Mythbusting - 6 Vegan Myths and Stereotypes Debunked
What’s the deal with vegans? Those skinny, malnourished, holier-than-thou carrot munchers. Trying to save the planet and the animals – what jerks.
Though we’re obviously being ironic, the sentiment above expresses what it can feel sometimes for vegans. Before you buy into the stereotypes, join us as we take a look at the reality behind the most common vegan myths.
Vegans Only Eat Rabbit Food
If you have never checked out vegan junk food hashtags on Instagram, you could be forgiven for assuming this is true, and it certainly has been true in the past.
These days, though, you really would have to go out of your way to eat like a rabbit on a vegan diet. There are vegan versions of everything, including milk, eggs, meat, cakes, chocolate, ice cream, sauces, and anything else you can imagine. Vegan food has got it going on these days.
All Vegans Are Skinny
Vegans exist in bodies of all shapes and sizes, not just that thin and gaunt stereotype you might have seen in the past. Humans are omnivores, so while we can be healthy eating animal products, we are also very much able to do brilliantly well on a balanced vegan diet. Just as you can thrive on a vegan diet, you can also grow muscles or get curvaceous. There’s so much good stuff to eat nowadays that vegans are spoiled for choice.
Vegans Are Weak
Haven’t you heard of Popeye?! Haven’t you seen how ripped gorillas are? You can build a lot of muscle on a vegan diet, which the Game Changers documentary highlighted really well. Sure, some vegans can be weak, but this is more to do with human nature than their diet. Some people just aren’t inclined to get hench. However, the possibility of getting strong is always there for vegans if they want – the science supports this hypothesis.
Vegans Are Malnourished
Interestingly, science actually says more about the various health risks that are reduced with a vegan diet, than any negatives or risks associated with eating this way.
Should you take vitamins like B12 as a vegan? Speak to your doctor, and look into it yourself. If you do want to supplement, there are many fortified foods available. You’ll also find plenty of easy vitamin sprays and gummies that you can enjoy as part of your diet.
How Do You Know Somebody Is Vegan? They Will Tell You!
A lot of vegans will tell you they have had their fair share of dinners where they said nothing about being vegan and were in fact outed by a friend or family member – “John’s vegan, you know” – cringe.
The fact is, if a vegan is loud and proud about their diet, it is just because they want you to know how this amazing way of living helps the planet. Most of the time, the last thing a vegan wants to discuss is the details of their diet or yours. Unless, of course, they’ve just discovered the wonder of acai bowls.
Cooking For A Vegan Is Hard
If you’re not into cooking, you can easily pick up all kinds of vegan foods from the supermarket if a vegan friend is coming over. If you’re into cooking, try any of the recipes on OneGreenPlanet, and you’ll whip up a storm. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your vegan guest for ideas – they will be more than happy to recommend things to cook or bring along a dish themselves.
So there you have it – not all vegans are skinny, pious, preachers dedicated to ruining dinner parties. Some are, but that's just society right? It takes all kinds.
