What are some health complications linked to veganism?
Q. I know veganism is very healthy, and I know many good aspects about it. What are some possible unhealthy things caused by veganism? I'd really like to know. Thanks!
Asked by nina. - Wed May 21 19:55:41 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. B12 deficiency. Eating fortified foods (like soymilks) or taking a supplement are the only reliable ways to get enough B12. This is the main concern for vegans. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no significant difference in anemia levels between vegetarians and meat-eaters. If a vegan has an unhealthy diet and eats few foods containing iron, anemia would be a concern. Aside from B12, vegans can get all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients by eating fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, and grains. Hope this helps!
Answered by Kentucky Fried Cruelty dot com - Wed May 21 22:05:16 2008

How does your veganism tie in with your religion?
Q. This is a serious question, no mocking please. I'm just interested in how veganism can relate to religion. Toney, check out this website. I'm not trying to be on a moral high horse, I'd just like to make you think. I think cows do suffer to produce milk (and therefore cheese and yogurt). Also, I'd advise researching hen factory farms. I think you might find the way we farm hens for eggs is unethical.
Asked by unknown - Tue Mar 27 15:24:57 2007 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Interesting question. I'm a Catholic. And a vegan. In the Book of Genesis we start out as vegetarians. God gives us all the vegetation we care to consume. The animals are our companions at that point. Then we fall into sin. God's got to chastise us. Along comes Noah and the flood. At that point food becomes scarce so God tells Noah to go ahead and eat the animals. But it comes with a price. The animals will now hate and fear us. Fast forward to the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah prophesies (it's pronounced prophesEE not prophesEYE) about the New Heaven and New Earth. Where the Lion will lie down with the Lamb. We will no longer eat meat. Not even those "designed" to be carnivores. Why wait? Let's show God we can live his way NOW! As a… [cont.]
Answered by Max Marie, OSF - Tue Mar 27 17:11:48 2007

What are the best books to help me get started on veganism?
Q. I have been vegetarian for over a year, and once I move out of my mother's house in two months I am planning on becoming a vegan. I was wondering what books you guys like that are about veganism. I am looking for 3 main things: 1) Recipes/Meal plans and some way to make sure I am getting all my nutrients 2) Motivation! 3) A list of foods that are and aren't vegan.
Asked by Alexa - Fri Jun 26 12:12:11 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. 1) It's a rude tone and since you are already going vegan, don't know if you need the convincing, but Skinny Bitch has a lot of information broken down into a very readable way. 2) Anything by Dreena Burton. Everyday Vegan has great recipes and good nutritional advice. And as you get more into cooking, then Vive La Vegan is great too. Although I find that her recipes are a little too much for me to handle on weekday nights. 3) If you go to Borders or Barnes and Nobles you can find several different books that are vegan meals in under 30 minutes, 5 ingredient vegan recipes, student vegan cookbooks which focus on smaller portions instead of family sizes and are simple and budget friendly, and even slowcooker vegan books. There is… [cont.]
Answered by Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Fri Jun 26 12:23:47 2009

Is there any literature that discusses raw veganism?
Q. I have been curious about raw veganism for a while and have been trying to read about it. I have only been doing internet searches and have not found what I have been looking for. Are there books out there written by qualified individuals that discuss benefits/health issues of raw veganism? If so, can you tell me title/authors?
Asked by Confused - Fri Apr 3 16:48:56 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Good books discussing the benefits of raw food: Living on Live Food by Alissa Cohen Living Cuisine by Renee Loux Underkoffler 12 Steps to Raw Foods by Victoria Boutenko Raw by Juliano Brotman The best books to start with are "Raw Food Made Easy" by Jennifer Cornbleet, and "The Complete Book of Raw Food" by Lori Baird and Julie Rodwell. Both have good recipes that don't require specialty equipment, and "The Complete Book of Raw Food" is packed with information and resources. Some good websites:
Answered by Jen D - Fri Apr 3 18:43:14 2009

what are the advantages and disadvantages of veganism?
Q. yes, veganism...not just vegetarianism! i'm considering going vegan and am wondering what the advantages are in comparison to the disadvantages thanks for any info!
Asked by kms107 - Mon Nov 19 22:33:40 2007 - - 9 Answers - 1 Comments

A. I went Vegan and gave it a good 6 months, hope to give it another go. Like other posters said, you just have to be sure to balance everything out. And stay commited :) And as far as eating out, it'll get a little more difficult but happycow.net is a great resource for that. I take a multivitamin everyday so you may want to start making a habit of that just until you settle in to meals and getting the right nutrients. And read! It's best to educate yourself, it really pays off. There are some great websites out there as well as books, "Becoming Vegan" really helped me out a lot. I think the accessibility for vegan cuisine has sky rocketed! truly you have the option of going into your grocery store and getting deli sliced tofu for… [cont.]
Answered by Penelope - Tue Nov 20 02:44:23 2007

How can i easily transition into veganism?
Q. I want to become vegan, fo rhealth reasons. i just want to be healthier overall and i am really tired of eating fatty processed food and i think that veganism is just a better way to go for me. i am 14, so i cant go out and buy my own food, but i am already vegetarian. what are some steps or easy foods i can make for breakast lunch and dinner?
Asked by Millie! - Mon Apr 6 19:47:47 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. alrighty, so, pretty much you have to get good at reading labels. if it has anything that has to do with animals, don't eat it. some foods you're going to have to adopt are; soy milk (i love silk, especially the chocolate kind.) vegan cream cheese (the tofutti brand is really good.) soy sour cream soy ice cream, or just stick to sherbets and sorbets tofu (egg replacement, good for breakfast.) and brand name egg replacers good stores to find most of these items are trader joes and lassens. good luck!!
Answered by blue lips, blue veins. - Mon Apr 6 20:39:23 2009

I'm thinking about trying out veganism. What health-related things should I consider?
Q. Also, any kind of advice or websites on veganism would be appreciated. Thanks a lot! :) traceilicious, if vegans are social outcasts, it's because other people think they have the right to make it their business what other people choose not to eat. It's not the vegan's fault. It's the pompousness of American society that is at fault. You are a perfect example of this. Here I am asking about veganism and you are here telling me to eat meat and fish. That would be like if you asked a question about quitting smoking and I answered by recommending different types of tobacco.
Asked by GypsyWytch - Sun Sep 16 04:22:14 2007 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I think you've made a wise choice on considering Veganism. [: I'm a Vegetarian, But I am contemplating Veganism, myself. x] Before you jump into your Veggie-Pants, take the time and ask yourself if you can do it. You'll need, in your diet: Iron - Found in Spinach and Laafy Green vegetables like Cabbage, Lettuce and Collard Greens Vitamin B12 - Best source for me is a dietary supplement (I take a B12 one daily) Protein - Found in Nuts, Seeds, Beans, And Soy bean products (Veggie burgers, Tofu, Etc) If you want Omega 3 (Found in fish), You can get them by eating Flaxseed oil products (At my walmart, They sell a variety of Flaxseed oil products like Cookies, And crackers and such! Yum) As long as you can get these things into your… [cont.]
Answered by pj! - Sun Sep 16 18:35:22 2007

What do you say to someone who thinks veganism is hypocritical?
Q. it seems like every conversation i have with my brother always come back to my being a vegan. He try to tell me that everything is alive. saying that if i dont eat other living beings then why am I eating plants, cause they alive too. But then im like" its the same, you're comparing flesh&bone to leaves&stems ", but thats as far as i get. Any ideas? You know something that'll make sense and put'im in his place. I meant to say its NOT the same, typed to fast. we argue because we are brothers.
Asked by javi_g956 - Wed May 23 11:16:51 2007 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Anyone that has become a vegan has at some time or another just felt like an outsider in the places that we re supposed to be the most comfortable such as, our homes, our careers, and with our friends and families. However, what isn't happening with your brother, what should be happening nonetheless is mutual respect. It's normal to feel frustrated when the people closest to you don't share your views or enthusiasm when you make a change in your life, that your are excited about. If your brother isn't supporting and respecting your personal choices, you may want to avoid discussing the topic with him altogether. Shootsamshoot is correct about plants not feeling pain or having a brain as to the difference of plants and animals. There… [cont.]
Answered by Nobody - Wed May 23 12:35:25 2007

Is smugness just a natural stage of veganism, or do they stay smug forever?
Q. Once my friend decided to become vegan, she gradually became more difficult to stand. Firstly she joined Peta2 which I won't even go into... Then it was just little things like, in ballet she was playing with someone's shoes and said, "Wait, is this leather? Ew...I touched it!" and made a face like she was going to be sick. When we were watching the movie Happy Feet, there was a part when the lost penguin was stuck out in a storm and needed shelter, and he saw a house with a fire inside and started walking towards it. My friend turned to me and said in a very sad and serious tone, "You know, since I'm a vegan, if that penguin came to my door I would give him shelter, but if a normal person answered the door they would think: 'Food!!'".… [cont.]
Asked by Eponine - Sat Sep 1 23:16:05 2007 - - 21 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Because the mass judges, voices those judgements, ask questions they don't really want to hear an answer to, can't realize that a vegan has found something that they believe is right and just to work toward or do their part in... and what do they get from fellow human beings... "relax hippie." It's not nearly as much snob or smug as you think it is... It has more to do with knowing the long drawn out debate they must enter into each and every time they open their mouth and utter the words, "I'm a vegan." Given that there are exceptions to every rule... there are those who could care less and those I admire the most... and there are those who really ARE smug, but were smug before being vegan... and finaly the self glorifying... But what… [cont.]
Answered by SST - Sun Sep 2 10:18:51 2007

What's the difference between Veganism and Vegetarianism?
Q. Anyone?
Asked by navand - Tue Aug 25 21:21:30 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Vegetarianism is a diet.Vegetarians do not consume meat or slaughter by products such as gelatin and rennet.A vegetarian diet consist of fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds with or without the use of dairy products and/or eggs. Veganism is a lifestyle which seeks to diminish the individuals contribution towards animal exploitation.Vegans do not consume meat, slaughter by products as well as animal by products such as eggs, milk and honey.Vegans abstain from the use of leather, wool,fur, silk as well as other animal skins.Additionally, vegans refrain from using anything animal derived and products tested on animals.Vegans avoid all animal derived products to the most practical extents.
Answered by Robot - Tue Aug 25 21:25:06 2009

convincing my mom on veganism?
Q. i want to give up meat and animal products... I'm planning on just giving up meat, chicken and fish and becoming a vegetarian and then easing my way into veganism. I've tried this before and my mom gets really angry with me. How can I convince her to let me continue my eating habits because I really feel strongly about giving up animal products.
Asked by s2 xo Dana - Sun Oct 14 20:21:45 2007 - - 11 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You didn't state how old you are and I think your age is an important consideration in becoming a vegetarian against your parents wishes. If you are not yet in high school, then forget it. Just do as your parents say and make plans for being a vegetarian when you get a bit older... Why? Because your mom is preparing your meals and will be doing double duty (or more) to keep you on a healthy vegetarian diet. In the meantime study about nutrition problems you may have to overcome when you become a vegetarian. How will you get your vitamin b12? If you are in high school then begin by offering to prepare some vegetarian meals for your family. By doing so you will be demonstrating to your mom that you are responsible, and can make your… [cont.]
Answered by Valerie - Sun Oct 14 20:34:34 2007

How did you make the switch to full vegetarianism (veganism)?
Q. Cause I'm a Vegetarian, and I've been really healthy since, and now I want to go Vegan, but I'm completely dependent on dairy products. Milk in my cereal & coffee & cheese in my subs. How did you vegans make the transitions, and did you feel better physically afterwards?
Asked by Colbertican - Tue May 27 18:35:24 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I read about the plight of dairy cows and the insipid chemicals/hormones/somati c cells in milk and milk products. It's really a cruel business and when I thought about how these animals are suffering from birth to death, I thought to myself: how can I continue eating animal by-products? I weighed the pros and cons of going vegan and I couldn't think of many "cons" except for more trouble eating out, etc. I figured out that I was only eating dairy and eggs for my tastebuds. Once I found that I was contributing to farm animal abuse practices simply for my selfish tastebuds, it was an easy choice for me to make to go vegan. I have soymilk in my cereal. There are vegan cheeses out there but they don't taste like the real thing, so… [cont.]
Answered by apres vous - Tue May 27 18:51:32 2008

How is veganism healthy?
Q. I'm not vegan but I've always wondered this. When people become vegan don't they cut out a lot of things that are important to the human body, like protien and calcium? I can understand why people go vegetarian but veganism seems like it's just taking it too far. Great Leap, I watched the video, it's disgusting. I never knew that kind of stuff happened to those poor animals
Asked by Kassie - Fri Jul 25 20:12:11 2008 - - 17 Answers - 3 Comments

A. Vegans are healthier because the average vegan is lighter than the average meat eater in Britain. This is a fact. It is true that veggies are on average lighter. This is an argument based on modern wealth and excess. For almost all of the past, the problem for humans has been getting enough food. Obesity in a significant proportion of the population is a modern problem, brought on us by the ease of access to large amounts of sugary food, plus a lesser amount of exercise, and a retention of old instincts which made our hunting and gathering ancestors crave sweet things, fatty things, and salty things. Early humans evolved these instincts in a world where very sweet things were very rare, salt a vital rare nutrient, and wild prey animals… [cont.]
Answered by mina - Sat Jul 26 05:02:39 2008

How do we protect our kids from cults such as veganism?
Q. I am concerned about cult influence that my kids may be exposed to at public schools. I have heard horror stories about other vegans convincing kids to throw away their meat out of their lunch boxes. I work very hard to make sure my kids have lunch boxes that include good wholesome meats. I don't want my kids to get sick from not eating meat. I have also heard rumors that some vegan students have talked about poisoning the meat at school. Vegan cult activity like this really makes me worry for the safety of my kids. Nakita21, meat should be included with every meal of the day for optimum health.
Asked by foxhunter_guy - Fri Oct 6 10:57:16 2006 - - 42 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yeah, you should probably keep your kids locked in the house so they are never exposed to other cultures, religions, or philosophies. I mean, why would you want to let them decide for themselves when you could choose their path and make them be the person you want them to be? It is always better to feed children lies and misconceptions about people that do not think like you, that way they fail to adjust to society and refuse to live with an open mind. Good job! Thanks for living up to everything we knew a meat-eater should be!
Answered by Shaken Not Stirred - Fri Oct 6 11:23:14 2006

What are the health benefits of veganism compared to regular vegetarianism?
Q. What are the health benefits of veganism compared to regular vegetarianism?
Asked by mikayla_starstuff - Wed Dec 26 10:53:43 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Vegan is a lifestyle that implies moral concern for animals. If you're talking about a vegan DIET (or a plant-based diet/strict vegetarianism) vs a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet... It really comes down to what and how much you're eating. A vegan who lives on cookies & diet pepsi is going to be unhealthier than a lacto-ovo vegetarian (or even an omni) who eats mostly fresh produce and eats an animal product once a week (although we know how rare that would be.)
Answered by ~Jezebel~ - Wed Dec 26 18:01:12 2007

How many meat eaters would convert to veganism if they saw?
Q. an alien culture how evil and twisted it is. This planet I went to told me that they once had a culture that ate meat and the meat eaters became extinct. What do you think? Do you think meat eaters will become extinct on planet earth?
Asked by Ashley - Wed Sep 26 12:51:45 2007 - - 23 Answers - 0 Comments

A. *Count from Sesame Street voice* One, two, three, FOUR! FOUR posters taking an Ashley troll post seriously. Ahaha! *shakes head*
Answered by blackbyrus - Wed Sep 26 12:57:48 2007

What Is The Best Book On Veganism?
Q. I need to buy a book about becoming vegan with some good recipes as well, but can't chose which one to get! Any recommendations?
Asked by Sam - Mon Mar 31 09:57:12 2008 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Vegan freak is good for finding out about vegan life in general (and for dealing with all the 'mmm meat' comments you'll get!) Vegan with a vengeance has great (and easy) recipes in it. Veganomicon is also very good. There are plenty out there, but these are my particular favourites.
Answered by Helen W - Mon Mar 31 10:14:16 2008

I keep veering towards a lapse in my veganism. any ideas how to pull away from the dark side?
Q. I am a vegan for moral reasons. I just would like some whipped cream and milk chocolate and cheese and quiche. Its just come on all of a sudden over a coupla months. have been vegan for years.
Asked by darkling - Tue Apr 15 02:17:59 2008 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments

A. i'm a vegetarian, but one thing i do to help keep me on track is to print out meaningful quotes from famous vegetarians (albert einstein, leonardo davinci, leo tolstoy, etc.) that will remind me of why i chose what i did. i put them in my office and at home in places that i will look every day. when i feel tempted it is helpful to see them and be reminded of my values. i try not to use videos as inspiration because i find it traumatic to watch things like "meet your meat" over and over. i'm not trying to ignore what happens, but i don't think you have to watch it to remember what goes on. good luck!! EDIT: like previous posters, i also use substitutes when i feel tempted. i reach for things like veggie burgers and fakon. maybe… [cont.]
Answered by FabulousInIndy - Tue Apr 15 09:10:19 2008

Could my veganism be exacerbating my mental illness?
Q. I have been vegan for almost 4 years. During that time, my bipolar disorder, GAD and self injury have gotten worse. I make sure to get enough B12, iron, and omega 3s, but I've always wondered if somehow my veganism was making me worse. i do not want to start eating animal products again, but I wonder if there's any truth to my fears. Please post links to back up your claims if at all possible. I see a psychiatrist and therapist already. How can I seem like a person who's always afraid of everything? WTF?
Asked by Finnegan Vegan Again - Wed Jan 21 18:12:35 2009 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Sweetie, this is a question for your psychiatrist, and not a bunch of strangers on YA. Make sure he knows your a vegan since he may need to adjust your medications.
Answered by Kim N - Wed Jan 21 19:12:46 2009

What's the easiest way to make the transition from lacto-ovo-vegetarianism to veganism?
Q. What's the easiest way to make the transition from lacto-ovo-vegetarianism to veganism?
Asked by tangerine(R.I.P. Patrick Swayze) - Thu Mar 8 10:51:02 2007 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments

A. After going to a workshop on this very subject, I took their advice and went completely "cold tofu" (I was a lacto-ovo veg at the time). The idea was that by cutting down bit by bit, you would give those products power and engage in a psychological battle with them. Also, because I found the process daunting, I decided to try veganism for just 3 weeks, after which I would switch back if it wasn't going well. It made the switch more manageable - after all, anyone can do three weeks, right? I'm still vegan 1.5 years later, so these tactics worked for me. Good luck!
Answered by greensong - Thu Mar 8 12:27:06 2007