Vegan MoFo ’13 – Page 3

I’m a Vegan, But…

By theveganasana | September 22, 2013 - 12:57 pm | September 22, 2013 Vegan MoFo '13, Veganism

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I’m a vegan, but I don’t see you as “less than” if you aren’t.

I’m a vegan, but I don’t dislike food.

I’m a vegan, but I do eat things that aren’t particularly healthy.

I’m a vegan, but I don’t always shop at Whole Foods or Wegmans.

I’m a vegan, but I’ve raised omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan children.

I’m a vegan, but I don’t have a weak body.

I’m a vegan, but I can eat at the same table with an omnivore.

I’m a vegan, but I won’t comment on your food when you are eating.

I’m a vegan, but I don’t make a big fuss about what is served at meals I attend.

I’m a vegan, but I like pie, nachos, cake, potato chips, and even pudding.

I’m a vegan, but I understand the reasons for sustenance hunting.

I’m a vegan, but I can still compliment you on your pretty wool tweed jacket.

I’m a vegan, but I’m not sitting in silent judgment of you all the time.

I’m a vegan, but I don’t feel the need to announce it when not directly applicable.

I’m a vegan, but have no dietary vitamin deficiencies.

I’m a vegan, but I will cook for omnivores as needed.

I’m a vegan, but I can still love you if you aren’t.

I’m a vegan.

Win a Nutrition Consultation

By theveganasana | September 21, 2013 - 12:23 pm | September 21, 2013 Nutrition, Vegan MoFo '13, Vegan Recipes, Veganism

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As regular readers know, I’ve been learning about nutrition issues for years, but only recently received an official certification as a nutrition consultant.

So, this being the month of VeganMoFo and in celebration of the Autumnal Equinox, I would like to offer up a free nutrition consultation to 2 readers. This can be done online, if you aren’t local, or face-to-face if you are.

You don’t have to be vegan to enter or receive the consultation, but know that I am, and I believe strongly in the value of a plant-based diet.

You can get one entry in the contest for each of the following:

Subscribe to TheVeganAsana feed by email and then post a comment below.
Follow TheVeganAsana on Twitter and then post a comment below with your twitter handle.
Like TheVeganAsana on Facebook and then post a comment below.
Link a TheVeganAsana post on your blog and post the blog link below.
Retweet a TheVeganAsana tweet and post the tweet link below.

Be sure to provide an email address on your comment form, so that I can contact you if you win.

Winners will be selected on September 25th.

Thanks for playing! Tell your friends!

B-12 and Veganism – Flashback Friday

By theveganasana | September 20, 2013 - 3:40 pm | September 20, 2013 Nutrition, Vegan MoFo '13, Veganism

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There are many vitamins and minerals that we hear about in the media, from medical professionals, and from our parents/family growing up. We mostly understand that we require some calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and iron. We understand that we need protein (though there are very interesting debates about how much). However, many of us have no clue about the B vitamins. Vitamin B12 can be a particular issue for those on a vegan diet who do not consume fortified food/drink (like soymilk). Thus, raw vegans may be more inclined to a B12 deficiency.

Why is this important? B12 is a vitamin that the body requires (like folic acid) to make red blood cells. The body cannot synthesize B12; it must be consumed in the diet. I’m sure that I don’t need to explain that red blood cells are pretty important to our oxygenation and thus our overall health and wellness.

In a typical Westernized diet, people generally absorb sufficient quantities of B12 by eating meat, eggs, and dairy products. Those who consume a vegan diet, or those who eat a very limited variety of foods (which can be more common in older adults), may find it very difficult to consume adequate B12. Additionally, some medical conditions (including Crohn’s disease) and medications (including popular stomach acid reducers) may make it hard for the body to absorb enough B12 through diet.

Often, people are unaware that they have a B12 deficiency unless/until it becomes severe. Symptoms can include fatigue, bleeding gums, weight loss, dizziness. Persistent B12 deficiency can even lead to nerve damage and the associated physical and mental symptoms.

If you suspect that you have a B12 problem, your physician can test for anemia and B12 levels. However, even if you don’t think testing is needed, it’s probably a good idea to think about how much B12 you are consuming and whether you need to supplement your dietary levels. For those on a vegan, but not raw, diet, soy milk and other processed vegan foods may be fortified with B12. For individuals on a raw diet, B12 (or full spectrum B) vitamins are readily available in most pharmacies, GNC stores, or online.

If you would like more information about the role of B12 in the body and supplementation, check out:

American Family Physician article on B12 deficiency

The Vegetarian Society B12 information sheet