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Go Vegan

If you’re a meat and potatoes kinda person who also has problems with portion sizes, than chances are you’re getting more fat and protein in your diet than your body needs. Take this 28-day challenge to go Vegan and do something that’s good for your cholesterol level, your overall health – and the environment (since you’ll be creating less animal waste!)  

This is a challenge in every sense of the word. Vegans, like vegetarians, don’t eat meat. However, they also don’t consume products derived from animals, and that includes all your favorite dairy items like milk, eggs and cheese. Many vegans also choose not to purchase items made from leather or that have been tested on animals, but the level of commitment you bring to veganism is your own. Put down the cheeseburger and sign up for a healthier heart, lowered cholesterol level and a dose of environmentalism.

  • Week 1: Detox

    This week you’re body will be detoxing from the animal products it’s used to. Start adding protein to your diet from sources other than meat. This includes nuts, seeds and beans. Vegans should take a multivitamin and B12 supplement to ensure they are getting enough protein.

     

    Get creative with your recipes and make dishes like vegan chili that mimic the taste and texture of the meat version.


  • Week 2: Go Faux

    You should now be substituting all your favorite meat products with soy substitutes like tofu, tempeh and seitan. All of these are excellent sources of protein that come from soy beans. They are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and can reduce inflammation of the arteries. Soy is heart healthy!


  • Week 3: Smart Snacking

    Just because a product qualifies as vegan, doesn’t mean it’s healthy! Certain candies and sugar-filled foods meet the criteria for veganism, but that doesn’t mean you snack on potato chips all day. Cut the sugars and try eating snacks like soy chips, soy nuts or nuts. And, as always, reach for the fresh fruits and vegetables when you’re feeling snacky.


  • Week 4: Veganism Meets Reality

    For many, life-long veganism isn’t a reality or even an ideal. So, this is the time you start incorporating what you’ve learned and eaten over the last 3 weeks into your ongoing diet. For breakfast, keep the eggs but trade bacon for veggie bacon and steel-cut oats for hash browns. For dinner, eat lean meat but substitute whole grains like quinoa for French fries.


ADDED TO Balance ON Thu 11/5/2009