving.
Fantasia Taylor's favorite cucumber salad
Jonathan Cooperloading...
Recipe Developer: Chef Joya, author of Cooking With Joya: It's Soul Mahmazing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 long English cucumber, sliced
- 2-3 large tomato moons, sliced
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley and dill, herbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Sugar, a pinch
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place all vegetables into a serving bowl. In a separate bowl, create the dressing, by using a whisk, to mix the remaining ingredients.
- Pour dressing over vegetables.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve chilled.
Fantasia Taylor's favorite 'krab' cake recipe
Jonathan Cooperloading...
Recipe Developer: Chef Joya, author of Cooking With Joya: It's Soul Mahmazing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Fantasia Taylor's favorite vegan rice pilaf recipe
Jonathan Cooperloading...
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Developer: Chef Joya, author of Cooking With Joya: It's Soul Mahmazing
Mushroom Gravy for seitan beef filet
Serves 8
Ingredients
- ½ cup onion, sliced
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp garlic, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 4 tbsp unbleached flour
- ½ tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp steak seasoning
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil
Instructions
- Heat oil, on medium heat, in a pan. Sauté the onion and garlic until it starts to brown. Add in the mushrooms, salt, garlic, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Cook for 1 minute, adding in the flour, while constantly stirring.
- Continue to cook, for 2 minutes. Once gravy begins to brown, whisk in the vegetable stock.
- Maintain the smoothness of the gravy by stirring.
- Reduce heat to low until gravy thickens.
Mini Krab Cakes
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 can jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup mashed chickpeas
- ½ cup nori (sushi wrappers), crushed
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs
- ½ cup of vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp chickpea flour
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Shred the jackfruit, using two forks to peel.
- Combine onions, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, sushi paper, bread crumbs, mayo, and chickpea flour into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix well.
- Hand-form the mixture into patties, then let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil, in a skillet, over medium heat.
- Add a few patties to the oil, frying each side until golden brown.
- Drain patties on a paper towel.
Fantasia Taylor's favorite vegan rice pilaf recipe
Jonathan Cooperloading...
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Rice Pilaf
Serves 8
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil or ½ stick vegan butter
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup celery, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1½ cups parboiled rice, uncooked
- ½ tsp Creole seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 3 cups vegetable broth, or water
Instructions
- Add the olive oil or vegan butter to a medium saucepan.
- Once the oil is slightly brown add the vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Continue to stir, over medium heat, and add the rice.
- As your rice begins to brown, add in the seasonings and the vegetable stock.
- Bring the rice to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and most of the water has been absorbed.
- Use a fork, to fluff, before serving.
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Food For Life Global's Top 10 Vegan Food Recipes for the Soul
Everyone needs good comfort food from time to time, but what if you opted for a plant-based diet? Are you going to miss out on all that delicious good food because so many classic recipes aren't vegan friendly? Absolutely not! The internet is flooded with great vegan recipes for hush puppy, jumping john, pot pie, and many other vegan desserts. Especially for you, we have collected some of the best recipes for vegan food for the soul. If you love food for the soul, then you will love these delicious recipes that will make you feel good in both body and soul.
By the way, for more information on veganism see FFL.org for more information. Now let's move on to the good... food!
Vegan Gumbo
Vegan Gumbo has a rich spicy flavor and rich texture that makes you forget it's vegan. This recipe is high in vegetables, so it's high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1 (28 oz) can of vegan gumbo base
- 1 (15 oz) can of black-eyed peas, dried and washed*
- 1 cup chopped okra
- 2 stalk celery, diced (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced (1/3 cup )
- Salt and Pepper
Directions:
* If you can't find a vegan gumbo soup base, you can substitute it with a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. 1. Heat the soup base in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot and bubbling.
2. Add okra, celery and onion.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Add black-eyed peas, season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm with boiled rice or cornbread.
Vegan cookies and sauce.
Biscuits and gravy are a Southern staple and a favorite breakfast item, but it can be hard to find a vegan version in restaurants. Luckily, you can make your own vegan cookies at home with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 measuring cups of universal flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of skim margarine or coconut oil
Mended vegani
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Baking line with parchment paper.
2. Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add salt. Add the margarine and use your fingers to rub it into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Pour 1 cup of water into the center. Mix well to combine everything until a dough forms. If it's too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it's smooth (up to half a cup more). Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead five times to get rid of air bubbles.
4. Shape the dough into a rectangle and use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a 2" round cutter to cut the dough. Transfer the pieces to the prepared baking sheet. Place in oven for 15 minutes or until golden on top.
5. While your cookies are baking, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the water and stir until the mixture is smooth and without lumps. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook for about 5 minutes more or until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately with buttered vegan cookies. Garnish with green onions.
Fried chicken."
Tastes like chicken! But much healthier than the traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb.
For seasoning mix:
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch (optional)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Frying oil
Directions:
1. Pour lemon juice into a cup and add non-dairy milk. Stir, then set aside for 10 minutes or so to curdle. By this point, it should thicken and become slightly sour. Add salt as needed.
2. Place the tofu pieces in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
3. In a medium bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk in 1 cup flour (and cornstarch), then add more to thicken the sauce as needed - it should be about as thick as pancake batter when it's ready to fry.
4. Heat a few inches of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Meanwhile, remove the tofu from the buttermilk and roll in the flour and spice mixture.
5. If you want to give your tofu a little extra flavor, try dipping it in corn starch before frying it. This will help keep the crispiness longer and give your tofu a nice golden hue.
6. Cook tofu in batches, turning once or twice, 4-6 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, garnished with mashed potatoes.
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Vegan Mac and Cheese is one of the most popular vegan meals on the internet. This recipe is easy and quick to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of vegan oil or oil
- 2 cups of chopped mushrooms (shitaka, Portobella and/or white champignons)
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 8 ounces of vegan cheese, grated (prematurely moitsle from stroke mijo Kitchen
Directions:
1. Melt butter or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and fry for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the onion and sauté for another 5 minutes or until soft but not browned.
4. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
5. Add remaining ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
6. Pour into a pot on the stove, bring to a boil, then stir in the mushroom mixture.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes or until it thickens.
8. Serve with cornbread pasta and baked beans.
Buffalo Cauliflower Po 'Boy
Po'boy is a sandwich usually filled with fried seafood, but this vegan version uses buffalo cauliflower instead.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cauliflower flowers
- 3 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 cup plain unsweetened coconut yogurt
- buffalo sauce
- bread
- vegan bacon, lettuce and whatever you want for topping
- food spray
Directions: Boil
2. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons warm water and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to thicken (this will be your vegan mayonnaise).
3. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Mix unsweetened coconut yogurt with 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to thicken (this will be your vegan ranch dressing).
4. Mix cauliflower with buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until they are crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside, or about 20 to 25 minutes. * The longer you fry them, the better they will taste! Remove from oven when baked and let cool slightly before making sandwiches.
5. Now the fun part: Assembling!!! Spread a generous amount of vegan mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. On each side, place one slice of vegan tofu or vegan bacon, lettuce, or whatever toppings you like. Place two slices of cauliflower on top. Finish off the sandwich by placing a second slice of bread on top.
Vegan Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a traditional southern dish, but this vegan version is made with vegetables and tofu. It's a delicious, complete meal in one plate that's perfect for any family gathering!
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, sliced by cubes
- 2 Bulgarian pepper, sliced by cubes
- 2 stems of celery, thinly chopped
- potatoes 2, peeled and sliced with cubes
- 2 carrots, cut
- 4
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, dry or fresh to taste (*1 bay leaf, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- * 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing (vegetable stock can be used instead)
Directions:
will not become soft (about 5 minutes). Stir often so the vegetables don't burn.
2. Add the garlic, herbs and spices and cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock (or water) along with the potatoes and carrots, then cover and bring to a boil over high heat (10-15 minutes).
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Remove from heat, stir in basil. Serve hot.
Vegan Chili
Turn a cold day into a chilli day with this amazing recipe. Feel free to get creative and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or anything else your heart desires to this delicious vegan dish for the soul.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 medium to large tomatoes, chopped (or one 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes)
- 1 cup red wine or water (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tablespoons ground chili
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (hot or mild)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked or canned beans, drained, or red water
- 1 cup prepared or canned black beans, drain the water and rinse
- 2 cups of corn grains
- 2 tablespoons of cut fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (if desired)
direction:
1. Start 1. Start frying onions in olive oil. Once it becomes translucent, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add all spices and stir until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add water, if necessary, to make sure there is enough liquid to cover the beans.
4. After adding the salt, pepper and oregano, add the beans and tomatoes to the pot. Let this mixture cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
5. When the beans are soft, add the corn and let it simmer for about 20 more minutes.
6. Remove from heat and serve with rice!
Collard Greens.
Collar Greens is a classic Southern tradition and thankfully already naturally vegan. This kale greens recipe is simple yet very flavorful. It will definitely become one of your favorite dishes!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of leaf cabbage, remove the stems and cut
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegan oil
- 1 Average yellow onion, sliced by cubes
- 5 Cams of garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Hot sauce and lemon juice to taste
Preparation:
Heat a large saucepan or 1. butter. When hot, add onion, garlic, salt and paprika. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
2. Add kale greens and stir to coat with oil.
3. Add vegetable stock (or water) and sugar. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Top each bowl with hot sauce and lemon juice for flavor. You can even add some roasted garlic for extra flavor. Serve immediately with rice or quinoa with baked beans.
Sweet potato casserole
So you love a good sweet potato pie, but wait! This vegan sweet potato casserole is another favorite recipe. Thanks to its delicious taste, this is a great dish for any meal or get-togethers.
Ingredients:
- 1 Bank of sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar (or vegan reed sugar)
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of melted oil pale .
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix with a hand mixer until smooth.
2. Pour into an 8×8 baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Serve warm with vegan butter on top and garnish with vegetables.
Southern walnut pie.
This is a southern classic dessert! It's easy to make and can be made with or without the rind. The filling can also be prepared with or without butter and milk. The options for making this delicious, sweet dessert are endless!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegan butter (or margarine)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 cups chopped pecans 4 teaspoons salt 190 16 6
Directions:
1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients.
2. Pour the batter into a 9" pie dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes.
3. Allow to cool before serving! You can even garnish it with vegan coconut whipped cream or vegan ice cream to give it a sweet, dairy-free flavor.
Vegan food can be food for the soul!
If you are a vegan or thinking about becoming one, these recipes are for you. Here are just some of the benefits of a vegan diet:
Good for the environment
- Vegan food is good for the environment because it does not require animal products and therefore does not contribute to the methane emissions that come from factory farms.
Suitable for rainforests
- Going vegan also helps conserve water and protects rainforests from being destroyed by meat production.
Good for animals
- Vegan food is good for animals because it doesn't require killing them.
Good for your wallet
- Vegan food saves money! Steak, seafood and cheese are cost-free when you opt for inexpensive organic ingredients.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy these delicious vegan soul food recipes! The rich flavors of these dishes will delight your taste buds, and the fact that they're all vegan will be, well... food for your soul. Check out FFL.org for more vegan tips and… bon appetit!
Vegan products • Food supplements and beauty products
What is a vegan diet?
The vegan diet has its roots in ancient Greece and ancient India. Modern veganism began in 1944 with the founding of the Vegan Society, which coined the term "vegan" to refer to people previously referred to as "dairy-free vegetarians" or "strict vegetarians."
While vegetarians avoid all meat, fish and poultry but may eat animal products such as eggs and milk, vegans are vegetarians who avoid all animal products or animal by-products. Such products include, for example, eggs, any dairy products and even honey. While veganism is often limited to just diet, it is also a way of life that extends to store-bought items. Some vegans do not wear leather, fur, silk, or wool, and they avoid the use of cosmetics made from animal products.
Veganism is a personal choice. There are many reasons why a person might become a vegan. While some join the vegan movement for the health and wellness benefits, others go vegan for ethical or environmental reasons. For example, some vegans do not consume eggs or milk as a sign of opposition to animal cruelty and poor working conditions on agro-industrial farms. Others refuse to eat meat because they do not want to support the meat industry with their money, which generates a huge amount of greenhouse gases. Regardless of the underlying reason, most vegans use veganism as a tool to help make our world more humane and compassionate to the suffering of others.
While this diet may seem restrictive at first glance, going vegan comes with a wide range of options and flexibility. Moreover, although veganism is often associated with constant hunger and weight loss, equating veganism with a low-calorie, low-fat diet is a misnomer. Remember that a vegan diet is characterized by the elimination of meat and animal products, and not any macronutrients. Vegans can get protein from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, tofu, seitan, tempeh, and other meat substitutes that may taste just as good as real meat.
If you are interested in a vegan diet and lifestyle, iHerb offers a wide range of high quality vegan products, supplements and beauty products, including argan oil and lip treatment, as well as vegan skin care products such as facial scrubs, moisturizers soap-free skin cleansers and creams.
Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet
A well-designed vegan diet can provide a wealth of beneficial plant matter and health-promoting nutrients. Below are some examples of the health benefits of a vegan diet.
Weight loss. The most well-known benefit of a vegan diet is weight loss. A large number of studies have shown that vegans tend to be underweight compared to other people. A vegan diet usually has a lower calorie content, allowing you to reduce your calorie intake without extra effort, which can help you lose weight.
Nutrients. Eating a large amount of plant foods is also inevitably associated with an increased intake of certain vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Several studies note that a vegan diet contains more fiber and antioxidants than a traditional Western diet. A vegan diet is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Diabetes. Studies show that vegans have lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin sensitivity, i.e. Vegans have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and legumes is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Coincidentally, these foods are the staple of the vegan diet. Other studies show that a vegan diet helps control blood sugar levels, as well as LDL (“bad” cholesterol, which accumulates on the walls of your blood vessels and increases the risk of blockage), as well as cholesterol in general, compared with other types of diet. reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
Perception of food. Curiously, many vegans report a change in food perception and an increased sensitivity to various flavors. Research shows that this is indeed the case. Avoiding junk food and high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar animal foods, even for a few weeks, actually changes how your taste buds work and how sensitive they are to fat. This allows you to discover new dimensions of the taste of the food you eat and provide a wide variety of flavors to enjoy.
What is included in your vegan diet?
Although this diet may seem restrictive to many, vegans actually have a wide range of options available for a wide variety of meals. Thanks to recent developments in the food industry, it is now much easier to find replacements for various foods that will meet the requirements for a vegan diet.
The key to a vegan diet is to avoid all animal products and related products. With that requirement, the rest of the world is at your (vegan) feet! The list of foods eaten by vegans includes:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (spinach, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, bananas, berries, apples, mangoes, peaches and more).
- Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
- Nuts and seeds
- Tofu, seitan, tempeh and other meat substitutes
- Whole grains and cereals
- Vegetable oils
- Natural sweeteners (maple syrup, agave, coconut sugar)
The main thing to keep in mind if you are on a vegan diet is proper planning. Going vegan will not only make you feel hungry after every meal, but it can also cause health problems. Plant-based foods are high in nutrients, but are completely lacking in a number of essential vitamins and minerals. Without a clear plan, people often tend to eat the same small set of foods, which can lead to certain nutrient deficiencies in the body. Developing a meal plan will help you stay in control and enjoy the benefits of a wide range of foods and flavors from around the world. This will certainly make you cook for yourself more often, which can be quite entertaining in itself.
It is also very important to eat a variety of foods, which will not only help satisfy hunger, but also ensure that the body is supplied with all the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients throughout the day. Any diet can be difficult if you look at it as a limitation. Yes, you really can’t eat a steak or meat patty, but if you have tofu, spinach, potatoes, apples, berries, tomatoes and beans in your kitchen and in the refrigerator, you definitely won’t feel disadvantaged in your choice.
iHerb makes it easy to plan your meals and take vegan supplements when you need to upgrade your vegan diet.
What don't vegans eat?
List of staple foods that vegans avoid:
- Any protein food of animal origin (beef, pork, poultry, fish)
- Dairy products (any milk of animal origin, cheese, yoghurt)
- Eggs
- Bee products
- Animal oils and fats
The last point is the hardest to follow, as lard, butter and fish oil are often found in foods that may seem vegan, especially baked goods. Even drinks that should definitely not contain animal products can be misleading. Let's take wine, for example. Although grapes are still the main ingredient in wine, some producers use gelatin, egg whites and milk protein in wine to break down tannins and produce a more even texture and flavor. Some wine producers use fish glue, derived from fish bladders, such as used in the production of Guinness beer, to remove suspended particles in wine.
A list of such "deceptive" foods to keep a close eye on include:
- Sugar (white sugar is made using animal bone char)
- Chews and snacks (most contain gelatin, which provides the viscosity and structure of the jelly, which is made from animal bones and cartilage)
- Fruit juices (fortified juices often get additional nutrients from fish oil or lanolin)
- Condiments and sauces (from eggs in mayonnaise to anchovies in Worcestershire sauce)
- Deep-fried foods (oil often contains animal fats and batter usually contains eggs)
Reading the label is the best way to make sure that food does not contain animal products. Most manufacturers indicate on the label information about the presence of eggs, milk and other allergens in the composition. Also, you should be aware of the existence of certain products, such as whey, lactose, castoreum and rennet, which are often used as thickeners, preservatives, in protein and other supplements, and are of animal origin. If you want to eat out, don't be afraid to ask the restaurant staff if they have vegan options and if they can make changes to the menu to suit your diet.
Healthy Vegan Snacks
If you're in a playful mood or want to satisfy your appetite before your main meal, snacks will help you feel full and give you energy throughout the day. If you stock up on some vegan snacks, you'll have something to nibble on while you're at work and have limited choices. Above are some of our favorite healthy vegan snacks.
Vegan food supplements to look out for
Essential vitamins are vitamins that the body is not able to generate, getting them only from food. A vegan diet actually contains a wide range of nutrients that are found in fruits and vegetables, but it can be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, especially if you eat a fairly monotonous diet. Most often, vegans face a lack of the following nutrients.
Vitamin B12. Found in animal products (meat, milk, and eggs), vitamin B12 plays an important role in protein metabolism, red blood cell synthesis, and the maintenance of normal nervous system function.
Long chain omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acid ALA is found in high amounts in nuts, flaxseeds and soybeans. However, your body also needs DHA and EPA, also called long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, to promote overall health and reduce inflammation. These fatty acids are found mainly in fish and seafood (which are not vegan).
Iodine. Iodine supports the health of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism. Iodine is found in dairy products, and is also present in large quantities in all plants that grow near the ocean. If you do not regularly consume seaweed, your body is definitely deficient in iodine.
Calcium. The mineral that promotes the growth and strength of your bones is most easily obtained from milk and dairy products. While it is present in certain plants, including cabbage, broccoli, and bok choy, most experts agree that vegans are deficient in calcium.
Zinc. This mineral is essential for immune function, metabolism, and cell repair and is deficient in plant foods.