Wondering Vegan Wednesday

Q: What/how do I supplement my diet with vitamins etc. to be healthy. I have been eating only fish, chicken, turkey, giving great consideration to becoming total vegan. (Joanne)

A: It is important to realize that vitamins are called ?supplements? for a reason ? they should be ?back-ups? in your diet, instead of your main source of nutrition. The body processes nutrients much better and easier with real food/food sources, than it does with nutrients in pill form. If everyone?s health could be perfect just by taking a pill, then there would be no health epidemics in today?s society; since this is not realistic, it is best to receive proper nutrition by consuming a variety of wholesome foods, and by taking a multivitamin just as a ?back-up? (for those days when you don?t/can?t eat as well as you probably should, or indulge a little bit).

When it comes to multivitamins (or any supplements, for that matter), be sure to thoroughly check the ingredients in the product, to make sure that it is vegan (i.e. free of gelatin, lactose, eggs, etcetera). I personally recommend the Solgar? brand of a multivitamin, but there are plenty other suitable brands out there as well.

As for food sources of nutrients, there are an abundance of foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals; especially plant-based sources of protein! Since there are too many foods and nutrient amounts to mention here, I highly recommend purchasing a copy of the resource book Becoming Vegan, which thoroughly discusses and lists every single nutrient and every single food-source of nutrients ? you will for sure get your money?s worth with this book!! In the meantime, be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats (such as avocados, olive oil; nuts & seeds fall into this category as well) in your diet ? there is no need to consume any animals products in order to be a healthy individual, as long as you plan your diet properly, healthfully, and mindfully.

Answer Provided by Liz Stark of the Veggie Girl Blog

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