A Vivacious Voice for Veganism: Not a Synonym for Healthy at Her Active Life

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A Vivacious Voice for Veganism: Not a Synonym for Healthy

Posted June 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Nutrition, Diet Myths, Healthy Eating, Vegetarianism

flower People often tell me that they converted to a vegan lifestyle for health reasons, whether because their doctor ordered it (often for older individuals with cholesterol or blood pressure problems) or because they did some research and decided that veganism was a more nutritious way to eat than their current omnivorous habits. My response? Not entirely enthusiastic, though I’m always pleased to see someone eschewing animal products and dropping their dollars on soy milk instead of cow’s milk, or supporting vegan cafes and clothing stores instead of the steakhouse and leather boutique down the street.

My reservation with linking veganism to health has been mentioned before, but I think it bears repeating and much emphasis. You can be a very healthy vegan, and studies do show that a nutritious, complete vegan diet leads to greater longevity, fewer chronic ailments and a reduced risk of many cancers and other life-threatening ailments. That’s great news, and I have a sneaking suspicion that studies will continue to attribute more and more health benefits to a vegan diet. However, anyone who jumps on the vegan wagon after reading the 10th study in a row about it’s cholesterol-lowering benefits needs to get a reality check and do their research.

You are an unhealthy vegan if:

-You think tofu is icky, can’t stand the flavor of soy milk and don’t really dig beans. The solution? You load up on bagels and peanut butter sandwiches. The result? You’re hungry all the time, your weight either skyrockets or drops and you feel sluggish and weak. Duh! It’s easy to load up on junk food – lots of it is vegan, my friends! And cookies made without butter aren’t necessarily healthy…they just don’t have butter. Plenty of healthy foods are high in protein and good fats, and are vegan, and can taste great – before you convert, you need to figure out what works for you.

-You just want to lose weight, and this is a great way to avoid cheese pizza at parties. Sorry, that isn’t going to fly. No matter how you eat, you need enough calories and nutrients to fuel your lifestyle and keep your body ticking along. Veganism is not a weight loss diet. It can be, for someone who is overweight and revamps their dining habits when they make the switch. However, for an otherwise healthy individual who goes vegan, weight loss should not be a “side effect” or “bonus” – it means you aren’t getting what your body needs.

-You can’t name at least one good source of B12, two complete proteins and three healthy fats. Well, if you can’t do that, you just aren’t a healthy person, but for most omnivores, information on nutritional issues is easy to come by and commonly available. This isn’t always the case when it comes to veganism, so you need to do your research if you want to do it right. And for the record: fortified nutritional yeast; tofu and tempeh; avocado, flax seeds, and olive oil.

vegan You are a healthy vegan if:

-You own or have at least read a book on vegan nutrition. A good, solid, go-to resource guide is an excellent thing to have around, not only for yourself, but to help answer the questions of curious or concerned friends and family. Becoming Vegan is a perfect choice, as it encompasses much more than nutrition, but discusses health of the body, mind, and soul, as well as advice on clothing, cosmetics, and household products. Hopefully, information on veganism will soon be easy to find in magazines and other mainstream media sources. For now, you need to do some of your own digging.

-You know your reasons, and they have nothing to do with your health. Avoiding meat and dairy for health reasons is one thing, and veganism is entirely another – one that encompasses far more than mere food. When you look into a vegan lifestyle, look past the Skinny Bitch fluff and get into the deeper issues. Chances are, you’ll find that these are what motivate you to live as a vegan, rather than just a “non-meat-and-dairy-issues.” For a start, Google Gary Francione, and go from there.

-You just feel good. I know, this applies to any lifestyle – but with veganism, I mean a few things more specifically. If it feels good to talk about your choice with others, to eat the food you prepare and nourish your body, and if you have energy, vigor and va-va-voom, then you’re a healthy woman and a healthy vegan in body, mind and spirit. Enjoy!