JCSC Wellness Blog

With a positive attitude, a desire to make a change in a healthy direction, and some diligence in grocery aisles, it is possible to discover a
whole new world (possibly a better one) and receive a multitude of physical, mental and emotional benefits (not to mention financial savings!). The vegan diet is appropriate for all lifestyles (as long as it’s done well). Athletes, pregnant women, children, and seniors all can benefit from a healthy vegan diet.

• Get a Physical
  
  • Visit your doctor and make sure you are in decent physical shape. Tell your doctor your plans to become a vegan and ask if there any considerations to take into account given your medical history.
• Nutrition, Food and Health
  • Plenty of plants are high in protein: tofu, beans, nut, seeds, quinoa and whole grains are all protein packers.
  • When you buy soy, almond, or rice milk, make sure it’s fortified with calcium. Same goes for orange juice.
  • Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are all good sources of healthy fats.
• Ask Questions
  • Real vegans (or someone with similar interests) can help you on your new adventure.
• Ease Into It
  • Listen to your body and be easy on yourself. You need to know how to properly substitute for certain elements such as protein and fats.
• Learn Better Uses of Tofu
  • Tofu is a good use of both protein and calcium, and you can prepare it in a variety of ways but it’s not as healthy as one might think. It takes a little getting used to, especially if you’ve never eaten much tofu before, but give it a chance.
• General Tips
  • You can get a vegan sandwich at Subway if you choose. They have lots of veggies with avocado spread or mustard to go with it.
  • Vegan sandwich options: hummus, peanut butter and jelly/banana, other nut butters (almond, cashew, etc), other jam flavors such as apple or blueberry.
  • Visit vegetarian restaurants and challenge yourself to learn their menus. If they will not share their secret recipes with you, try to imitate what you’ve enjoyed eating by looking for it or something similar to it in books or online.
  • Don’t give up!