A vegan diet and lifestyle are becoming more and more popular each day. It still has its controversy, but some people are determined to stop eating meat and dairy. If you are willing to start a vegan diet, then here is a list of basic foods you must eat.

Legumes

Legumes like beans, lentils, and other derivatives are very important for you if you want to start a vegan lifestyle. just eating fruits and vegetables will not cut it. You need something sustainable to help you get through the day with sufficient energy. This is where legumes and lentils come in. legumes, beans, and lentils contain high quantities of iron, zins, fiber, and protein. Fibers are necessary for having a healthy digestive system. Protein builds muscle mass, and it provides a sustainable energy source. Iron and zinc are important nutrients for you, which help with your heart health and make your hair and nails stronger. Overall, legumes are the key staple to a vegan diet.

Nuts and Nut Butters

Yummy, silky, and full of good things for you, nut and seed butter are also very important for you, if you are considering starting a vegan lifestyle. nut butter also provides necessary omega threes and essential fatty acids. No matter what your diet is, having some amount of fat is very good for you, so it can make you last throughout the day. Fat is very important for you, because they act as a a reserved energy source for you, so when you run out of carbohydrates and protein in your body, fat is the next best energy source for you. So, it is best to keep a small reserve of fat in your body. Nuts also provide a lot of energy and are great for your skin and hair.

Meat Substitutes

Being a vegan doesn’t mean you must always say goodbye to meat. You can find many alternatives to meat, which provide the same, or even more, protein and energy for you. One of the best meat substitutes for vegans is tofu. Tofu is made up of soybeans, and it contains a lot of protein and it is an excellent source of calcium as well. Soybeans are packed with calcium, which will also fulfill your calcium requirements. You can also use tofu in desserts in place of cream cheese for making silky and smooth cheesecakes and tiramisu. See? Being vegan doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy everything. It’s all about finding the right stuff with the right nutrients.

Plant-Based Milk And “Dairy” Products

Since vegans cannot consume normal dairy milk, it is also necessary to find substitutes for it. Luckily, there is a huge variety of milk available in the market today, which are non-dairy. These milk are made from nuts like almonds, coconut, and soybeans. As mentioned previously, soybeans and nuts are full of vital nutrients for you, and they also contain a lot of calcium as well, so consuming these milk will fulfill your calcium requirements a lot and the best part is that they taste almost the same as “regular” milk. Plant-based milk is also very easy to make at home. To make your own almond milk, you will need to blend water with raw and soaked almonds. After blending, you can pass it through a fine sieve or a cheesecloth and store it in your fridge.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should be a no-brainer in every diet. They fulfill different needs for vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are good for you, even if you are a vegan or not. The best part about fruits and vegetables is that vegans can enjoy all types of fruits and vegetables without restrictions. All fruits and vegetables are great for you, so there is no need to list them out.

A balanced diet is key, no matter what the diet is, either vegan, keto, or normal. It is necessary that you consume all of the necessary vitamins and minerals, even if you are planning on going vegan. So, note the above foods, look up their nutritional value and prepare a balanced diet.