We’ve gathered insights from nine experts, including CEOs and a CMO, to debunk common myths about the vegan lifestyle. From being just a diet to not having enough protein, these leaders share their knowledge and experiences to help dispel misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of veganism.
- Veganism is Just a Diet
- Too Many Nutritional Deficiencies
- Vegans Only Eat Salads
- Not Enough Flavor Diversity
- People Can’t Afford the Vegan Diet
- Hard to Maintain the Diet
- Can’t Find Satiating Food Options
- More Than an Ethical Choice
- Not Enough Protein Available
Veganism is Just a Diet
One common myth about the vegan lifestyle is that it’s merely a diet, a holistic approach to life.
Drawing from my experience, I view my choices as a form of mindfulness. Each meal becomes an act of conscious living, a moment to reflect on our impact on the environment, animals, and well-being. Being vegan helps you become more aware of your thoughts and actions and is a daily reminder to live with intention and compassion.
For instance, as a mindfulness exercise, you could visualize the journey of your food from source to plate. This exercise will deepen your understanding of veganism and also support you in developing a more profound sense of gratitude and connection to the world around you.
Bayu Prihandito, Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
Too Many Nutritional Deficiencies
One common misconception about the vegan lifestyle is that it’s inherently deficient in essential nutrients, particularly protein and B12. This myth can be debunked by highlighting that a well-planned vegan diet can easily provide all necessary nutrients.
Vegans can obtain protein from legumes, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Plant-based protein sources are rich in fiber and beneficial phytochemicals, contributing to overall health.
As for vitamin B12, while it’s primarily found in animal products, vegans can obtain it through fortified foods, supplements, or fortified nutritional yeast.
The notion that a vegan diet lacks essential nutrients can be dispelled by emphasizing the importance of a varied and balanced diet, proper meal planning, and occasionally consulting a registered dietitian. Many vegans lead healthy lives while meeting their nutritional requirements, showcasing that the vegan lifestyle can be nutritionally adequate and fulfilling.
Mark Van Putte, CEO, Huge Supplements
Vegans Only Eat Salad
A prevalent misconception about the vegan lifestyle is that vegans only eat salads. From a personal angle, when I first adopted a vegan diet, my family was surprised at a dinner gathering when I brought a rich, hearty vegan lasagna. They were expecting the usual greens but were greeted with layers of delicious pasta, cashew-based cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce.
The table was abuzz with surprise and delight. Moments like these debunk the myth and showcase the vast, delicious array of foods the vegan lifestyle offers beyond just salads.
Derek Bruce, First Aid Training Director, Skills Training Group
Not Enough Flavor Diversity
Vegan Diets Are Bland. One common myth about the vegan lifestyle is that vegan diets are bland and lack flavor. From a personal standpoint, I once believed this, too, until I attended a vegan friend’s dinner party.
She served various dishes—spicy chickpea curry, creamy avocado pasta, and a rich chocolate cake from beetroot and cocoa. Each bite was bursting with flavor, debunking the myth entirely. I realized then that vegan food is as diverse and tasty as any other cuisine; it’s all about how you prepare and season it.
Talita Moraes, CMO, Tarotoo
People Can’t Afford the Vegan Diet
One of the common myths encountered is that vegan diets are excessively expensive. Remembering the transition to a vegan lifestyle, friends teased, “Get ready to empty your wallet!”
Yet, in reality, the weekly grocery bill didn’t skyrocket. Some weeks, it was even lower. The focus was primarily on whole foods like beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. The trip to the local farmers’ market turned into a delightful ritual. There, fresh produce was abundant and often more affordable.
Over time, it’s learned that a vegan lifestyle can be as economical as any, depending on the choices.
Thomas Giarraputo, Vice President, Executive Cleaning Services
Hard to Maintain the Diet
It takes a lot of work to maintain a balanced vegan diet. This is one of the most commonly held myths about veganism that can be easily debunked. Eating a balanced vegan diet requires very little planning, as plenty of plant-based alternatives are available for every food group.
Furthermore, many healthy vegan recipes are available online, making following a healthy vegan diet easier than ever. Another way to ensure you get enough essential nutrients is to supplement your diet with a multivitamin. This will ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health—without worrying about missing out on essential nutrients.
Ryan Hetrick, CEO, Epiphany Wellness
Can’t Find Satiating Food Options
Many people think going vegan means you’ll never feel truly full again. While a vegan diet that doesn’t contain enough fat or protein might make you feel hunger pangs, veggie-based eating can be incredibly satisfying and filling. Add enough healthy fat, like avocado, and protein, like beans and legumes, to every meal, and you’ll enjoy a full belly without the heaviness of overeating meat and dairy.
You’ll likely experience an adjustment period in which you feel hungrier as your stomach adjusts to the change. To reduce those hungry feelings, you can either transition to veganism more slowly by cutting down on animal products before cutting them out or go cold “turkey.” Wait 3-4 weeks for your stomach to adjust fully.
Paul Kushner, CEO, My Bartender
More Than an Ethical Choice
People who know little about veganism may think vegans try to adopt a trendy, healthy lifestyle. While this may be true in some cases, true vegans care deeply about animal rights. They do not believe in eating anything from animals because they do not support how animals are exploited for the benefit of humans.
Miles Beckett, Co-Founder and CEO, Flossy
Not Enough Protein Available
A prevailing misconception about the vegan lifestyle is that it lacks sufficient protein intake. This myth can be debunked by highlighting diverse plant-based protein sources. Legumes like lentils and beans, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and even fortified plant-based foods can provide ample protein.
Moreover, showcasing vegan athletes and bodybuilders who excel without animal products demonstrates that protein needs can be met. Consulting registered dietitians who specialize in plant-based nutrition can provide evidence-based guidance. Education about balanced vegan diets, rich in various protein sources, dispels the notion that veganism inherently leads to protein deficiencies, underscoring its viability and nutritional adequacy.
Aviad Faruz, CEO, Know Mastery
Go Green, Bite by Bite: Smooth Sailing into Veganism
- Start Small: You don’t have to make a 180-degree turn overnight. Start by replacing one meal a week with a plant-based alternative.
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Read up on the nutritional benefits of a vegan diet and discover how you can meet all your nutritional needs without animal products.
- Discover Vegan Swaps: With so many vegan substitutes on the market, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to swap out dairy and meat without missing out on taste.
- Meal Prep is Your Friend: Spend some time prepping delicious vegan meals on the weekend. That way, you’re less tempted to go off course during the week.
- Join Online Communities: There’s a whole tribe of plant-based pioneers. Connect with them for recipe swaps, restaurant recommendations, and moral support.
- Tap into Tech: Plenty of apps are designed to help you find vegan options in stores and restaurants.
- Mind the Gap: Take a supplement for nutrients you might miss out on, like Vitamin B12, which is often lacking in plant-based diets.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Every change comes with its ups and downs. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up; it’s all part of the journey.
The Vegan Dialogue: How to Talk Veganism without Losing Friends
- Be Informed, Not Condescending: Arm yourself with facts, but present them in a way that invites conversation rather than shutting it down.
- Choose the Right Moment: The middle of a steak dinner probably isn’t the best time to extol the virtues of veganism.
- Personalize Your Story: Share your reasons for going vegan. It’s harder to argue with a personal story than with abstract ideas.
- Be a Listener: Sometimes, people have legitimate concerns or misconceptions about veganism. Listening allows you to address those effectively.
- Be Tolerant: You won’t convert everyone, and that’s okay. The point is to foster understanding, even if the other person isn’t ready to leap.
- Use Humor: A little humor can diffuse tension and make the conversation more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Lead by Example: Sometimes, the best argument is living well. Show how happy and healthy you are, and let people come to their conclusions.
Images: DepositPhotos
