There are many reasons why people choose to become vegan. Some do it for the animals, some for their health, and others for the environment. But whatever the reason, going vegan can be a bit of a challenge. When you first switch, there are many things to learn—from what foods to eat to how to cook them. And if you want to stay in top shape, ensuring your body gets all the nutrients it needs is even more challenging.
But don’t worry; we’re here to help! This blog post will share our top tips for staying fit and healthy as a vegan. So read on and get ready to take your veganism up a notch!
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Protein
One of the most common misconceptions about veganism is that it’s impossible to get enough protein without eating meat. But that’s not true! Many plant-based protein sources include beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa, and more. And if you’re worried about not getting all the essential amino acids your body needs, you can easily find them in foods like soybeans, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. You may even find hemp based proteins for muscle gains in certain vegan protein powders, which can be a convenient way to add more protein to your diet. Just make sure to mix and match different protein sources throughout the week so you’re getting all the amino acids your body needs.
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods are not only bad for your health but also loaded with empty calories. And when you’re trying to stay in shape, that’s the last thing you want! So, instead of reaching for those processed vegan snacks, opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods will not only give your body the nutrients it needs, but they’ll also help to keep you full and satisfied. Even though you might be tempted to reach for a low-calorie vegan processed food like a vegan protein bar, when you are short on time, remember that these are often loaded with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Your body will thank you for choosing whole foods instead.
Get Enough Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential to a healthy diet—whether you’re vegan or not. But since many people avoid eating fats because they think they make you fat, they often miss out on the many health benefits they offer. Healthy fats help to keep you satiated, give your body energy, and improve your cholesterol levels. They can also help to reduce inflammation and protect your cells. So don’t be afraid to include healthy fats in your diet! Good sources of healthy vegan fats include avocados, coconuts, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. One of the best healthy fat sources is nut butter. With many varieties like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans, they provide high levels of healthy fats that support your overall well-being. But remember to always go with natural nut butters rather than store-bought ones, as their ingredients only have the nut itself without any unhealthy additives like sugar or unhealthy inflammatory oils. For even greater nutritional benefits, consider trying mixed nut butter that blends a variety of nuts, allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of nutrients from each nut in one convenient spread. Ensure you’re not overdoing it, as too much of anything—even healthy things—can still be bad for you. Find a balance that works for you and follow it.
Get Enough Calories
Switching to a vegan diet can sometimes cause people to eat fewer calories than they need unwittingly. And while eating fewer calories might help you lose weight in the short term, it’s not sustainable—or healthy—in the long run. So ensure you’re getting enough calories by tracking what you eat for a few days. That way, you’ll have a better idea of how many calories you need to eat daily to maintain weight. And if you’re not getting enough calories, try adding more high-calorie foods to your diet, like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil. Just ensure you’re still getting plenty of nutrient-rich foods as well, so you don’t lose weight.
Avoid Refined Carbs
Refined carbs are another type of food that can quickly add up and sabotage your weight loss efforts. Refined carbs are in many processed foods like bread, pasta, cookies, and pastries. And while they might seem harmless, they’re loaded with empty calories and have been linked to weight gain. So, if you’re trying to lose weight or stay in shape, it’s best to avoid refined carbs as much as possible. Instead, opt for whole-grain carbs like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and Ezekiel bread. These carbs will give you the energy you need without the unwanted side effects. Also, if you have processed food, look for ones made with whole-grain flour instead of white flour.
Veganism is more than a diet – it is a lifestyle choice that is kind to animals, the environment, and your own body. Following a vegan diet can help you get fit, but only if you do it correctly. Make sure you’re getting enough calories and nutrients, avoiding processed foods and refined carbs, and getting plenty of healthy fats. Do all of these things, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy, fit body in no time!
