Cosmo Q&A

Can I be a healthy vegan?

Sydney-based dietician Susie Burrell has a simple and resonant motto: "It's your food, your body and your life." True, it's our job to take care of our bodies, but sometimes it's hard to stay on the path to purity! Luckily, Susie's here to lend a healthy hand! Submit your questions below.

Question:

I have decided to become a vegetarian with the view to moving to veganism. What are some of the thing I really need to look out for regarding my health?

Answer:

As a vegetarian who excludes all meat, fish and chicken, the main nutrients you need to be careful of are iron, zinc and iodine. Make sure you are eating iron-rich breakfast cereals, beans and eggs regularly and be aware of symptoms of low iron including fatigue. If you decide to become a vegan and include no animal foods in your diet, a number of other nutrients including calcium, Vitamin B12 and even protein can be at risk. You are likely to need specially formulated soy products and possible a multivitamin to make suit that you get all the nutrition you need. Vegetarian eating sites such as www.sanitarium.com.au have a lot more detailed information on the specific nutritional requirements.

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