![\"\"](\"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/VegStandbyneonbubble.jpg\" "\\"VegStandbyneonbubble\\"")
<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\nHave you considered going vegan?\u00a0 It may sound scary if you are new to veganism, but a plant-based diet is way healthier than one containing meat and dairy.<\/p>\n
Studies continue to show a plant-based diet prevents, and sometimes even cures, disease.\u00a0 The doctors who created Forks Over Knives <\/a>believe there would be no congestive heart disease if we all ate the vegan way.<\/p>\n So, why is meat and dairy so prominently touted as our best sources of protein and calcium?\u00a0 These are big businesses, especially here in the US, and they also have big marketing budgets.\u00a0\u00a0 I tried going vegan last year and was particularly concerned about whether or not I was getting enough calcium from the veggies I was eating.<\/p>\n After watching Forks Over Knives and reading several books recommending vegan dietary guidelines for health and beauty, it became apparent that many of these experts feel too much emphasis is being placed on calcium.\u00a0 Particularly that we have to get so much of it each day, and the best way to do this is by drinking cow\u2019s milk or consuming dairy products, like cheese and yogurt.\u00a0 Even your pediatrician delivers the annual calcium speech each time you take your child in for a check up.<\/p>\n Experts in veganism report that if you are eating a healthy plant-based diet, and not just filling up on junky non-meat\/dairy foods, you should be getting plenty of calcium.\u00a0 That is reassuring, but I don\u2019t want to get osteoporosis and I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t either.\u00a0 So, how much calcium do we need?<\/p>\n In my review of Kimberly Snyder\u2019s The Beauty Detox Solution <\/a>from last year, I wrote about her thoughts on calcium and why she feels dairy is not something we should consume at all.\u00a0 Our own Becky Striepe shares her own thoughts on calcium and eating vegan <\/a>\u2013 definitely worth a read if you are considering going vegan.<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s talk veganism.\u00a0 Do you want to give it a try?\u00a0 Afraid it will be too big a switch?\u00a0 Don\u2019t know where to begin?\u00a0 Last year at this time I gave it a go, but just could not make it last.\u00a0 Now I feel that my main mistake was completely switching over all at once and thinking too long term.\u00a0 Maybe the all or nothing tactic works better for you, but if you are a baby steps kind of person, a different approach may be all you need to make this healthy lifestyle switch stick.<\/p>\n Are you up for a vegan weekend challenge?<\/strong>\u00a0 Try eating only vegan this weekend.\u00a0 Here are some great vegan recipes <\/a>to get you started.\u00a0 Or simply try eliminating dairy this weekend and add meat to your don\u2019t eat list next weekend.\u00a0 A two day challenge may be just what it takes to test the waters, see how eating a vegan diet makes you feel, and whether or not the switch is right for you.<\/p>\n Please share your comments, questions or helpful tips on going vegan with the rest of us!<\/p>\n [Image by neonbubble at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license]<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"