Many people may not realise the difference between being a vegetarian and a vegan and that’s okay. We’re all here to learn!

A vegan diet consists of four main food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts.

In essence, being a vegan means eating no foods that are derived from animals, along with the products of an animal. So this means no dairy, honey or eggs.

Does this mean you’ll be missing out on essential nutrients? No, because believe or not, the animals people eat get it from the same sources vegans do!

Fact: For every 100 calories given to an animal, we only get 12 back by eating either their meat or produce.

Key nutrients to keep an eye on.

Calcium: This can be found in soybean products, chia seeds, nuts, beans, lentils, pulses, leafy greens and even peas.
Fact: 25g chia seeds has 157mg calcium. This is more than you’d find in 100ml milk.

Iron: This can be found in legumes, tofu, spinach and other leafy greens, such as broccoli and cabbage.
Fact: 100g spinach has more iron than the same amount of red meat.

Vitamin B12: This is most easily consumed through fortified products such as soya & almond milk, yeast products such as Marmite and also supplements.
Fact: Meat producing animals are actually given vitamin B12 as a supplement via injection or in their own food, this is for the vitamin to be passed on via meat consumption in humans. It’s a deficiency for all animals, not only humans.
Read more on this here: B12 – Why it’s not just a vegan issue.

It’s easy to be vegan.

In the fast paced world we live in now, it’s so easy to be vegan and I find it’s actually cheaper. Buying a tin of beans for 30p is much more cost effective than a piece of meat which can sometimes cost a few quid!

There’s plenty of apps, cookbooks and even convenience foods which make producing or eating vegan food so simple.

My personal favourites are;

Deliciously Ella
Shreddy
Keep it Vegan

I’d love to know about any books, apps or even other tips any of you vegans out there have for those who’re looking into this. So be sure to pop your suggestions in the comments below.

Also don’t forget I’m posting a new illustration, inspiration and fact on my Instagram everyday for Veganuary – so I’d love to see you there!

Love, always – B
Etsy shop: beccabynature