Healthy Lessons From a Vegan

A Day in the Life of a Vegan

What does it mean to be a vegan in modern times? Many misconceptions have manifested since it’s origins. But just what is it about the vegan lifestyle that keeps us coming back for more and how can we implement the benefits into our own lives (even if we aren’t quite ready to forgo the beef)? Could it be those dazzling greens that get them going? Let’s take a look at what a vegan’s daily routine might look like and how this lifestyle could change your life.

…But wait, what is a vegan?

Simply put, a vegan eats a plant-based diet that avoids all animal foods such as meat, milk, eggs, and honey. But it’s important to note that veganism is a lifestyle, not just a diet, which means vegans also abstain from consuming any animal-derived products or those involving harm to animas. For example vegans do not wear leather, wool, silk, or fur, and do not use products tested on animals. The goal is to reduce harm as much as possible.

Vegan Breakfast

Some vegans like to get the ball rolling first thing in the AM with a light breakfast. The options are endless: a power shake filled with dark greens like kale (rich in phytonutrients and micronutrients that energize you), assortments of fruit such as blueberries, and a plant based protein powder or chia seeds. Not feeling a smoothie? Why not add some gluten-free toast with almond butter to the equation, or a chilled bowl of quinoa, coconut milk, topped with berries!

Lunch Time Calls for a Veggie Burrito

Vegan athletes look for lean protein staples such as lentils and beans. A simple veggie burrito can include rice, beans, and a generous dollop of guacamole. Roll up in a seed based, gluten-free wrap, and you’re good to go.

For a more sit down worthy lunch, a powerful phytonutrient salad combo could include: legumes like lentils, a grain, like brown rice, dark leafy greens, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

In-N-Out (Veggie) Burger

There are many splendid vegan choices for dinner. A homemade veggie burger (made from black beans) on a gluten-free bun could really hit the spot if you miss the classic burger and fries combo. The vegan version is loaded with avocados, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, Vegenaise, and mustard. Roast some sweet potato wedges and you’ve got a mouth-watering side dish.

Making a quinoa dinner bowl is another great way to pack in the protein. Mix it up with sauteed greens, and beets for a knockout nutritional plate.

Achieving Peak Performance From Your Plate

If you want to relish what you eat and calm cravings too, plant-based foods are a great way to boost your diet and overall health. Getting more vitamins, enzymes, and minerals is the way to go. When seeking out vegan options in the grocery store, be wary of processed junk foods, even if it reads, “vegan”. Rather, fill your fridge with mostly fruits and veggies and you could witness a radical change in your vitality, including:

• Increased energy
• Alkalized body
• Weightloss

But wait, there’s more. Diving deeper into the long term benefits of veganism can include:

• Clearer Skin: Eliminate dairy products for the win, which are congesting to the skin (and difficult for many to digest).
• Champion Gut Health: Too much meat can be debilitating on the digestive tract. More vegetables means more fiber and you are essentially “power scrubbing” the intestines.
• Bid Farewell to Food Cravings: The microbiome in your gut plays a role in what you crave. When you replace the unhealthy ecology with new ones (ones that love greens), they propagate and demand more of that type of food. (For some extra gut health and overall daily support, we recommend Just Thrive Probiotic.)

The Vegan Toolbox

So now that you know the pros involved with implementing a vegan diet, what are some important supplements and high performance snacks to get on board with? Let’s take a look, plus we’ll share some of our product recommendations.

Supplements:

• Vitamin B-12 – We recommend Purality Health’s Liposomal B12 supplement.
• Spirulina (It has the highest protein content by weight of any food on the planet–including beef!) – We recommend Alkaline Greens. It contains spirulina, plus more than 50 ingredients, from fruits and vegetables to roots and seeds, providing you with a range of micronutrients important for overall health. And of course it is 100% vegan and cruelty-free! Use code WELL20 to save 20% on your order.
• Cordyceps (for athletic performance/energy) – We recommend FreshCap’s Cordyceps supplements. They come in both capsules and powder to fit your lifestyle perfectly.
• Glutamine – Also referred to as L-glutamine, it is amino acid abundant in meat and animal-based foods, but there are also plant-based sources such as tofu, corn, and rice
• Plant Based Protein Powder (We love the Naked Nutrition brand.)
• Enzymes (We recommend Masszymes. This supplement is great for helping build muscle mass, as well as calorie burning, energy, elimination, detox, and more.

Post Workout Snacks:

• Dates
• Almond Butter
• Bananas
• Nuts
• Pumpkin seeds (a great source of iron which vegans are more prone to a deficiency in)
• Coconut water (great source of electrolytes)

Vegan Vacation

Take veganism for a spin and see what it feels like. Going vegan can be a fun way to further investigate your health. Eat what makes you feel good. Even if you do not have the desire to go off meat completely, adhering to these principles and adding in the extra greens and superfoods is always a plus for any lifestyle. This diet change does not have to be about deprivation. Focus on the new and exciting foods as opposed to the things you’re giving up.

Keep it simple by discovering what nutrients your body needs and sticking with the foods that make you thrive and feel alive.

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Sources for this article:

https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtKj6smwukA
http://fitlife.tv/the-truth-about-veganism-dr-mona-vand-saturday-strategy/
http://lewishowes.com/podcast/rich-roll/