It’s hard not to notice the push toward plant based diets and the planned disruption/destruction of the meat industry. Bug farms are the new thing. Bill can shove that. Seriously. Being vegan 24/7 actually isn’t that healthy. Vegans miss important nutrients needed for maintaining wellness.

It’s important to note that with careful planning, a vegan diet can be healthy and nutritionally adequate for certain stages of the life cycle, or for healing from chronic illness and disease. Many vegans successfully meet their nutritional needs by including a wide variety of plant-based foods, fortified products, and supplements when necessary. But care must be taken for the nutrients needed in the body that animal products provide best. Chinese Medicine does not recommend veganism.

If you’re considering a vegan diet, consulting a registered dietitian or nutritionist can be valuable in ensuring that you’re meeting your nutritional requirements. Also consider, that doing it forever may not be beneficial. While a vegan diet can offer health, spiritual and some environmental benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges and nutritional considerations.

Here are some potential challenges and concerns associated with being vegan:

1. Nutrient Deficiencies: Vegans may be at risk of certain nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, collagen, hydroxyproline and protein. Careful meal planning is necessary to ensure that these nutrients are obtained through plant-based sources or supplements.
2. Protein Intake: Getting enough protein on a vegan diet can be a concern, but it’s generally manageable by incorporating protein-rich plant foods like beans, lentils, edamame, and quinoa into your meals. 
3. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, and a deficiency can lead to anemia, nerve damage, and other health issues. Vegans should consider taking a B12 supplement or consuming fortified foods.
4. Calcium and Bone Health: Without dairy products, vegans should be vigilant about obtaining enough calcium from fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens, and fortified foods to support bone health.
5. Iron Absorption: Non-heme iron from plant sources is less easily absorbed by the body than heme iron from animal products. Vegans should consume iron-rich foods alongside vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption. Examples of iron-rich foods include lentils, chickpeas, fortified cereals, and pumpkin seeds.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, are mainly found in fish. Vegans can obtain these essential fatty acids from algae-based oil supplements, which are derived from algae (a type of seaweed).
7. Weight Management: While a vegan diet can promote weight loss and overall health, it’s still important to balance caloric intake and choose nutrient-dense foods to avoid excessive calorie consumption. Nutrient-dense vegan foods include leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, quinoa, and whole grains.
8. Societal and Social Challenges: Eating out or finding vegan options in certain settings may be challenging. This can sometimes lead to social discomfort or limited food choices when dining with non-vegans. To alleviate these challenges, it’s helpful to check the menu in advance when dining out and consider eating a small meal or snack before attending social gatherings to ensure you have suitable food options.
9. Cultural and Social Considerations: Some individuals follow vegan diets for ethical or religious reasons, which can involve navigating social and cultural expectations. No one is wrong or right for being vegan or not. It’s a personal choice. What people need over the course of their lives changes. I’ve often suggested breaks for vegan fertility clients. But if it’s for religious or spiritual reasons, there can be no breaks. Care must be taken to get all the nutrients needed while remaining true to chosen values. Religious vegans may have to regularly take supplements since the potential nutritional inadequacies will be long term or lifetime.
10. Cooking and Meal Planning: Preparing well-balanced vegan meals and finding variety can require more thought and planning compared to an omnivorous diet. It’s easy to fall into the coffee, bread and pasta diet, but it’s not healthy. Set aside some weekly time for meal prep and kitchen scheduling. You’ll be more likely to succeed.

It’s important to note that with careful planning, a vegan diet can be healthy and nutritionally adequate. Many vegans successfully meet their nutritional needs by including a wide variety of plant-based foods, fortified products, and supplements when necessary. If you’re considering a vegan diet, consulting a registered dietitian or nutritionist can be valuable in ensuring that you’re meeting your nutritional requirements.