Question:

I'm generally anemic. I live the vegan lifestyle for 3 weeks, then when my iron gets low the only thing I know to do is eat some beef. It makes me feel better (although guilty), and then I go back to being a vegan again. How can I get off of this roller coaster? I'd like to be an always-vegan. Thank you.
(By: marsha)

[By: @ 2011-06-11, 18:20 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question:

Hi Marsha,

There are several vegan foods that are high in iron. You can also get an iron supplement. I would have to research foods that are high in iron and I am sorry that I do not have the time right now but it is easy to do a web search to find out which vegan foods are high in iron. This way you will also find a complete list and not just a listing of a couple of iron rich vegan foods.


(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2011-06-11, 21:23 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan


ANS: Question: Iron

3oz (1 serving) of beef has about 3mg of iron in it. To get this much from plants, try:

1 tbs. blackstrap molasses
A 6”x ½” slice of watermelon
¾ cup of cooked leafy green vegetables (spinach may have less available iron than other greens)
½ cup of chickpeas
A little more than 1/2 a cup of cashews
½ cup walnuts (3.75mg)
¾ cup raisins
¾ cup lima or kidney beans
½ cup prune juice (5.2mg)
Enriched cereals

You should be eating about 10-18 mg of iron a day. To improve absorption, eat your iron-rich foods with Vitamin C. You can also try cooking in a cast iron pan (tomato sauce cooked in cast iron has about 5.7mg of iron). If all else fails, try a supplement!

For a list of other iron-rich foods, try http://www.umm.edu/blood/aneiron.htm or http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm

[By: rocketkoala @ 2011-06-13, 21:26 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question:

I am trying to make the change to the Vegan way of life but I have so many questions! I noticed that some vegans eat butter, is that okay? Alot of vegan recipe's call for margarine, which I don't think is healthy. One Vegan friend told me I could not heat any oils (such as olive oil, flax oil, or coconut oil) so I am wondering if I am allowed to saute or caramelize veggies. Also, my favourite drink is Gin and diet tonic with lime. I don't drink anything "diet" except for the occasional gin and diet tonic. Is that vegan friendly? Is red wine vegan friendly? Some of my vegan friends drink coffee and some say that it's not okay to drink coffee. I am so confused!
Thanks :)
(By: Miranda)

[By: @ 2011-05-23, 14:30 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question:

1. Butter is not vegan but there are some products that are not the same as the traditional margarine which is unhealthy. For example, there is a product called Earth Balance which is made from oils that are not hydrogenated.

2. You can heat olive oil if the heat is low. You can also use canola oil which can take a higher temperature but it's better if it's organic since canola is often genetically modified.

3. Regarding alcohol, there are lots of alcoholic beverages that are not vegan but there are also many that are fine. Gin is usually okay. Wine is more difficult but there are many that are vegan. Here is a website that will help. http://barnivore.com/

4. Here is a webpage with a good explanation about the coffee dilemma for vegans. http://veganbits.com/vegan-coffee/

Let us know if you have any more questions. Good Luck!



[By: 0 @ 2011-05-23, 22:45 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: How do I answer other peoples questions on veganism?

I have been a vegetarian for over a year now. Very recently I decided to go vegan. Since then everyone feels the need to question what I eat at every meal. I understand that they just want to understand, but I would never question a meat eaters choice of eating unhealthy food. They also question my portions sizes. Since being vegan I don\'t eat as much, because I the healthy foods actually fill me up. How do I go about answering people nicely but also get across the point that their questioning my eating habits is rude. Thank you so much for your help.
(By: Sarah)

[By: @ 2011-03-17, 21:22 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: How do I answer other peoples questions on veganism?

I just politely say that I eat everything that they eat except for meat, dairy, and eggs plus I eat many things that they do not eat. When they keep asking me what I eat, I use an old Jewish trick. I then ask them what they eat. Most people can not off hand tell you more that 20 things and most of those items will be flesh so I then say \"ïs that all that you eat\". I then go one to show them how unhealthy a diet of almost all flesh is. So I have turned it from what do I eat to what do they eat.

Since most will not give up their flesh, I suggest that they just eat less of these unhealthy food choices. If they do cut back it saves animals lives.

Actually I do not think that it is rude for them to ask. I think that most have a concern for your health and are curious if you can actually live on a vegan diet. It also gives us a chance to discuss veganism.

(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2011-03-17, 21:49 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: Is molasses vegan?

I am new to the life of a vegan and am curious about molasses.
(By: Nicole Keeler!)

[By: @ 2011-02-26, 08:57 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: Is molasses vegan?

Yes, molasses is vegan.

(By: Chef Deb)

[By: @ 2011-03-09, 05:40 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



New Way of Eating

I saw Dr. McDougall, MD. for the 1st time a week or so ago and was so impressed that I have been off of all meat, poultry, fish and dairy products for a week now. I am committed to continuing this since I have 4 stents in my heart artery. I am taking lots of meds and hope to reverse the damage done to my arteries. My question is...can I expect detox reactions from changing to a vegan diet? How soon will I begin to feel the difference?
(By: Patricia Bree)

[By: @ 2011-01-20, 20:21 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: New Way of Eating

Sorry that you haven't received a response before now. By now you have probably experienced many differences if you have been able to maintain the vegan diet. Depending on what foods you are eating the reactions will vary. You should have experienced increased energy and probably some weight loss too. On the negative side you may experience headaches as you detox but these will go away. I'd be curious to hear an update on your journey so far.


[By: 0 @ 2011-05-23, 22:31 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: eggs

A friend of mine has four chickens living in their back yard and I was wondering if those eggs would be considered vegan I have seen where they live and have picked the animals up and they are not harmed in anyways.
(By: chey)

[By: @ 2010-12-18, 03:37 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: eggs

What are they going to do when the chickens stop laying eggs? They will probably kill them. They only have value to the "öwners" when the hens lay eggs. Eggs are not for humans to eat. They are there to be the home of unborn chicks until they hatch. Did you know that almost all male chicks are killed right after they are hatched. Why else would there be so many hens and generally only one male?

(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2010-12-18, 04:23 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: can my 2 year olds be healthy vegans?

I am wondering if it is healthy for my two 2year olds to be vegan? and what are some could food ideas for this diet for my childern. Thank you so much.
(By: Isabell91)

[By: @ 2010-11-28, 20:03 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: can my 2 year olds be healthy vegans?

Hello Isabell,

Until a child starts eating solid foods, breast milk is the best diet. Even after starting solid foods breast milk should be slowly phased out. Children of any age, after getting off breast milk, should eat the same balanced meals that an adult vegan would eat.

There have been stories of adults feeding their children a horrible vegan diet like the celery only diet. That is a very dangerous diet especially for children. Their brains are developing very fast and they need proper nutrition. A good vegan diet is such a diet. The mentors on this site are more than happy to answer any of your questions. Just ask!
(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2010-11-29, 00:47 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: I feel so sick after 4 days of veganism

I have been vegetarian for 3 years, I didn't use much dairy except for cheese on a regular basis and some butter. I decided to go vegan because of the overwhelmingly abundant information and proof that a vegan diet is healthiest, and because I love animals and I know how unfairly they are treated. I have been completely vegan for 4 almost 5 days now, and I feel sooooo sick. My throat hurts, I ache, I get dizzy when I stand up, I'm fatigued. I am wondering if it's just the cleansing process? I know I am doing it right, I have read many books on natural hygiene and veganism. I eat fruit in the morning, fresh and cooked veggies, complex carbs, beans, nuts and drink filtured water. I am 21 and don't have any health issues, I work out 3 to 5 days a week. I just didn'y expect to feel this bad I am just wondering what your opinion is.
(By: Sarah )

[By: @ 2010-11-19, 02:53 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: I feel so sick after 4 days of veganism

Hi Sarah,

I think that you have the flu. It sounds like you are eating a good vegan diet, that plus the fact that you were eating very little dairy, says that it must be something else. Your symptoms are those of the flu. You can varify this by seeing your doctor. There is no way that a vegan diet would cause these symptoms unless you had a strong alergy to something that you are eating. This would be very odd since a vegetarian diet has the same foods except for eggs and dairy that a vegan diet has. So I doubt that you added anything new to your diet.



(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2010-11-19, 05:24 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: diarrhea

Hi- I just started a plant based diet a few weeks ago after reading some books that completely convinced me to do so. Since I switched I have been having severe diarrhea and gas. So bad I am afraid to leave the house. I have also been completely exhausted since I switched. Some days its all I can do to get out of bed. A few people have to wait a week because my body is adjusting to the fiber and new diet. But it has been over two weeks now and it is still bad (I had to take medicine today for it). Will this go away and is there anything I can do for it? I am about to give this all up :(
(By: JJ)

[By: @ 2010-09-15, 01:57 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: diarrhea

Hi JJ,

I agree that there is an adjustment period when a person first becomes a vegan. That period almost never lasts more that a week. My guess is that you are either eating a poor vegan diet or there is something new that you are eating that you are alergic to. I would start with seeing if there is anything that you are eating now that you did not eat before. If so than try eliminating it to see if that helps.

As far as gas, some vegan foods will produce gas. Of course beans will do that. Some people have trouble with tofu. Just check what is new with your diet today as compaired with your old diet. That should help you find the problem.

A good vegan diet should not cause gas or diarrhea. Do not give up helping the animals, our environment, and your health just because you are having a problem that can be corrected.


(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2010-09-15, 08:34 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: factory-produced items

Hi

Should I be concerned with items stating "made in a facility that uses wheat, soy, milk, eggs and fish?

Thanks

Brand new vegan
(By: Beth)

[By: @ 2010-09-01, 23:58 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: factory-produced items

That is an excellent question. This is a very personal choice. From what I understand it is that when the companies change from some of the items that you mentioned they wash the equipment as good as possible. The problem is that they may just spray down the equipment so traces may stay on the equipment and thus get into the vegan food. So much of our food is made on shared equipment. So some of us will purchase vegan food made on this equipment and others will not. It is a personal choice. You are still a vegan if you eat vegan food made on shared equipment. Thanks for becoming a vegan. If we can help you please ask.

(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2010-09-02, 07:02 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question: my car with leather seats!

I am in the process of transitioning to veganism (I just went through my kitchen and tomorrow is my clothing and cosmetics day) and have been thinking for the past few weeks about my car. It has leather seats. We bought it used, but the leather is making me feel like I am being hypocritical every single time I get in the car, besides the fact that I have to acknowledge and mourn for the wonderful creatures that died for my car seats, as well. However, I am not sure if we could sell the car right now - we probably owe too much on it to be able to pay it off by selling at this point. I'm not sure what to do, although we are looking into making the selling happen and getting a car that is both more eco-friendly as well as not having the glaring issue of leather seats, if we can't, I just don't know how to deal with it, especially once I get involved in the vegan community and have possible new friends that may drive in my car, but even just seeing it, they will know it has leather...
anyone have any advice??
(By: Elizabeth )

[By: @ 2010-06-21, 23:12 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: my car with leather seats!

Different people have different views on how to deal with these issues and their views also may change over time. I know some that continue to use the leather that they have but do not buy any more in the future. The argument being that at least you are using the product to the end of its life rather than wasting it.

Others will donate products (such as a leather coat) to family or friends but some don't want to be promoting the products so they may donate them to a not-for-profit or Goodwill instead.

In your specific case this is a higher priced item that is harder to part with instantly and most vegans would understand that. The fact that you recognize the issue already shows commitment to vegan issues.

You could maybe get some seat covers to put over your seats and if it comes up in conversation you can explain that you plan on avoiding leather in your next car but that you are covering them up so that you are not promoting them to others in the meantime.

> I am in the process of transitioning to veganism (I just went through my
> kitchen and tomorrow is my clothing and cosmetics day) and have been
> thinking for the past few weeks about my car. It has leather seats. We
> bought it used, but the leather is making me feel like I am being
> hypocritical every single time I get in the car, besides the fact that I
> have to acknowledge and mourn for the wonderful creatures that died for my
> car seats, as well. However, I am not sure if we could sell the car right
> now - we probably owe too much on it to be able to pay it off by selling at
> this point. I'm not sure what to do, although we are looking into making
> the selling happen and getting a car that is both more eco-friendly as well
> as not having the glaring issue of leather seats, if we can't, I just
> don't know how to deal with it, especially once I get involved in the
> vegan community and have possible new friends that may drive in my car, but
> even just seeing it, they will know it has leather...
> anyone have any advice??
> (By: Elizabeth )

[By: 0 @ 2010-06-23, 06:06 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question What to expect concerning weight loss when beginning vegan diet?

I recently switched to a vegan diet on my third week and just need information what to expect in body changes and any support groups to learn more?
(By: DMINOR)

[By: @ 2010-06-12, 21:40 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question What to expect concerning weight loss when beginning vegan diet?

Hello Dminor,

Congratulations! First, I believe that you will loose some weight. Second, I believe that you will increase stamina. Third, I think that you may have a period of adjustment where your body will be a little out of normal for a few weeks. That is nothing to worry about and it does not happen to everyone. When you get adjusted to a vegan diet you should be very happy with the results.

As far as support groups, I would recommend VEGAN 2050. There are several very good places to go to within that web site. VEGAN Mailing List is probably the best place to go for support and to learn more about veganism. VEGAN Resource Library has some excellent articles in it. I will soon have a vegan blog on VEGAN 2050. Of course VEGAN Q & A will give you answers to your questions.

Doc


(By: Doc)

[By: @ 2010-06-13, 00:06 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



Question:

I am writing something on veganism. I believe I have read an assertion that eating a plant-based meal can save 100 gallons of water over eating an animal based one. Would you guys know if this is backed up by any studies or research?
(By: john brennan)

[By: @ 2010-05-25, 16:52 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan


Question:Traveling to a foreign country!

Okay, here\'s my dilemna: I\'m taking a trip to China with my parents this summer. We\'ll be eating out of restaurants and avoiding markets; all food is cooked with meat (at least in the sauce). Dry food is the only kind allowed through Customs. Help! I have fiber-rich cereal, plus nuts packed for my trip, but what about some dried sources of vegetables (maybe even ones that I can add water to), especially green ones? Healthy food, please!Tell me!!!
And if anyone knows of good vegan restaurants in Shanghai or Honk Kong, tell me! My hopes aren\'t high...but please try to help me out.
(By: Leia)

[By: @ 2010-05-25, 06:13 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan


Question: What cosmetic and toilettery brands at 'Wal-Mart' and 'Shoppers Drug Mart'?

Please help me!
I need to know as soon as possible so that I can stop using cruel products!

(By: Jayne)

[By: @ 2010-04-12, 03:25 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan

ANS: Question: What cosmetic and toiletry brands at 'Wal-Mart' and 'Shoppers Drug Mart'?

> Please help me!
> I need to know as soon as possible so that I can stop using cruel
> products!
>> Since I don't go to Walmart often and there isn't a Shopper's Drug Mart near my location, I don't know of any specific brands. But I have a link to a website where you can search A-Z for cruelty-free products and see if the brands you use are kind to animals.

http://search.caringconsumer.com/
I hope this helps.
> (By: Jayne)

(By: Leia)

[By: @ 2010-05-27, 17:40 | Reply | Print ]
Category: Becoming a vegan



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