31 Tips For Vegans To Stay Healthy

I happened to come across this awesome list of 31 tips by Kathy Patalsky for vegans to stay or become healthy. In fact, this list is not limited to vegans only but applicable to anyone who wants to adapt to the vegan lifestyle gradually. Kathy has virtually left nothing out and anyone who sticks to their recommendations is going to notice a huge impact not only on his or her health but also on the environment as well.

“31 Vegan Wellness Tips

1. Lemon Water Mornings.
I love this habit. Not only for its supposed “alkalyzing” impact on the body, but for another reason. Hydration. Instead of loading your body with caffeine first thing in the morning, load it with hydration. Chug some lemon water first thing in the morning.

The lemon adds a hint of vitamin C and all those other benefits that are raved about. I find that hydrating with lemon water or lemon tea first thing in the morning, makes my skin feel better, makes my hunger feel more moderate, and I just feel a bit more energized. Note: Most people advise warm lemon water, but I have found warm or room temp is great. Chilled even works if need be.

2. Love Your Legumes.

If you came into veganism not really loving foods like chickpeas, lentils and beans in general, you may have a bit of work to do. Legumes are such an important part of a plant-based diet. Legumes are generally rich in things like fiber, protein, iron and B vitamins – and more. The good news is that there are SO many ways to serve legumes.

You can serve them smashed in sandwiches, on avocado toast with pineapple, or like this, in soups, in veggie burgers, popped (my famous popped lentils), in curries over grains, blended into hummus or bean dip and on and on. Even picky eaters can find some way to sneak legumes into their diets thanks to all the creative recipes on the internet.

3. Eat Vegan. Help the Planet. Boost Your Self Esteem.

We all want to help the planet, help each other and help the animals. Well eating more vegan meals is one way to do that.

“An image I found on a Vive Soy carton a few years ago that really inspired me towards eating a more plant-based diet. I saved it on my phone and look at it all the time.” – Harriet E, HarrietEmily”

4. Veganize Your Faves.

If your favorite food is cheese, then eat cheese. Just make sure that cheese falls in line with your values. Luckily, vegan cheese is amazing. If your favorite dessert is ice cream. Same thing. Vegan ice cream, it is pure bliss. If your favorite food is… You get the picture. There are vegan versions for just about everything nowadays! If you need help veganizing your favorite recipe or food – ask the friendly crew over on the Finding Vegan community boards – there is even a “veganize this” topic board!.. community.findingvegan.com!

And cookies…

5. Get in the Kitchen.
You may not think of yourself as someone who likes to cook. Well there is hope for you yet! Make it your goal to change that.

I recently chatted with a friend who never cooked for herself, but then after trying a few meals at home, she got really excited about food and ingredients and making her own meals. She said it became a very therapeutic. Chopping, simmering, plating. She actually looked forward to it, this activity she used to scowl at.

So even if you never get in the kitchen, give yourself a little nudge. Buy a cool new cookbook. Try just one popular blog recipe. See if a spark ignites inside you. Your body will thank you and your health may depend on it..

“People who frequently cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories than those who cook less, according to new Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health research.” – Science Daily

“If you decide to make one simple change, start cooking. Not focused on big fancy meals or ingredients, just simply the act of cooking.” – Amanda P, more on how cooking leads to good health here: HeartBeetKitchen

6. Get to Know Vegan Convenience Food Brands.
It would be awesome if we all lived in a world where we had 2-3 hours every night to prep, prepare, enjoy and wind down from a vegan dinner feast. Home-cooked with love at a leisurely pace. Ha. In the real world, frozen pizzas, pre-made soups, pre-chopped salads and more DO happen. Well lucky for plant-based eaters, there are plenty of amazing vegan-friendly brands in grocery stores today.

Brands like.. Amy’s Kitchen, Daiya, Field Roast, Earth Balance, Annie’s, Earth Balance, Earthbound Farms, Sweet Earth, Follow Your Heart, Gardein, Hampton Creek, LightLife, do you need me to continue because I will literally be here all night? Try out a few vegan convenience food items and embrace them when need be. Try not to depend on them, but know that they are out there when you need a cooking helping hand.

7. Invest in a Vitamix.
Seriously guys. This one is a must-do for anyone who loves to cook. I know the price tag is shocking at first glance, but so is a car or your cell phone or that fancy pair of shoes in the back of your closet that you only wore once. A Vitamix is a machine that will last you (possibly a lifetime, but at least 7 years.)

I use my Vitamix at least twice a day – usually more. I use it to blend the thickest, creamiest smoothies ever, the silkiest green smoothies, DIY oat flour, homemade dips and spreads, nut butters, frothy lattes, silky soups and more.

My Vitamix makes it SO easy for me to live a healthy, happy vegan life. Before my Vitamix I had to go to special smoothie shops to get perfectly blended smoothies. I had to buy all my green juices at stores. I couldn’t make my own flours or silky blended soups. I ate out a lot more. Bottom line, start a Vitamix fund. Aim for the less expensive reconditioned Vitamixes if need be!”