When we hear someone is following a “vegan diet,” we translate that to a vegan lifestyle. Choosing fully plant-based eating, as well as excluding anything animal-based from food products to clothing and more, is quite revolutionary. As veganism is on the rise around the world, especially amongst young adults, Vevan is committed to producing 100%, 0% dairy products so those who opt for vegan living can still make their cheese-lovin’ dreams come true! Diet doesn’t mean deprivation, it means dedication, That’s why it’s a lifestyle! If you’re exploring a transition to a vegan diet, let us answer some of your top questions.
What Is a Vegan Diet?
People who identify as vegan are those who avoid consumption of animal products. So when it comes to a vegan diet, they avoid meat and dairy, but also products like honey and even some sugars fall under the animal product category. Most food manufacturers want you to know their products are vegan, so read labels carefully to check for this designation.
Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, seeds and more are common to vegan diets, along with ever popular plant-based cheese! There are also various types of vegans and varied vegan diets to explore here.
What’s the Difference Between a Vegan Diet vs. Vegan Lifestyle?
We often use these interchangeably, but there is a difference! It’s possible to experiment with or follow a vegan diet without following a full-fledged vegan lifestyle. Depending why you’re experimenting with veganism, you might eliminate foods from your everyday diet without making certain adjustments to your wardrobe or makeup routine. A vegan lifestyle means avoiding animal byproducts in your everyday life—from your lunch to your lipstick!
What Does a Vegan Diet Consist of?
As noted above, a vegan diet consists of all things that come from a yummy plant-based source. If you’re interested in trying out insanely delicious vegan recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Our kitchen team has concocted dozens of tasty meals to get you started, and we’ve laid them out menu-style below.
- Breakfast – for breakfast, check out these 6 vegan breakfast ideas to make mornings tastier! Since eggs and cheese are often a big part of morning meals, be sure to modify our recipes with your egg replacement of choice. As always, our entire lineup of Vevan cheese is vegan, certified plant-based, non-GMO, preservative-free, allergy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and made with high-quality ingredients!
- Lunch – for lunch, our top picks include soups, sandwiches and salads – the three midday S’s to make your vegan diet s-s-super s-s-satisyfing!
- Dinner – dinner time! Depending on your mood, we suggest one of these easy-peasy dinner go-tos: P’Jack & Black Bean Tostadas, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Vegan Shepherd’s Pie – each with prep time of 20 minutes or less.
- Dessert – don’t skip dessert. Explore our Ultimate Vegan Guide to Desserts for everything you need to know about sweet treats on a vegan diet.
Looking for all our favorite recipes in one place? Download our Vegan Cheese-Lovin’ Cookbook today!
How Do I Start a Vegan Diet?
Just like building any new habit, it can be helpful to start with small steps! Maybe you try Meatless Mondays and check out some vegan recipes to meet your meatless needs. Love cheese? Who doesn’t! Vevan’s familiar and authentically creamy texture perfectly complements its gooey melt and sensational flavor, giving those who follow a vegan diet the deliciousness they deserve with an easy swap!
Check out these other tips for making a dietary transition.
Is a Vegan Diet Healthy?
Often those on a vegan diet are committed to the vegan lifestyle for desired health outcomes, while others choose ethical, environmental, or religious reasons – perhaps a combination of all these things! No matter what your “why,” there are definite wellness perks to veganism. Some people with pre-existing health conditions turn to a vegan diet to help them manage their medical situations.
Wondering how to lose weight on a vegan diet? Typically vegans eat more fiber, and thus feel fuller longer. Plus, vegan diets are filled with nutrient-rich, lower calorie food. These factors lead to a lower body mass index (BMI) and typically weight loss for those struggling with obesity. Portion control and watching calorie intake is still important with any diet.
Curious if a vegan diet is good for diabetics? In short, it can be, as it helps with weight management as well as improved blood sugar management. Following a vegan diet filled with fiber-rich and lower-sugar foods will help, but to truly manage diabetes from eating vegan, you’ll need to keep your carb intake consistent and balance them with protein and fat.
Can a vegan diet reverse kidney disease? Plant-based eating has been clinically proven to prevent and slow the progression of kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, it’s important to speak with your doctor and likely a registered dietician to determine how to best implement this type of eating.
As with any diet, there are always caveats. When it comes to veganism, be sure to incorporate enough protein as well as vitamin B12, both found in animal products. Unlike Vevan products which use the highest quality ingredients, there are highly processed vegan foods to avoid.
Is a Vegan Diet Right for You?
At the end of the day, we’re cheesemakers, not doctors! Be sure to explore any change in diet with your doctor and through your own research. Whether you choose the vegan life or not, know Vevan’s tasty lineup of vegan cheeses is here for you anytime!
