10 Habits of the Healthiest Vegans

There are many personal reasons why people choose to become vegan. The health benefits of a vegan diet are, however, one of the key motivations for many.

But choosing a vegan diet is not the same thing as being a good vegan.

To help you make sure you are on the right track, here are 10 habits of the healthiest vegans.

Are you one of them?

CREATING GOOD HABITS

“Create healthy habits, not restrictions.”

1. EATING WHOLE FOODS

Vegans with the healthiest of diets will choose foods that are as unprocessed and as unrefined as possible – with whole grains rather than milled flours, for example.

2. EATING PLENTY OF VARIED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

It should go without saying that  healthy vegan diet includes a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten seasonally throughout the year.

3. EATING NUTS & PULSES REGULARLY

A healthy vegan diet also includes a good quantity of nuts and pulses, to provide other essential nutritional elements for non-meat eaters.

4. COMBINING FOODS CORRECTLY

It is not just what you eat as a vegan but also how you combine your foods that is important. Combine foods to create complete proteins, to increase absorption of vitamins and to improve the nutritional profiles of your meals.

5. CHOOSING ORGANIC OPTIONS WHERE POSSIBLE

Organic food can cost a little more – but paying extra is worth it for the peace of mind of knowing you are not ingesting harmful chemicals that were sprayed on the crops.

Organic food is better for you – better for the planet too.

6. GROWING & PRESERVING FOOD

One way to reduce costs and make it easier than ever to eat healthy, fresh, organic food is to grow at least some of your own.

Gardening is good for your health too – body and mind. Grow fresh herbs and salads, fruits and vegetables for the most sustainable and eco-friendly meals.

7. AVOIDING PROCESSED FOOD

Heavily processed foods are generally speaking not good for your health. The healthiest vegans know that avoiding as much processed food as possible is the way to go. No one is saying that you can always make everything from scratch, but doing as much as you can in the best policy.

8. AVOIDING JUNK FOOD

Junk food may seem very tempting, especially when you are first starting out as a vegan and feeling cravings left right and centre.

But it is a good idea to have commitment to your wholesome vegan diet and to eschew easy ’empty’ calories in favor of real food with good nutritional content.

9. CARING FOR THE BODY IN EVERY WAY

The healthiest of vegans know that being healthy is about far more than just eating right. If you want to be the healthiest you can be as a vegan, don’t neglect your body’s other needs.

Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, relax and exercise regularly.

10. CARING FOR MIND AS WELL AS BODY

Healthy body, healthy mind? When you are eating a good vegan diet and taking care of your physical health, be sure not to neglect your mental well-being.

Take time to do things that you love to do, relax and focus with yoga, or meditation, or simply take a good long walk on a beautiful day and enjoy nature around you.

CONCLUSION

The healthiest vegans are those who take good care of their bodies and minds, who eat well and consider the world around them as well as themselves.

Ashley Woodward

I’m currently 31 and based out of sunny Sacramento, CA. I’m a mother of 2 beautiful kids, a certified nutritionist, and a fitness buff that’s spent years dialing in the perfect diet. My goal here is to help as many people as possible learn about the benefits of eating vegan, and want to share my passion with other people who also have a love for cooking and trying new recipes.