ANS: What do I need to know in order to successfully become vegan?

Hi Mary,

Great decision!

There is a wealth of information on the internet about all aspects of veganism. For example, a list of food ingredients derived from animal products can be found here:
http://www.hedweb.com/campaig/ingred.htm

But beyond the internet, I'd really recommend getting in touch with your local vegan society or group, who can offer help, support, and, in particular, will know about vegan matters in your area (where to shop, places to eat out, etc.). I don't know where in the world you hail from, but a good starting point is the UK vegan society page (www.vegansociety.com), which has links to vegan societies in other countries, who should in turn know about local groups.

There are also a number of email discussion lists and forums filled with people who can help, including several on yahoo.com, and the list connected with this website: http://www.vegan-info.com/vml.html.

What else...Oh, if you don't like soya milk (and you're not alone!), have you tried other alternatives? Oat milk is not bad, whilst my favourites are rice-based milks, such as Rice-Dream.

Hope that helps a little,

John

> I have been vegetarian for about 4-5 years now and I am ready to go vegan.
> The only thing is that I made the decision to go vegetarian pretty young
> without a lot of knowledge of hidden animals products in a bunch of foods
> at the supermarket, etc. I started learning of this stuff recently and I
> am not sure how to know what has animal products and what doesn't. I
> guess I am looking for this type of information and also just generally
> helpful suggestions so I can take the next step towards being vegan. Oh,
> and I was wondering if there were any good brands of soy milk? I've tried
> Silk and a couple other brands and I can't say I am too fond of it so far.
> I did have one brand that I like, I think it was called Pacific
> something-or-other but if there is anything else that is good it would be
> helpful for me :) Thanks!!!
> (By: Mary)

(By: mcxg46)
2008.06.18 - 09:41
Category: Becoming a vegan
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ANS: Question: asprin and ibuprofen

Hi,

In theory, yes - the active ingredients come from plants. But most actual products tend to have a whole bunch of non-active ingredients, which may or may not be vegan. I heard a rumour that Anadin Extra is vegan, but I'd check first. If you have a good chemist, they should know and be able to advise.

That aside, if you have to take painkillers, then take painkillers. Not to do so is to place others' health above your own. Perhaps this is something you want to do, but not many vegans would, I think.

John

> Are asprin and ibuprofen vegan?
> (By: Kristen)

(By: mcxg46)
2008.06.05 - 08:52
Category: Health Questions
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ANS: Question: May contain milk

Hi Kim,

That's a question with no easy answer, I'm afraid. Strictly-speaking, to be vegan means to use and consume no animal products, which therefore includes even the merest hint of milk or egg. However, practically, you'll find it impossible to always avoid all animal products at all times (let alone never killing, say, the occasional fly on your windscreen) - so the avoiding of all animal products always is to my mind at least more of an ideal to be sought after than something one can ever truly achieve.

But to answer your question, I think most vegans would probably try to avoid traces of milk and eggs in products. Some would probably also avoid products made on equipment where milk and eggs were used, though personally I don't tend to - after all, quite often a manufacturer doesn't bother telling you this, so you can never be certain anyway.

The best advice I can offer, really, is to do as much as you think you can do - after all, veganism is the 'attempt to reduce suffering through avoidance of animal products so far as is possible and practical', and it is better to be almost entirely vegan all of the time than tie yourself up with guilt because you consumed a trace of egg and then give up being vegan because it is too hard.

Hope that helps a little,

John


> I went vegan about a week ago and I've been very pleased with myself and
> with the variety of delicious things that there are to eat, but is it
> necessary to stay away from items that were processed on equipment with
> milk and eggs or that may contain traces of milk??
> (By: Kim)

(By: mcxg46)
2008.06.05 - 08:45
Category: Becoming a vegan
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