Read this blog before you go vegan!

Since we launched our vegan beetroot + ginger shot, our customers were crazy about its unique flavour and health properties. We are so pleased that our customers are truly in love with this shot! Many of our customers are interested in this shot due to the fact it is our first vegan shot.

I am not vegan, but I often question if this lifestyle is right for me or for my family and loved ones. As such, I decided to research what makes veganism tick and present my findings to anyone who may be curious about going vegan.

Have you asked the questions below from yourself as well?

• Is it healthier to go vegan?
• What are the benefits of going vegan?
• Why is the vegan diet popular?

Through asking myself these questions I found that veganism is a fantastic way to learn more about nutrition and cooking while also improving your diet. Plant-based nutrition frees up more space in your diet for health-promoting foods like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, which are high in essential fibre, vitamins, and minerals. But there are absolutely more reasons why you it’s good to go vegan like:

 For animals:

People who have some emotional attachments with animals and believe that they have a right to life and freedom, are surely the ones who go vegan first to prevent the exploitation of animals. Veganism is one of the most effective ways to help stop animal suffering. A vegan diet means refusing to pay for animal products lowering in demand for meat, resulting in fewer animals being bred to suffer and die on farms and in slaughterhouses.

These values can be translated to cosmetics and skincare too. It is more likely that vegan people also choose cruelty-free products including skincare. The term "cruelty-free" refers to a product that has not been tested on animals, including its ingredients and components.

For your health:

Firstly, let me mention that going vegan is suitable for people of all ages and stages of life, according to the British Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. To stay healthy, there is a need to have a healthy eating guideline. A healthy eating guideline provides all the nutrients that our bodies require. Vegan diets have been associated to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as lower incidences of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers, according to certain studies.

Please keep in mind that you are not obligated to Switch at once!

It is always important to research more about the plus points and drawbacks of going vegan. I suggest you ask people who are vegan for a long time, from a dietitian or your nutritionist and remember that you won’t wake up one morning magically vegan. Therefore, it takes work, and it takes time. I would recommend you add more plant-based foods to your diet first, instead of cutting back on all animal products. Then make modest modifications, keeping track of how you're feeling along the way!

Reading food labels should be part of your habits

Checking food labels and verifying ingredients is necessary if you're warming up to a vegan lifestyle. Just because a food item isn't clearly non-vegan doesn't mean it's appropriate for a vegan diet. You should look for a label that says, 'Suitable For Vegans' or a 'Certified Vegan' emblem is the best method to tell if a product is vegan. If the product contains dairy, eggs, or seafood, the allergy ingredients list will mention so. When it comes to the UK, if a product is created in a factory with allergies, the maker must state so. Because the majority of dietary allergies are found in animal products, you may see a warning regarding milk, eggs, or even shellfish on a vegan product. Don't be concerned. It is still vegan.

You may ask when you eating out at a restaurant, how do you eat vegan?

The good news is that as more restaurants become aware of dietary restrictions and allergies, more menu alternatives for individuals who require them are becoming available.

Here are few tips for you and we always would love to hear your tips and experience.

1. If you are travelling, just search for the Happy Cow website to find vegan-friendly restaurants in your area.  
2. Prepare ahead of time by looking up the restaurant's menu on the internet.
3. Call restaurants and Inquire about the availability of a vegetarian menu.
4. If you anticipate your selections may be limited, eat ahead of time. 

Let's talk about supplements while you are on a vegan diet

 Let me introduce few nutrients that you may need to supplement while you go vegan:

1. Calcium: As a result, all vegans are urged to ingest at least 525 mg of calcium each day in order to meet the RDA (recommended daily allowance). If this cannot be accomplished through diet or fortified foods alone, supplements should be utilised. Vegans who don't get enough calcium from their diet might consider taking a daily supplement.
2. Vitamin B12: Unwashed organic vegetables, mushrooms grown in B12-rich soils, nori, spirulina, chlorella, and nutritional yeast are all popular sources of vitamin B12.

Some vegans believe they don't need to worry about vitamin B12 shortage if they eat enough of the correct plant sources. This vitamin is necessary for protein metabolism and the formation of oxygen-transporting red blood cells.

1. Vitamin D: For children and adults, the recommended daily amount (RDA) for vitamin D is 600 IU (15 mcg) per day. Vegans and omnivores alike suffer from vitamin D insufficiency. Vegans who are unable to maintain appropriate blood levels through fortified diets or sun exposure may consider supplementation.
2. Omega 3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids perform a structural role in the brain and eyes. Vegans have reduced levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in their blood and tissues. As a result, they may benefit from EPA and DHA supplementation.
3. Iron, zinc, and iodine are the other nutrients that you may need to supplement when you decide to go vegan. Please check these with your nutritionist.

DISCLAIMER: Fighter Shots does not purport to be a medical specialist. Fighter Shots’ social media and website content is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice and is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.⁠