2025 is your year for progress. Get 30 days MyFitnessPal Premium on us!

Get 30 days MyFitnessPal Premium on us!

Vegan 101

Published June 10, 2014
2 minute read
A chickpea veggie burger is placed on a whole grain bun with arugula, topped with a creamy sauce. Nearby, there is a small jar filled with more sauce and a wooden spoon. Another vegan burger sits in the background on a cast iron trivet, perfect for anyone new to Vegan 101. MyFitnessPal Blog
Published June 10, 2014
2 minute read
In This Article

Do you aspire to be a lean, green plant-eating machine? You’re not alone! With new scientific studies and health research pointing to the power of veggies, lots of people are switching to vegan diets.

What is a Vegan Diet?

A food philosophy and a lifestyle, vegan eaters omit meat, fish, and poultry as well as other animal products or by-products, including eggs, dairy, cheese, and honey. Meals can be planned around fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.

Vegans avoid wearing leather, fur, silk, and wool, and refrain from using cosmetics and soaps derived from animal products or tested on animals. Many vegans choose the diet and lifestyle because they are passionate about the ethical treatment of animals.

Upsides to a Vegan Diet

Scientific studies link the eating style to a reduced risk of heart disease, colon cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and obesity. The key to well-balanced nutrition on a vegan diet is variety. A healthy, and balanced vegan diet could include grain porridge with fresh fruit for breakfast, a veggie stir-fry for lunch, and a bean and vegetable soup with a leafy green salad for dinner.

Potential Downsides to a Vegan Diet

Poorly planned vegan diets can be low in vitamin B12 and other important vitamins. Plant-based sources of vitamin B12, such as nutritional yeast and fortified dairy-free milks, or taking a multi-vitamin supplement can help fill the gaps. 

Online Vegan Resources

 

About the Authors

Meet the people behind the post

Related articles

More inspiration for you

5 minute read
Artificial dyes are common ingredients in our food. Many people think they're bad for
9 minute read
Discover the best breakfast foods to support a calorie deficit while keeping you full
3 minute read
This guide to protein has all the science-backed information and expert advice you need
3 minute read

We believe progress happens in the small steps you take every day. That’s why

In This Article
Recent posts
5 minute read
Artificial dyes are common ingredients in our food. Many people think they're bad for
9 minute read
Discover the best breakfast foods to support a calorie deficit while keeping you full
3 minute read
This guide to protein has all the science-backed information and expert advice you need