Nutritio nad visor at Viridian,Jmes Pugh, shares his advic efor get ting theright nutrition duringtho sefir stfew month so fbeing vegan and beyond
Ditching animal products can be daunting – what’s the best way to start?
It is in our nature as humans to resist any kind of change, so changing your diet can be a daunting prospect. There are several ways to get the ball rolling to make this transition easier than ever. The first being to try and find meat-free substitutes for your favourite meals. For example, you may find a new passion for meatless meatballs or learn to love lentils. The good news is that there are so many options out there for the vegan diet in 2024. Ensuring you do lots of research is another way to make you feel more confident as to what a vegan diet should look like. This will give you fresh ideas to put on your plate every single day.
How can all vegans ensure that they are getting the right nutrition?
Maintaining a balanced diet can be a challenge for everyone, but particularly for those following a vegan diet. Being aware of the potential nutrient losses when following a vegan diet is important. C onsuming a large amount of fruit and vegetables, which are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is key. Nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and other sources of protein are also an essential element of a plant-based diet. This will ensure you get plenty of protein, which is found in meat sources in a typical carnivorous diet.
Should new vegans also take supplements?
It’s recommended that both new and long-term vegans take a multivitamin, specifically one that is tailored to a vegan diet. In addition to this, those avoiding animal sources may also wish to take a vegan alternative to a fish-sourced omega supplement. These are often derived from marine algae and chia seed oil to produce the full spectrum of omega 3, 6 and 9 . These supplements provide the fish-free omega-3 fatty acids EP A and DHA.
What is the healthiest way to replace cheese in your diet?
There are now many vegan cheese options out there for the public to consume, which are sourced from vegetable proteins, including soy and cashews. P opular alternatives also include nutritional yeast, which is often used as a substitute for P armesan, as it can be sprinkled on food. It is also fortified with vitamin B12, which can be lacking in a vegan diet. Another great substitute is tofu, due to its cheese-like texture. Y ou can take vitamin B12 as a standalone supplement.
C heese alternatives do not nec
