A common misconception about the vegan diet is that you can’t get all of the right nutrients for your body. Let me be the first to tell you, that is absolutely incorrect!

Over the course of being on the vegan diet, it has not only made me feel amazing, it has truly become a part of me. In my eyes, the vegan diet is no longer just a “diet;” it is a lifestyle.

Over the summer, I provided some ways that you can get your protein on the plant-based diet and some plant-based omega-3 fatty acid alternatives as well!

Let’s dive a little deeper and look at some more alternatives for the essential nutrients that you need for your body:

Iron

Iron is a nutrient that our bodies must have in order to function properly. It is very easy to become iron deficient, therefore it is essential to ensure that you have a solid daily intake of the mineral.

Some plant-based foods that are strong in iron are: lentils, tofu, spinach, collard greens, and potatoes.

Calcium

We’re all familiar with the fact that calcium provides strength to our bones and muscles. Commonly, getting calcium is often associated to drinking lots of milk, but in a plant-based diet, milk is off limits.

For some calcium packed plant-based foods, try incorporating more soy milk, beans, almond butter, and greens into your diet.

Vitamin A

This vitamin is often credited for allowing our main organs and immune system to work properly. 

To ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin A in the plant-based diet, stock up on sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and yellow peppers.

B-12

When you are on a plant-based diet, you need B-12. Otherwise, your body can suffer from anemia and various nerve problems.

While B-12 is something that is not produced by plants, some plant-based food items include B-12 in their ingredients.

These include Soya milks, certain breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast. Aside from just these food items, B-12 supplements are something you can take daily.

What do you think about the myth of vegans lacking nutrients now? There is such a variety of foods for those on the plant-based diet to meet their body’s needs!