Top 5 Tips on Nutritional Balance for Vegans
1. Get Regular blood tests
Vegans are in the group of those at high risk of iron, calcium and B12 deficiency. Luckily these are easily checked through blood test by your GP. Your aim is to be on the high end of the test results. If you are showing signs of levels dropping make sure to increase your green leafy vegetables and legumes. If you drop to the low end of the scale, supplementation is necessary! Don’t wait until you’re considered clinically deficient to supplement, you want to make sure nutritionally you can be the best you!
2. It’s all about the plant proteins
Avoid all those tempting starchy carbohydrates and ensure you are having a high protein portion to each meal including snacks. This means lots of nuts, seeds, beans and other legumes. You may even what to try a few vegetable based protein powders to keep the intake up if you are exercising regularly. (Try NutraOrganics Clean Protein)
3. Don’t forget about Omega
Everyone needs more omega 3 in their diets, not just vegans. Keep up your nuts and seeds, add flaxseed oil and olive oil to all your salads, or take it straight off the spoon if you want, but make sure you are getting a daily dose of omega 3. Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cardioprotective.
4. Know your quality supplements
Not all supplements are vegan so read the labels carefully. Get to know your local health food shop and the trained staff there who can help you. Do your research and make sure that the nutritional or herbal supplements you decide to take are the best available. Don’t be afraid to ask if you are not sure which supplements are the best one for you.
5. Prepare your meals
When we don’t have plans this is often when we crash and fall. Planning your meals, doing regular large shopping trips and cooking as much as possible will make a vegan lifestyle and nutritional status so much more healthy and maintainable. Buying lunches can be a major nutritional downfall for most people so choose a food prep day and include all the foods you need to balance your meals to ensure you are a thriving vegan!