FAQ
How long have you been vegan for?
I have been vegan for 1 and 1/2 years. I transitioned overnight in the beginning of 2015 after I was shocked by a video by Freelee the Banana Girl on why Milk was bad for you. After being exposed to the cruelty of the dairy industry and soon becoming aware of the truth behind animal agriculture.I couldn't continue to support an industry fueled by profit and pain. From that point onward I decided to do even more research which lead me to where I am today.
How many calories do I eat in a day?
I don't believe in the concept of counting calories and restricting your diet. I follow what my body feels in the moment but I always make sure I consume at least 3-4 meals a day though I typically will have 5-6 meals throughout the day. We are humans therefore we run on carbohydrates which is what fuels us everyday so we can get our bodies moving. A big problem with people switching to veganism is that they do not eat enough and claim it has made them feel a lack of energy. What you need to understand is that plant based foods are less calorie dense than animal products which are calorie dense therefore it is important to eat more than you would have before switching to veganism.
Do I take any supplements?
I take B12 oral drops once a day that contains 50μg of methylcobalamin. Too many vegans believe that if you eat a wholesome diet consisting of a variety of plant based foods that supplementation is not required when this is not true. B12 is difficult to source at a sufficient amount from plant based sources in a world lacking in affordable organic produce which is why it is so important EVERYONE supplements this. I really recommend this unbiased article with no vested interest by Don Bennett :http://health101.org/art_B12_Bottom_Line.htm
I live in a high sun environment in New Zealand where vitamin is plentiful especially in the summer but in winter months I occasionally supplement Vitamin D. Another good read by Don Bennett is his in depth article on Vitamin D:
http://health101.org/art_cancer_vitamin_D.htm
I believe it is better to be safe then sorry with vitamins that are difficult to source in a stable and sufficient amount.
What Sources of information do you recommend?
Here are just a few favourites:Ethics
Earthlings Documentary (2005)
Environment
Cowspiracy Documentary (2014)
Health
Forks Over Knives Documentary (2011)
http://www.Nutritionfacts.Org
The China Study Book by T. Colin Campbell
The Starch Solution Book by John A. Mcdougall
