Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Health: Vitamins

I think the best way to be sure you're getting proper nutrition in your vegan diet is to eat a lot of leafy greens, and a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies. I listen to my body, and if I'm craving carrots I'll eat them because my body is telling me I need more Beta Carotene. If I'm craving broccoli, my body probably wants more iron. And if I'm craving oranges, or orange juice my body is telling me I need more Calcium, or Vitamin C (same with strawberries, which have more Vitamin C than oranges). If we take the time to become more aware of our bodies, and listen to them, we can feed them the fuel they are asking for. Cutting out over-processed foods (containing high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils) help awaken your senses to your own health, and give you more energy.

When I make sure to eat good, fresh, veggie-laden meals, rather than be a junk food vegan (just because its vegan does not mean its "health" food) I feel energized, and satisfied. There are also a variety of vegan vitamin supplements that are available, and I do take some on occasion though not daily because I don't think its necessary. If you are someone who likes taking vitamins, and believes in supplements (we all adhere to different beliefs) here's the ones that I like and take when I'm so inclined.

Hard-To-Get-Elsewhere (not in tablet form), Power Foods, and Supplements:
Vegan B12- Nutritional Yeast
Vegan Omegas- Flax Seed/Flax Seed Oil
Vegan Iron, B12, Protein, Calcium, Beta Carotene- Spirulina, Blue Green Algae Powder
Also Vegans can get Protein from- Beans, Wheat Protein, Soy (should be eaten in moderation), Nuts, Seeds, Oats, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Seitan, Tempeh, Potatoes.
Yerba Mate is rich in Iron, Protein, Calcium,Vitamin C and Potassium
Kombucha great for digestion, liver, skin, and all over health.
Vitamins in a Bottle I'll Take:
Garden of Life, Vitamin Code - Raw Vitamin E
Hero Nutritionals, Slice of Life Gummy Vitamins for Adults - Omega 3-6-9
Rainbow - Women's One a Day

Here are two lists of vegan supplements to choose from too:
Vegan Essentials
Vegetarian Vitamin


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