OK so the title airs on the side of extremism and sarcasm. But I do mean that I am probably about to conclude that evidence for health benefits as a result of becoming vegan are far greater than the benefits you'd enjoy if you were to eat a diet highly balanced with meat and dairy products.
I'm not a doctor and I haven't done any first hand experiments (yet) :), but I have read a lot from all over the place; and not just from "hippy animal lovers" trying to get you to give up the food you love or sacrifice your health for the 'greater good'. Veganism for me, is NOT about any of these things. It is about sorting out a diet beneficial to my own health, responsibly and with the facts.
I have not yet changed anything about my diet. I still eat meat, dairy as well as a lot of vegetarian and vegan alternatives (such as Tofu and Soya milk). What I have been doing this week is looking up recipes and health benefits of foods that I will need to eat when and if I do decide to change. I found a book on amazon called "Vegan cooking for one", below is the list of all things I should stock up on if I want to prepare the dishes in the book. I've written these down because I think it's good to keep in mind a list of staples and learn them so preparing food becomes easier and a new habit. All the things on the list strike me as healthy (except peanut butter, I always thought that was bad and it must have to be vegan as butter is dairy :\ ) and things I would happily eat as a meat eater anyway. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that it contained the word 'mircowave' one I don't personally associate with real cooking.
Herbs
Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Basil, Oregano, Bay leaves, Rosemary, Mint
Spices
Nutmeg Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander
Miscellaneous
Wholemeal (whole wheat) bread, Sea salt and black pepper, Garlic salt, Backing powder, Raw cane sugar, Wholemeal (whole wheat) flour, Yeast extract, Nutritional yeast flakes or powder, Soya milk, Soya cream, Soya Yogurt, cornflour/starch, Peanut butter, Bulgar wheat, vegan Parmesan, Mustard seeds, Chili powder or Cayenne pepper, Paprika, Garam masala (mixed spices), Vegan Margarine, Vegetable oil (e.g. soya or corn), Extra virgin olive oil, Soya sauce, Wholemeal (whole wheat) spaghetti and macaroni.
I have also found out which foods contain dairy, obviously there is milk, cream, butter, yogurt and my favourite (possibly the most hard to give up) Cheese! But there is also the ingredient's, which are derivatives of milk found in other products such as sauces, spreads, filled pastas, and cereals. These might be labelled as:
- Whey
- Casein / caseinate
- Lactose / lactate
- Lactalbumin
