vegan question for journalism assignment!

Question
I am writing a story about veganism in my journalism
course.  I read your profile and was hoping 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 today!  Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Katie,

1. Health benefits of a vegan diet include low blood cholesterol levels, lower rates of heart disease, hypertension and obesity and reduced risk of cancer.

2. Negative sides of a vegan lifestyle- it can be very challenging to maintain a vegan diet, particularly in social settings like restaurants and parties, so sometimes vegans can feel a bit left out at social gatherings. Vegans can also be criticized for their dietary choices, especially if they are raising vegan children. Many people (including doctors)are unaware that a vegan diet is safe for children, so vegans often have to spend a lot of time sticking up for themselves!

3. My personal opinion about veganism is that, despite the difficulties mentioned above, it is a very healthy and spiritually fulfilling lifestyle choice. Many people ask me if I feel "deprived" on such a strict diet, however, I now eat a much wider variety of foods than I did before I became vegan. A lot of veganism is about being creative and willing to experiment and have fun, and come up with new ways to do things.

4. My biggest concern for new vegans is that it is vital that they understand the nutritional implications of their dietary choice, and choose an appropriate, well balanced diet. Too often new vegans do not replace the animal foods they have excluded, with plant based foods that contain the same nutrients. I strongly recommend that every vegan read the excellent book _Becoming Vegan_ by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis, to ensure that they are informed on all aspects of vegan nutrition.

Karen McLaughlin, M.Sc., RD, Registered Dietitian (specializing in vegetarian and sports nutrition)

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