Stay Away From Vegan Junk Food - Choose Easy Healthy Vegan Recipes Instead!

Even though the vegan diet has amazing health benefits - you could very well be sabotaging these benefits by choosing the wrong foods. These wrong foods have been termed "vegan junk food," and they are the roadblock to success on the vegan lifestyle. Let's look at three factors: What is classed as vegan junk food? Why should you stay away from this food? And what should you eat instead?

What is classed as "vegan junk food?"

The following list of foods are the main offenders on the vegan junk food list.

· Cookies

· Salty crackers

· Packet chips

· Dairy-free "health" bars

· Pretzels

· Hot chips

· Salty, sweet nut mix

· Vegan spreads and dips

· Soft drinks & juices

Why should you stay away from vegan junk food?

Reason #1: If you are hoping to lose weight on the vegan diet, then eating too many of the above foods is a definite NO-NO. Store-bought packet foods are notoriously high in calories and fat, and are generally not waist-line friendly. Also, these foods are addictive and most people find that once they start eating one or two pieces, they cannot stop. This is because of the high sugar, salt and oil content that many of these foods contain, so STAY CLEAR if you want to lose weight on the vegan diet.

Reason #2: There are often terrible ingredients in store-bought junk food. For example: msg, excessive amounts of salt, sugar and fat, preservatives, flavorings, the list goes on. So eating lots of these foods will likely make your skin bad, your energy low, and you will find that you are addicted to them - whether you like it or not.

Reason #3: Eating these foods really defeat the whole purpose of why many people go on the vegan diet. Many folk become vegan for health benefits such as weight loss, lovely hair, skin and nails, and also in an endeavor to reverse or reduce the effects of serious health problems. Vegan junk food will put an end to all of this if eaten on a regular basis.

What should you eat instead?

Opt for making your own healthy, easy vegan recipes instead. If you are not really into cooking, then look for some fast and easy vegan recipes to make and if possible, freeze a large batch of them. If you are into cooking - even better! You can have a blast making your own gourmet concoctions and hunting for delicious healthy vegan recipes to add to your collection.

It's a very good habit to get into - making your own meals and snacks. And they needn't be difficult. Set aside some time each week to make your own dips, brownies, muffins, health bars or dehydrated cookies, crackers and chips. Nothing could make you feel any better than eating clean, wholesome foods that you have prepared yourself!

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Simply Vegan

Veganism can improve health and vitality--but it can be a daunting dietary switch even for vegetarians. 

Can I really cut all animal products from my diet? The food will be bland; I'll get bored with it. I'll have to give up eating out. Even for the open-minded, the list of reasons "why not" might seem insurmountable, but if you arm yourself with some basic knowledge and the right items in your pantry, you may discover that a vegan diet blends well with your lifestyle--and keeps your taste buds engaged.

Don't get me wrong: Becoming a vegan takes serious commitment and discipline. Vegans are strict vegetarians who consume no meat or animal by-products, which include poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, dairy, and ingredients such as honey. However, their diet is one rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein, which offer many health benefits: improved cardiovascular functions and cholesterol levels and prevention against osteoporosis, arthritis, macular degeneration, type 2 diabetes, and a variety of cancers. The effects are felt more practically as well: A vegan diet promotes energy, weight loss, and healthier skin, hair, and nails.

It is true that a vegan diet can be difficult when you don't have control over the menu, like at restaurants and dinner parties. However, some of the best vegan entrees can be found in ethnic restaurants that serve Indian and Asian cuisine, which offer meals rich in vegetables and grains, and many more restaurants are equipped to adapt their regular menus to vegan formulas.

Eating in is easier, and with the right spices and recipes, vegan meals can be as delicious as they are nutrient-packed. Before starting a vegan diet, you should first understand your daily nutritional requirements. Vegans need to pay special attention to certain nutrients: vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, protein, and iron. Most foods can be found in mainstream supermarkets, or you can grow your own produce or visit one of our state's many farms.

Before changing your diet, make an appointment with your doctor to assess your individual needs and to test for any potential food allergies. Also, continue to eat a well-rounded diet, with all foods in moderation.

What to Stock in a Vegan Pantry

Protein/Meat Substitutes Legumes, nuts, and seeds equal protein power. Be sure to include edamame, tofu, textured vegetable protein (TVP), seitan (also called wheat meat or wheat gluten), and tempeh (a fermented soy product with a slightly nutty flavor).

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) This vitamin is primarily found in animal products, but vegans can obtain B12 from fortified foods such as soy milk (or other nondairy milk), breakfast cereal, meat alternatives, and nutritional yeast, which can be found in most health food stores. An adult multivitamin, which typically contains 6 micrograms of B12, can prevent a deficiency in the nutrient and is strongly recommended.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the most significant and effective forms of omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in fish and seafood. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted to EPA and DHA, is the form found in plant foods such as walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, soybeans, and butternuts.

Calcium and Vitamin D These bone-boosting nutrients have found their way into fortified soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, cereal, tofu, and orange juice. Calcium is found naturally in almonds and greens, such as bok choy, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage.

Iron Maximize iron absorption by eating iron-rich foods - like dried beans, fortified cereals, and dark, leafy greens -along with a vitamin C-rich food, such as citrus fruit.

Multivitamins Any diet, vegan or not, can benefit from "dietary insurance." Consider a multivitamin with minerals to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of harder-to-get nutrients. (Note: Make sure the vitamins you buy are labeled "vegan," as some contain gelatin.)

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How Your Body Transforms On A Vegan Diet

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