"Vegan Veggies"

Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use or consumption of any animal products or by-products. This includes meat, dairy, eggs. and more. Although there is much debate over whether certain foods, such as honey, fit into a vegan diet, all vegetables are, in fact, vegan. Vegetables are an essential part of veganism, and often consumed as the main food item in meals. A BBC game show once claimed that almonds, avocados, kiwi, and butternut squash are not vegan because they can't exist without bees. The Vegan Society refuted these claims and stated that these items are, in fact, vegan. 

How To Incorporate Vegetables Into Your Vegan Diet

Studies show that plant protein is healthier than animal protein. That means that practicing a vegan diet is not only good for animals and the environment, but it is also beneficial for your health. Here are some ways that you can incorporate veggies into your next vegan meal. 

Broccoli 

Broccoli is a great source of vitamin K and calcium. Broccoli is a great vegetable to serve as a side dish or incorporate it into a main dish. Tasty vegan broccoli recipes are just a Google search away. Some of the most popular ones include broccoli pasta and broccoli stir-fry.  

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are some of the most popular items seen in vegan foods. They are found in Buddha bowls, which are very popular in the vegan community. A Buddha bowl consists of small portions of different types of food, usually served cold. Sweet potatoes topped with vegan toppings are also a nutritious and filling meal. 

Spinach

Spinach is an essential part of any healthy diet. Make a healthy salad with spinach or use it to make a vegan wrap. Spinach is also a great option to spice up anything from rice to pasta. 

Peppers

These colorful vegetables are a perfect ingredient for vegan tacos or fajitas. You can even make stuffed peppers with tofu or vegan cheese and any of your other favorite ingredients. Green peppers can also be a great topping for a vegan pizza.

Cauliflower

Another staple in the vegan world. This vegetable takes on the flavor of whatever it's cooked with. This is a great choice if you're craving vegan buffalo or barbeque wings. Cauliflowers can be used as a substitute for meat to make something like sesame cauliflower. Cauliflower rice and pizza crust are also becoming popular mainstream food items.

Carrots

Highly nutritional carrots are a great vegan snack. They also are a great addition to any meal. Roasted carrots are a perfect side dish. Carrots can also be used to make vegan soups or curry.

Beets

This vegetable isn't typically used as much in vegan recipes but can be just as great as the vegetables listed above. A colorful beet salad is nutritious and delicious. You can also get creative and make dishes like vegan fried rice.

What to Avoid When Incorporating Vegetables

As a vegan, it can be difficult to find meals that are in line with your diet when dining at a restaurant or not making your own food. It may be tempting to just order the grilled veggies, but the way the vegetables are prepared can cause them to become not vegan. At many restaurants, the veggies can be cooked in butter or animal fat.  Additionally, many vegetable soups can contain meat stock or broth. Tempura veggies can contain eggs in the batter. You can never be too careful, so making our own food or calling ahead can ensure that you are only consuming vegan foods.

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