Food Philosophies: Vegan

The vegan diet excludes all animal by-products from their food intake, and generally this spills over into other aspects of their lifestyle such as avoiding leather, fur, or cosmetics tested on animals. Mainly (although not exclusively) a diet revolving around a love of and respect for animals, veganism is as much a lifestyle as it is a diet. Foods Included: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes Foods Excluded: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, honey Possible Benefits:

• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Reduced risk of diabetes
• Reduced risk of colon and lung cancer
• Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
• Possible weight loss
• Super powers (although they can be revoked by the vegan police)

Drawbacks:

• Difficulty eating away from home
• You can definitely get the nutrients you need with a vegan diet, but you need to be aware of what might be missing from your diet and adjust accordingly, common nutrient deficiencies: vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron
• Dealing with people’s constant questions and concerns about your protein/calcium/whatever else they think vegans don’t get enough of

Recipes To Try: Zucchini Date Bread, Vegan Indian Curry