Veganism is wrapped in many myths and misconceptions. In truth, going vegan does not have to be difficult. You can still eat comfort food, you can still save money at the grocery store or market, and
regardless of what you may have heard, you can still frequent your favourite restaurants. Although going vegan is a lifestyle change, it is a positive change and one that can truly be very easy.
What is a vegan?
A vegan is a person who avoids eating animal products. As veganism is a plant-based diet, vegans tend to have lower rates of obesity, and on average weigh 5 to 20 percent less than regular meat eaters. For some, the philosophy of veganism reaches beyond the plate. Many vegans do not wear animal products and avoid products with animal ingredients or those that test on animals. Studies have proven that veganism existed in ancient India and Greece, so although it has recently gained momentum with regards to certain environmental and health movements, veganism is not a fad diet.
Steps to going vegan
Making changes to your everyday meals is without a doubt the easiest way to start your path to becoming a vegan. The best way to start is by removing meat or dairy one day a week and continue from there. There is a plant-based alternative for almost every type of food you come into contact with, so in all sincerity, you do not have to miss out on any of your favourite snacks or foods. Going vegan can simply be started by switching out the cow’s milk you drink with almond milk or soy milk, or substituting butter with the healthier alternative of coconut oil. 
Will I get enough protein?
The answer is absolutely yes. You will get enough protein from eating plants. Many vegans meet the necessary dietary requirements of protein by eating a variety of beans and legumes such as lentils, eating cooked spinach and other leafy greens as well as adding soy products such as tempeh to their meals.
Doing vegan the right way
As a vegan, you need to make sure that you are not missing out on essential nutrients. One of those key nutrients is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps with brain and nervous system functions and is found naturally in many animal-sourced foods. As a vegan, you can eat fortified nutritional yeast and sprinkle it over dishes such as pasta to get a buttery taste. If you are concerned about missing out on essential nutrients, just make sure that you are eating a wide variety of plant-based foods.
Many vegans center their diet around fresh fruit and vegetables in addition to beans, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Purchasing in bulk is an economical way to stock your kitchen with vegan ingredients.
Like any lifestyle change, going completely vegan won’t necessarily happen overnight. Becoming a vegan takes a bit of getting used to, and you also need to take it slow and figure out what works best for you. Try new things, and expose your taste buds to a wide variety of new foods and flavours. Find your food comfort zone and don’t give up. There are so many meals that can be prepared from staples you already have in your kitchen, and many restaurants these days have vegan-friendly options.
How to go vegan in Phuket?
Going vegan in Phuket is easier than you might think. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits abound, and there are also a wide variety of organic options as far as produce and dry goods are concerned. It is quite easy to replace eggs and dairy in any recipe, and Phuket has the available resources in a number of supermarkets to experiment with a variety of vegan-friendly recipes. Also, the vegan community is growing in Phuket, and there are a lot of individuals willing to help you on our journey.
Santosa Vegan Restaurant
The vegan restaurant at Santosa serves modern vegan and raw food in a relaxed setting. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the Andaman Ocean, and is the view is glorious at sunset. It is the perfect place to enjoy the ultimate, guilt-free fine dining experience. Our healthy, plant-based menu helps to restore alkalinity while exciting the palate with fresh, exuberant flavours.
We offer a vegan buffet every Saturday at our restaurant starting at 18:30pm. Chef Mauro wows every guest with his raw, culinary creations. If you are looking for the ultimate vegan dining experience, please call +66 (0) 76 330 600 for a reservation, or simply fill out the form below.
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