A vegan or plant-based diet excludes all animal products. However, it is much more than just food. It is a mindset, and the one that can make your Valentine’s Day special and unforgettable.
1. What Is a Vegan Diet and What Are the Benefits
A Vegan diet is plant-based and therefore, it excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. This is the difference between vegans and vegetarians who consume dairy products and eggs. Some vegans take this approach to making sure that everything they consume such as clothes, soaps and any other products does not harm animals or the planet in any way.
A vegan diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. It is rich in nutrients that bring a range of health benefits.
Heart health
Studies have linked a higher intake of plant-based foods and lower intake of animal foods with a reduced risk of heart disease. Animal products are the main dietary sources of saturated fats and these fats raise cholesterol levels. Everyone knows that high levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lower cancer risk
Studies have also shown that a vegan diet may reduce a person’s risk of cancer. One possible reason could be that plant have phytochemicals that protect against cancer.
Weight loss
People on a vegan diet tend to have a lower body mass index than those on meat-based diets. But, this won’t be the case if you eat vegan junk food.
Lower risk of chronic diseases
Studies showed that people on a plant-based diet lowers the risk of many diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
2. Tips for Going Vegan
To begin with, vegetables need to be the main star of your meals. But, this does not mean you should forget about proteins. Quite the contrary, you should experiment and discover new plant-based proteins and a vegan diet has plenty of them. Protein comes from really tofu, edamame, soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, beans and even nuts.
Make use of smart gadgets
Appliances such as the instant pot and air fryer will not only make your dishes delicious and help you be more successful with your diet, but they cut cooking time in half, saving you both time and money on your Duke Energy utility bill.
Don’t assume that just because something is labeled as vegan is healthier
Vegan cookies will do the same to your figure as regular ones. Garlic bread is still garlic bread. Carrots and hummus are healthy vegan foods.
Don’t forget about supplementation
You need vitamin D during winter even if you are not a vegan. Keep in mind that iron from plant sources is not as easily absorbed like the one from meat sources. To get the most of it, eat iron-rich foods with vitamin-C rich foods to help boost absorption while avoiding eating calcium-rich foods at the same time as they inhibit the absorption.
3. Ultimate Vegan Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day requires a bit of effort and consideration. At the end of the day, it’s about being romantic while also showing the planet some love.
Start your day right
Make a special breakfast for your special person. However,keep in mind that plastic coffee cups and those tiny flavor coffee cups are a huge problem for the planet. Delicious coffee can be made from sustainable coffee beans and also come in a reusable coffee cup.
Get an indoor or outdoor veggie garden
Gardening is one of the most
Take a vegan cooking class with your significant other
What could be more romantic than cooking a beautiful vegan meal with your Valentine?
Watch the sunset together
A romantic gesture does not have to cost a thing. Enjoying the sunset is free, does not create any waste or pollution and it can be more special than any luxurious gift.
Takeaway
For some, going vegan is a dietary choice. For others, it is a lifestyle choice. The transition can seem daunting, but there are many simple, tasty, and nutritious ways to make it delicious and have the best Valentine’s Day to date.
