question about veganism for journalism assignment

Question
I am writing a story about veganism in my journalism
course.  I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions
for my story.
1.  What are some health benefits of a vegan lifestyle?
2.  What are some negative sides of a vegan lifestyle?
3.  What is your personal opinion about veganism?
4.  What are some of your concerns with people who choose
to go vegan?

If you could answer these questions and just give me your
name and title and background, I will be able to complete
my assignment.  Im sure you are so busy, but id appreicate
an answer sometime this afternoon.  THANK YOU!

Answer
Hi Katie,
A "vegan" lifestyle means being a very strict vegetarian- no animal food what-so-ever.  This type of vegetarian probably encompasses the least amount of "vegetarians".  There are several health benefits IF the person knows how and what to eat on this type of diet.  The diet is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol as well as higher in fiber.  The negative aspects are if the person is not well-educated on how to eat a well-balanced vegan diet they could run into problems.  Many will eat too many starches because they are not sure how to incorporate protein when they are eating no animal products.  They NEED to be educated and make sure the get educated if they plan to eat this way.  They need to learn to incorporate protein through plant sources and need to make sure they include nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12 that are contained mostly in animal foods.  If someone wants to be a vegetarian I think it is fine again as long as they are properly educated on how and what to eat for a healthy well-balanced diet.  Just because someone eats a "vegan" or "vegetarian" diet does NOT mean they are automatically eating a healthy diet!!!  My biggest concern is just that!  Many people think if they eat vegetarian they are automatically eating healthy.  That is not true if you don't know what to eat!!  You can be missing out on some very important nutrients.
Hope that helps you out with your assignment.  Sorry I could not get back to you sooner.
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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