The top 5 myths about being plant-based - debunked!

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It’s myth-debunking time at vegcurious. In this post I’m going to debunk the top 5 myths about being plant-based. Some of these might actually surprise you.

Myth #1: Vegan diets are so restrictive and also soooo boring

FALSE

While this may have been true as little as even 10 years ago, today this is a resounding, scream-it-from-the-mountain tops FALSE! Case in point…for their dairy “needs”, vegans can choose from (and this is not the full list) milk made from soy, almonds, cashews, rice, oats, hemp, pistachios, coconut, flax, hazelnut, peas…nonvegans basically have one more option: cow.

Along with the many already vegan foods you enjoy – fruit, veggies, pasta, rice, nuts, pickles, beans, bread, lentils, etc, the world of plant-based alternatives for all your other favourite foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, tacos, cold cuts, cheese, sausages, tuna, crab, yogurt, ice cream, donuts, nuggets…I could literally name every food out there, you will find a plant-based alternative and more than likely, not just one. Are they all dead ringers for their non-vegan counterparts? No. Some are and some aren’t. But not being identical doesn’t mean that they aren’t delicious in their own right. For example, I love Tunah. Does it taste like tuna? Not even a little bit (IMO). Do I still love it in sandwiches and salads…more than I can say!

Myth #2: Being vegan is so expensive

FALSE

Like most things in life, there’s a wide range of choice within a plant-based diet. In other words, it can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you choose. Consider the cost of beans, pasta, canned/frozen veggies, and lentils vs Beyond Steak, imported organic and out-of-season fruit, and fully prepared meals, etc. There is nothing innately expensive, or inexpensive, about a plant-based diet. A vegan diet can easily work within any budget.

Myth #3: You’ll never get enough protein

FALSE

You might as well get used to it. Once you even think about adding more plant-based meals into your diet, the “protein” question is going to pop up. All. The. Time. Suddenly, everyone you meet is going to be very concerned about where you get your protein! And, honestly, it’s probably the silliest argument out there against not going plant-based.

First, people in the western and developed world generally eat far more protein than their body needs, and this is not a case of “the more the merrier”. Having too much protein in your diet can be a cause for concern as it can put extra strain on your kidneys and result in a host of health issues. That aside…a lot of animal-source protein can come with things you don’t want to load up on like saturated fat and cholesterol. With very few exceptions, those are simply not found in plant-based protein. If you are still thinking you won’t be able to pack enough protein into your diet if you transition to plant-based eating, this post can help put your mind at ease by explaining how much protein you really need in a day, and where to easily find it from plant-based foods.

Myth #4 - If you are plant-based you’re going to need a lot of supplements

FALSE…but, maybe also TRUE

This is one that people like to toss out to reinforce the image of the nutrient-deficient vegan combing the aisles of the health food store in search of all the vitamins and minerals missing from their diet. But hold on for just one minute. If we’re all being perfectly honest here, eating a meat-based diet could leave you pretty nutrient deficient, too, if you’re not including lots of whole grains, fruit and veggies. Getting proper nutrition isn’t about eating plant-based or not, it’s about eating a well-balanced diet and ensuring that you consume most of your daily requirements, most of the time.

Myth #5 – Being vegan is great for weight loss

FALSE…but, maybe also TRUE

This is one that a lot of vegans get hit with all the time – if you’re vegan, why aren't you thin? And, like the "vegan food is too expensive" argument, there is no direct line from being vegan to being thin…or overweight…or any particular body size or fitness level. Without trying too hard, you can have a very unhealthy plant-based diet. All you have to do is eat lots of white pasta with vegan butter and cheese, load up on vegan baked goods and frozen treats and eat a lot of processed plant-based meats. Of course, to be fair, just remove the plant-based element, and a regular animal-based diet that consisted of nothing but buttery, cheesy pasta, baked goods, ice cream and burgers is not going to win you any health awards either.

Simply put, you can be a healthy vegan…or not. Same as you can be a healthy meat eater…or not. The difference lies in the fact that a plant-based diet may significantly reduce your saturated fat and increase your fibre intake simply by default, it will help the planet, and help the animals, but it is not necessarily a straight path to weight loss. If you goal is to lose weight, there are tips on how to maximize the benefits of a plant-based diet and to do so in a way that is healthy and provides you with the nutrition you need.

So there you have it. The top 5 myths about being plant-based - debunked. If I missed one that you’d like to hear more about, you can email me at bevegcurious@gmail.com

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I hope this blog has helped you find your way to plant-based eating. Remember…the goal is not to be perfect. Do the best you can and enjoy the journey! If you haven't already signed up for the monthly blog, go to vegcurious.ca!

Next post: Explore the world of vegan-friendly vacation destinations

Note: It is strongly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician before making any changes to your diet. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to recommend or endorse any particular product, diet or eating plan.