Vegan diets seem to be one of the most understood when it comes to nutrient value. Not only that, but many people feel like adopting a vegan diet is too much of a challenge, despite the potential health and lifestyle benefits. But with a meal kit service, you just might find that it’s easier and more delicious than ever to consume an entirely plant-based diet. Here we’ll explain what a vegan diet is, what the pros and cons are, and how the right meal kit service can help you meet your nutrition requirements and dietary goals.
What is a Vegan Diet?
A vegan or plant-based diet includes foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, grains, and more. It doesn’t include meat, seafood, or any other animal-derived products. For most people who follow a vegan diet, for example, honey and gelatin are not considered plant-based foods because they involve animal contributions.
On a vegan diet, you won’t consume any dairy, eggs, or processed food that uses animal-based ingredients. Often, “natural flavors” include animal-based products, which can make reading labels tricky.
But while whole foods are the best way to get all the nutrients you need to be successful with a vegan diet, some products, such as dressings, are “accidentally” vegan, too. Of course, reading labels can become time-consuming and frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what to look for.
The average vegan diet includes plenty of fresh produce, beans or legumes, nuts and seeds, healthy grains, and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. It can also feature the occasional treat, prepared with animal-free ingredients. With adequate preparation, you can create a well-rounded and nutrient-packed meal plan that won’t leave you feeling bored.
Benefits of a Vegan Diet
While it might seem daunting at first, adopting a vegan diet will present you with plenty of food choices and good nutrition. With a varied and nutrient-rich vegan diet, you can expect plenty of health benefits, including:
- Lower fat intake
- Higher vitamin intake
- Lowered risk of heart disease
- Improved kidney function
- Higher fiber intake
In general, people consuming a vegan diet eat less fat than those who eat an omnivorous diet. Also, most vegans successfully consume more fiber than their non-vegan counterparts, which can help with digestion.
Overall, studies have reported that people who follow plant-based diets have fewer instances of heart disease, lower risk of cancer, and even improved kidney function as there are fewer toxins for your body to process.
Cons of a Vegan Diet
If you’re not careful with your vegan diet, it’s possible it could become unhealthy. Without adequate meal prep, you may also find it’s difficult to eat healthily and conveniently. The drawbacks of an improperly managed vegan diet include:
- B12 deficiency
- Inadequate protein intake
- Lack of variety
- Inadequate calcium intake
However, with a bit of meal prep and planning, you can achieve a thoroughly healthy and tasty diet while sticking with plant-based diets.
How Can a Meal Kit Service Help You Get on Track with a Vegan Diet?
Eating a vegan diet can seem daunting at first. Apart from fruits and veggies, what can you actually eat? And while some shelf-stable and convenience foods are vegan, you are better off nutritionally (and cost-wise) with preparing fresh meals.
To that end, a meal kit service can make transitioning to a plant-based diet easier than ever. Your meal kit will arrive with pre-portioned ingredients and helpful step-by-step recipes. Instead of scouring the grocery store shelves for uncommon ingredients, then looking up recipes online, you have everything delivered to your door in a ready-to-prep kit.
And although eating an entirely organic diet is often more expensive—and less accessible—than conventional-grown foods, many meal kits offer completely organic and vegan options. This way, you get all the benefits of a healthy vegan diet without the challenge of doing it all on your own.
Meal Kit Services for Vegan Diets
Getting started with a vegan diet can be a challenge. But fortunately, our team of experts has tried all the best options for this diet. Get our full detailed ranking for best meal kits for vegans and get started on your vegan diet as soon as your first meal kit arrives at your doorstep.
