Skip to content
The University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia

FOOD AT UBC VANCOUVER

FOOD AT UBC VANCOUVER

So, You’re Thinking of Going Vegan

By Mikaela Stewart
/
Veganism
Salad bowl and wooden cutting board filed with fruits and vegetables

What Is a Vegan Diet?

A vegan diet includes only foods that come from plant sources, such as legumes, grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Vegans do not typically consume foods or ingredients from animal sources (think dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, honey and gelatin). Luckily for vegans (and non-vegans alike!) there are many delicious and nutritious plant-based options to choose from. You may already be enjoying vegan meals without knowing it, such as falafel, chana masala and bean burritos!

Why Become a Vegan?

People may choose a vegan diet for several reasons. For some, it is an empowering experience and a way to express support for more sustainable food systems. Others may choose the diet due to ethical considerations regarding the treatment of animals. The vegan diet also has many potential health benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. It can also be really fun to try new plant-based versions of your favourite meals (coconut curry anyone?).

Things to Be Aware Of

Vegan diets tend to be higher in fibre and heart-healthy fats compared to non-vegan diets. However, it is possible to develop nutrient deficiencies without careful planning, which can have negative consequences on your overall wellbeing and long-term health.

Remember that if you cut animal foods out of your diet, you will need to replace them with something! With planning, a vegan diet can provide all the nutrients your body needs. Sometimes vegans decide to take supplements; be sure to talk to a healthcare professional first to make sure it’s right for you. For more information on planning a vegan diet, check out our post HERE.

Don’t forget that change may take time to get used to, and it can be easier to gradually transition to a vegan diet rather than jumping in all at once. As well, you may want to add vegan meals and plant-based foods into your diet even if you decide not to go vegan. Whatever you decide, remember that variety is key when it comes to a healthy diet.

FAQs

How is a vegan diet different from a vegetarian diet?

A vegan diet includes only plant-based foods, while a vegetarian diet may include some animal products while avoiding others. For example, a vegetarian may eat dairy products or eggs, but not meat, fish or poultry. For more information on vegetarian diets, check out our blog series HERE.

Will I get enough protein in my vegan diet?

Yes! Some examples of vegan protein sources include tofu, tempeh, seitan and legumes such as kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils. For more information on how much protein to include in a vegan diet, see our post HERE.

Will I be at risk of other nutrient deficiencies?

Some nutrients are found in higher amounts in foods like meat, eggs and dairy, and in lower amounts (or not at all) in plant-based foods. Following a vegan diet requires planning to avoid deficiencies in particular nutrients. For help planning a vegan diet, check out our post HERE.

Where can I find vegan food at UBC?

Several campus food outlets have vegan options, and if you aren’t sure, all you have to do is ask! Explore the vegan options at any of the three residence dining halls online (not just for first years!) or try some delicious vegan pizza at Virtuous Pie in Wesbrook Village, a warm rice bowl from Porch, or vegan favourites like falafel, fried cauliflower and hummus at Jamjar.

Need some hacks for vegan dining in residence? Check here.

Need More Info?

  • Four Steps to a Balanced Vegan Diet
  • Recipes from Minimalist Baker, Cookie + Kate and Budget Bytes
  • Tips for Eating More Plants

By Mikaela Stewart

Mikaela is a 4th Year Dietetics Student at UBC. Her interest in all things food, nutrition and health led to the pursuit of a career in dietetics. She hopes to dive into the evidence and use it to engage fellow students in the vast world of nutrition, while supporting the relationship between good food and a happy life.

More Posts You'll Like

Loading...
Ways of Eating
How to Combat Weight Stigma
Ways of Eating
What is Intuitive Eating?
Meal Planning,Nutrition
Are You Eating Enough Fruit?
Nutrition
Benefits of Eating Whole Grains
Nutrition
Understanding Plant-Based Proteins
Nutrition
3 Reasons to Eat More Plant-Based
1 2 … 23 Next »

Never Miss Out

Sign up for deals, discounts, special events and tips on how to eat well to perform well.

Subscribe Now
Instagram Twitter Facebook-f

About

Jobs

Gifts

Contact

Events

We acknowledge that SHCS and UBC are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. We thank the Musqueam Nation for its hospitality and support of our work.

  • About
  • Gifts
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Contact

We acknowledge that SHCS and UBC are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. We thank the Musqueam Nation for its hospitality and support of our work.

Instagram Twitter Facebook-f
The University of British Columbia
  • Emergency Procedures |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Copyright |
  • Accessibility

Menu

Feed Me

Order Online

Meal Plans
  • Residence Meal Plan
  • UBCcard Value Plan
  • Departmental Food Plan

Nutrition

Our Vision and Values

Catering

Events

Jobs

Blog

Gifts

My Account

Instagram Twitter Facebook-f