Plant-based myths can make you nervous. The words vegan and vegetarian still cause raised eyebrows in some places. The concept of eating mostly plants or not eating animal products is not new. What is new is how much access we have to information about vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. So, it’s important to get clear about the difference between myth and reality.
Sometimes, we look to the stars for inspiration. Actress Tarji P. Henson, athletes Venus and Serena Williams and director, Ava DuVernay have shared their vegan lifestyle. Styles P of the iconic rap squad, the Lox launched Juices for Life to encourage plant based nutrition in urban spaces. Check out both locations in the Bronx when you can.
Sometimes we huddle with our girlfriends to figure out what’s what and sometimes we just Google. Because there are so many rumors and so much skepticism, let’s dismantle a couple of plant based myths.
You Won’t Get Enough Protein
Among many things, protein helps to keep you full, build strong bones and repairs the body. The amount of protein you need depends on your age and lifestyle. Sedentary? Athletic? Take a peek at what you might need by using a protein calculator and then check in with your physician or nutritionist to make a plan for achieving your daily goal.
Let’s dismantle this plant based myth. The good news is that most of us are getting more protein than we need. This is especially true if you are a carnivore! lol. Just kidding. But seriously, animal meats offer quite a bit of protein.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get protein on your plate while leaning into plant-based nutrition. You can start with a remix on an old classic. Oatmeal is a great choice for good fiber and nutrients but so is quinoa. One cup of quinoa provides 8 grams of protein and all nine of the essential amino acids that we need. Try the vegan coconut quinoa oatmeal recipe right here at Black Girls Eat.
Chia seeds are a true superfood with a great amount of protein and nutrients. You can also now find chia seeds in many stores. Easy to incorporate into all kinds of meals including breakfast and dessert, it’s definitely one to check out as you consider removing animal products from your diet. Helpful hint….When making a smoothie, I like to use my blender or mini food processor to break my chia seeds down into a powder. I like how it disappears into whatever I’m making.
Plant-Based is not for Black People
There have always been Black voices in the vegan food space including human rights activist Dick Gregory and music legend Stevie Wonder. Organizations such as Black Veg Society, Afro-Vegan Society, and advocates like Tracye McQuirter have helped increase awareness of culturally relevant plant-based eating. Tracye is iconic. Her first-of-its-kind African American Vegan Starter Guide was ordered nearly 500,000 times. She helped nearly 25,000 Black women go vegan together online during the pandemic.
From traditional African cuisines rich in legumes, grains, greens, and vegetables to modern Black chefs and creators reinventing soul food, we have always been on the plant-based scene.
You Can’t Afford It
In most cases, leafy greens, beans and grains are less expensive than meat or seafood. Many of the staples of a vegan diet are available for purchase in bulk and have a long shelf life. This includes rice, beans, seeds, nuts, lentils and oats.
Save money by enjoying what’s in season and visit a farmer’s market to learn more about what’s available in your area. Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group that provides you with weekly or monthly access to fresh produce. By doing that, you can skip the price tag on foods that have been processed to look like meat and cheese and stick to whole foods. Challenge yourself to taste the rainbow of flavors that can be found along the produce aisle all year long.
LA Dunn is a plant based advocate and pretty darn good at Words with Friends. Want to stay connected?
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