Vegan Diets

Vegan Diets questions and answers

Learn more about Vegan Diets at Diet & Health.net.

Q: vegan diets?
is a vegan diet right for everyone? i have a lot of problems with my immune system (i'm a vegetarian and have been for almost 5 years.). i've been looking into going vegan, but i was wondering if a vegan diet was right for everyone?

A: I am a vegetarian also. I am not vegan all the way but pretty close. If I do not take supplements and eat the right foods my health goes down hill fast. I have been a vegetarian for 20 years. I must say that I am very healthy. More so than those who eat meat. You should research this first. Try going to PETAs' web site. They have some articles on vegans.

Q: Lactose, Gluten intolerance and vegan diets?
I would like to cook a seperate meal for a person who is lactose intolerant, a person who is gluten intolerant and a person who is vegan. is there anything you can suggest for a starter, a main or a dessert for any of these diets?

A: here is some vegan recipe-- egyptian ta'amia 1 lb cooked chickpeas, mashed 2 oz breadcrumbs 1 onion, peeled 4 garlic cloves 2 Tbs lemon juice 2 rounded Tbs finely chopped cilantro 1 rounded tsp ground cumin 1 rounded tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp turmeric black pepper olive oil for frying Mince the onion with the garlic and put in a mixing bolw with the chickpeas, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, cilantro, ground cumin, coriander and turmeric. Season with black pepper and combine thouroughly. Take rounded spoonfuls of the mixture and shape into balls in the palm of your hand. Flatten each ball slightly, then fry them in olive oil for a few minutes on each side until browned. Drain on paper and serve warm with a salad garnish. ---------------------------- moroccan vegetable paella 1 1/2 lbs prepared vegetables, diced(ex. zucchini,peppers, mushrooms,peas, green beans, carrots) 8 oz long grain rice 1 onion, peeled, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 red chili finely chopped 1 Tbs olive oil 2 Tbs cilantro,finely chopped 1 Tbs tomato puree 1 Tbs lemon juice 1 rounded tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp turmeric black pepper 30 fl oz vegetable stock lemon wedges black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, halved finely chopped fresh parsley Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onion, garlic and chili until softened. Add the diced vegetables, rice, cilantro,tomato puree, lemon juice, cumin,paprika,turmeric and stock and season with black peppper. Stir well and bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the liquid has been absorbed. Serve on warmed plates, garnished with lemon wedges, olives, tomatoes and parsley, with a green salad and warm bread. --------------------------------- chickpea and lentil soup 6 oz cooked chickpeas 4 oz red lentils 14 oz tin crushed tomatoes 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 stick of celery, trimmed and finely sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1/2 in. piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 1 Tbs olive oil 1 Tbs fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon black pepper 12 fl oz vegetable stock 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice chopped fresh parsley Fry the onion, celery, garlic and ginger in the oil for 5 min. in a large pan. Add the spices, lentils and stock and stir well. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally for 20 min. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, coriander adn lemon juice and combine well. Bring back to a boil, then cover and simmer for 5 min. more, stirring occasionally. Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped parsley. ----------------------------- date and almond-stuffed baked peaches 4 lrg peaches, halved and stoned 2oz dried dates, finely chopped 1oz ground almonds 3 fl oz fresh orange juice orange flower water toasted flaked almonds soya yoghurt Put the dates and orange juice in a small pan and bring to a boil. Simmer gently, stirring all the while and mashing the dates with the back of a spoon, until thick and smooth. Remove from the heat and add the ground almonds. Make the hollows in the peach halves a bit bigger by removing some of the flesh, chop this finely and add it to the date and almond mixture. Combine well, then fill each peach half with some of the mixture, shaping it into a mound on top. Place them in a greased baking dish and sprinkle with orange flower water. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 25 min. until cooked. Garnish with flaked almonds and serve topped with yoghurt. ----------------------------

Q: How many articles constitute a valid arguement against Vegan diets?
we've all heard horror stories over the last 6 months in this forum about Vegan diets, with vague comments about medical journals and pale-faced relatives. Just how many articles would you expect to find on the internet if all this were true ? I notice we now been given just ONE article written on a personal webpage that has no valid medical or authorative validation to it. Searching for the author of the original article it seems he and his wife are deluded individuals who actually didn't follow a vegan diet anyway. I also note that the parts of the original article that points to 85% of people improving thier health on a Vegan diet seems to have mysteriously been edited out. I was believeing so much of what we've been told about the Vegan diet, and how its unhealthy and a threat to our lives. Now it turns out its all this quoting of medical journals is just bollocks and a Vegan diet is actually very healthy for 85% of people. A fine first answer....I guess fish isn't the brain food its made out to be. Before you answer, please read the question. How does killing an animal protect its welfare ?...just curious. i bet the animal would suggest it rather impacts its welfare.

A: Yes, because of our friend and nightmare Mr 'I live in Veganville' quoting his bogus journals. I don't believe any article that bloke cites. Notice how he has re-emerged with another personality, one that looks like Frank Carson? He still comes out with the same old same old load of fat bairy hollocks though !!! I'm a newby to veganism converted from vegetarianism and I feel great!!! He should try it, instead of just knocking it, it might waken his 'beastie' up!!!

Q: Does anyone know any recipes or books with raw foodist, vegan diets that are healthy for active lifestyles?
I will be traveling throughout central /south America and will be living in a car as well as staying in hostils, I will be doing much walking , mountain climbing, carrying heavy equipment , so it must be filling and easily supportive for the body.

A: raw food support.com and welikeitraw.com are good sites. Plus the uncook book and the complete book of raw food.

Q: What do most doctors think of vegetarian and/or vegan diets?
Agree with, oppose, or undecided? I'd especially like to hear from you if you are a medical doctor. Please, if you don't mind, mention if your are M.D. or D.O. Thanks!

A: I think it's a very un-natural diet, but isn't "right" or "wrong" by itself. We evolved as omnivores, and our biology is calibrated to seeing meat in our diet. For example, we can only get cholesterol from meats, and forcing your body to synthesize it puts a certain metabolic strain on your system. As long as you are aware of what essential nutrients you miss with a vegetarian diet (and how to supplement them), I think it's a reasonable choice. It's not inherently more healthy than a balanced omnivorous diet. As I see it, some people don't like to eat meat, some people don't like to eat coconut pie--just please don't tell me what I should like to eat, and don't ask me to swallow pseudo-scientific arguments.

Q: "Although vegan diets are undoubtedly beneficial in certain respects?
, they are detrimental in others, causing minor to serious health problems that often go unnoticed. Critics maintain that even the most informed, health-conscious vegans run the risk of malnutrition. There are several nutrients that are found in abundance in animal products, but exist in only a handful of vegan foods. Therefore, critics argue, while it is possible to get all of the essential nutrients on a vegan diet, it is extremely challenging" --(excerpted from http://www.starchefs.com/features/food_debates/html/issue_01.shtml) What is your opinion of this excerpted quote. Serious, balanced, and well thought out answers only, please. Does the "extremely challenging" nature of the vegan lifestyle indicate an isolated and sometimes obsessive way of living and hence an unconnectedness to reality? The usual cadre of YA V&V forum loonies need not respond.

A: I read it, but I am also aware that giants companies are responsible for many of these articles being written. The FDA, USDA and other organizations supposedly committed to our well-being are backed financially by the Bush Administration, the beef and poultry industry and others who truly benefit from saying Vegans are unhealthy. TRUST NO ONE! I don't need an article saying yes or no, I feel that is right, and that is how I try to live my life, by my OWN morals, not an articles.

Q: What do you think about vegan diets?
Are they really that much better? How do you get over the desire for a good meal? If you have a recipe please share. Thanks

A: I'm a very happy well-fed vegan. The truth of the matter is that it's not hard to be vegan. When you know what you're doing and you're not afraid to cook for yourself, it's really very easy. You don't have to "get over the desire for a good meal" to be vegan. Every meal I make is an AWESOME meal. I'm a better cook than I ever was when I was omni. (I'm a better cook than anyone I know, for that matter.) Vegan food is normal food, it's easy to prepare, and it's freaking delicious. I really hate the term "dietary restrictions" in regards to veganism. Veganism is anything but restrictive. I CAN eat anything I want, I simply CHOOSE not to eat foods that exploit animals. And the longer I'm vegan, the more variety I have in my diet - I've discovered delicious grains and vegetables that, before being vegan, I didn't know existed. Not to mention that a vegan diets offers a myriad of health benefits over the typical omniverous North American diet. You can try some delicious easy vegan recipes for free at theppk.com. These are the best cupcakes ever: http://www.chow.com/recipes/10794

Q: Can vegan diets be unhealthy?
And if so, how? I just don't get it personally when you have limited yourself in such a way I would think it would be hard to be unhealthy but apparently it has been done. So, does anyone know if this is possible? Thanks. I'm vegan and I do think I eat pretty healhty. The only thing I MIGHT be missing out on is protein... But I still think I am meeting the requirements.

A: Yes I've seen many. If we don't include fruit and vegetables, we cannot be healthy! Edit: Sparkle: Sister or not, I am a strict vegan and so is my family, and we are very healthy. We don't have any deficiencies, and just because you work for a meat loving nutritionist doesn't mean you know it all!

Q: Where can I find sample vegan health diets to follow?
I don't want to have to construct my own diet (it seems like a lot of trouble), so where can I find a sample diet that will get me all of the nutrients/proteins I need to stay healthy? I just want something I can follow exactly without having to worry myself about if I'm getting everything I need.

A: Hi. This link was very helpful to me: http://www.nutrispeak.com/veganfoodguide.htm It's a vegan food guide and vegan food pyramid Some articles from a Vegan registered dietitian: http://vegrd.vegan.com/pages/article.php?id=176 http://vegrd.vegan.com/pages/article.php?id=520 http://vegrd.vegan.com/pages/article.php?id=459 http://vegrd.vegan.com/pages/article.php?id=116 http://vegrd.vegan.com/pages/article.php?id=443 Two week vegan sample menu: http://www.vegcooking.com/veganMenus-1.asp http://www.clipmarks.com/clipmark/ED01C78A-CD1E-41C4-9983-AAC51AB62648/ http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/657466.htm Also I suggest you go out and buy a copy of "Becoming Vegan" and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Living" :D

Q: Should parents who put their children on strict vegan diets be prosecuted for child neglect and cruelty?
It has been proved scientifically all children need amino acids for healthy growth. Half of them are gained by eating vegetables and the other half from meat. So, technically keeping a child on a strict vegan diet could be classified as neglect and cruelty. What are your thoughts? As I am an omnivore, just like the majority of humans. sinistermooess you cannot get all the Amino Acids required for healthy growth from a vegan diet - Fact I am not a butcher :) Rosie would be more help if you had the ability to answer the question instead of spamming

A: The question does have a valid point. I have seen some children whose parents were vegan, the children looked pale in comparison to others who ate everything. It would have to be absolute proof the diet affected the childs growth before asking for a court to decide. But if the evidence was overwhelming then they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Any caring vegan parent would seek the help of a doctor to monitor the health of the child, wouldn't they?

Q: Any good vegan diets for my 3 year old son?
I'm training my son to be a vegan. what can i feed him? are the carrot baby foods good enough?

A: i think you are kind of crazy to be forcing your beliefs on a helpless child who does nothing but look up to you as their role model....why dont you wait till they are old enough to make their own decisions.....besides it is not healthy for them to miss out on all the important nutrients that they need to grow up....if you force this upon them you are going to end up with a kid who has poor eating habits and who is malnourished....besides once he goes to school this wacky vegan thing is not going to work....unless you make his lunch everyday there is no way the school is going to cater to your child's special eating habits. leave him alone and let him make his own choices.

Q: Where can I find a national opinion and study of nutrition for vegetarian, vegan, and normal diets?
I am from the United States and (surprise!) our national organization has not been so helpful. No info on their site that I could find!

A: I don't know. When you say 'OUR' national organisation 'has not been so help full', 'WE' assume you mean 'People Who Do Like Meat Eaters'. You are a minority & we have to respect you , but how can we be friends who differ so much? If not through God? HOW can we be friends? Tell us! Give me a REAL Vegitable substitute of MEAT! Something that chews like meet. Tastes like meat! I'll eat it!!!!!!

Q: Stastics and Qoutes about Vegan diets ?
Like Statistics which shows that many vegan dieters suffer from anemia, lack of protein etc ... Or social problems And qoutes from doctors or ex-vegans etc ... Okayb for your information everywhere I go I can't find many negetives things about veganism Keep it in your mind that I'm not here to make fun of vegans or wtv I'm a student under pressure will do anything to finish her persausive oral presentation T.T So please I need the harmful ones ! :p

A: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated". Mahatma Gandhi, statesman and philosopher

Q: vegetarian/vegan diets?
What are some good diets for a veg. or vegan? i want to lose 20 pounds as fast as possible im already a veggie :)

A: don't go on a diet, you can also loose weight by: -eating healthy (no chips, fried foods, eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole wheat products) -don't eat too much, stick to small portions -exercise! go jogging a few times a week, go biking, swimming, walking etc.

Q: Children on vegan diets?
Many people on this site say it's wrong for a child to have a vegan diet. I'm wondering why so many people opposed to children being vegan? In my opinion, vegan children can be raised healthily, as long as they acquire adequate nutrition, what's the problem guys? Thanks. :)x

A: It's just something that's deeply ingrained in our culture. Our society has been brainwashed by the mass marketing machine of giant agri-business companies. They fund research which promotes their products as "healthy" and then advertise using every communication medium possible. These businesses specifically target children as their consumers. Just look at McDonalds, hungry jacks and all the fast food chains. They put toys in their meals for god sake. If that's not psychological bribery then I don't know what is. There are plenty of cultures who live happy healthy and fulfilled lives on limited or no meat intake at all. I don't know why the Western world continues to insist, that eating ludicrous amounts of animal products is healthy. I think it's sad, that so many people just close their minds to alternative life styles. I can understand their concern for children’s health and development. But as I'm sure you already know, a balanced vegan diet is perfectly healthy for people of all ages including children. In fact, percentage-wise, there are more health problems caused by obesity and excess meat consumption than by vegan diets. I don't know why so many people have a problem with vegan children. Parents generally raise their children in line with their moral and religious beliefs, so I don’t see why veganism should be an exception. When the children are old enough to make their own informed choice, then they can choose to continue a vegan diet or not. But in the meantime I believe parents have the right to raise their children as vegans, free from accusations of child abuse. Of course it should be done carefully and even with the consultation of a nutritionist if necessary. But there are plenty of children all over the world who live healthy happy lives sans the meat products. Their food choices are not really that limited. There is a surprising array of delicious, easy, healthy and tastey vegan & vegetarian foods. So even though some things are removed from their diet there are thousands of alternatives that are just as tasty and healthy. Thanks Hollywood.