Veganism in India is on the rise, but so are the misconceptions that throng with the movement: right from the efficacy of getting enough nutrition 🥗 to the notion that vegan food tastes bland🌱or isn’t very appetising, myths are everywhere. Let’s look at some of these misbeliefs and set the record straight—more so for us,, Desis!
Myth 1: “Vegans Can’t Get Enough Protein.” 💪
Reality Check: Whenever any person mentions or talks about veganism, most of the people’s instant question is, “Protein kahan se aayega?” 🥄 (Where will the protein come from?) Actually, this is a myth. In reality, protein is made of amino acids, and these originally come from plants. 🌱 All sources of protein—the plant ones and the animal ones—are ultimately constructed from these building blocks.
Well, fortunately, the good news is that Indian cuisine in itself holds an ample supply of plant-based protein sources.Traditional dishes like dal (lentils), chana (chickpeas) 🫘, rajma (kidney beans), soya in the form of tofu or soy chunks are protein powerhouses.For instance, a bowl of rajma contains about 15 grams of protein—similar to what you will get from an equivalent serving of chicken 🍛. Chole with rice, roti, or dal tadka, makes for a balanced protein-rich meal. Even simple veggies like spinach and broccoli have a reasonable protein punch. So, no need to worry—your vegan diet will keep you strong and nourished! 💪🥦
Myth 2: “Vegan Food is Boring and Tasteless”🥱
Reality Check: When people think vegan food, they imagine bland salads 🥗and raw veggies. Indian cuisine proves to differ! Did you know many of our favourite dishes are intrinsically vegan or can be easily veganized? 🍛🌱 Think about poha, upma, aloo paratha (replace the ghee with oil) pav bhaji (swap the butter for vegan margarine) and even dosas, vadas, idlis, rasam and uttapams!
From the basic spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala down to the aromatic mustard seeds, they bring any dish alive. 🌶️ Then, our curries can be rich and creamy with coconut milk or cashew paste instead of dairy. Be it the comfort of sambhar or the tang in aloo gobi, vegan food can be flavourful, indulgent, and never a drag. Once you try and taste it, then you will wonder why you ever doubted the taste factor 🍲💥 in the first place!
Myth 3: “Veganism is Expensive” 💸
Reality Check: “Vegan banne ke liye bohot paisa chahiye.”💰You need a lot of money to be vegan.) This is one such misconception but not factually correct, especially when it comes to India. All our daily staples, rice, dal, vegetables, fruits and legumes are all easily available and inexpensive. 🌾🥔 Of course, there are these special vegan products that include almond milk and vegan cheese, which can be expensive, but they are not critical/essential components of a healthy vegan diet.
In fact, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables with grains like jowar, bajra, and ragi can be money-saving. Moreover, home-cooked vegan meals are not only pocket-friendly but are also healthier. Now, think of a simple dal-chawal or a plate of sabzi with rotis. 🥘 All of these meals at best come affordable and full of nutrition. Do you still think veganism is expensive? 🪙
Myth 4: “Vegans Are Always Hungry” 🍽️
Reality Check: Most people’s idea that vegan food can’t fill you up is absolutely misplaced. 😋 In fact, most Indian vegan meals, are rich in fibre coming from a variety of vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which keeps one fuller for longer. 🥗 Fibre slows down digestion, which means you stay satisfied for hours after a hearty meal.
From a bowl of dal tadka served with jeera rice to a plate of rajma with roti, there are a few comforting, soulful, and filling meals that will not let your tummy growl. You can also reach out to snacks like chana chaat, bhel puri, or masala peanuts to keep you full throughout the day. With all these delicious and filling options, you’ll never feel hungry on a vegan diet. 🥙🍛
Myth 5: “Veganism is Just a Trend”🚶♂️
Reality Check: Most people believe that veganism is a fad 🌱or, at best, a Western world concept. Reality, however, is that veganism shares a very close affinity with the Indian values/principles of ahimsa (non – violence) and environmental consciousness. 🌏🕊️ Vegetarianism has a long history in India; hence, for most people, going vegan was a very natural progression of these values.
It’s not just a diet, but a way of life, a lifestyle that focuses on—compassion to animals, sustainability, and health all combined together. 🌱💚 The popularity might be recent, but it’s core beliefs are from the ancient times. Increasingly, more and more Indians 🇮🇳 are adopting a vegan lifestyle, not just for their health but to positively influence the environment and minimize animal suffering. The shift is here to stay.
Myth 6: “Vegans Can’t Be Strong or Athletic”🏋️♀️
Reality Check: You might have heard, “Gym jaane wale vegans nahi ban sakte.” (People who go to the gym can’t be vegan.) But that is very far from reality. 🏃♂️💪 So many Indian athletes and fitness enthusiasts are doing fabulously well on plant-based diets. Take the case of cricketer Virat Kohli, 🏏 one of India’s biggest fitness icons, who follows a largely plant-based diet. Beyond Kohli, several other Indian athletes, from weightlifters to marathon runners, are thriving on plant-based diets, showing that strength and endurance 🌱🏋️♂️ aren’t exclusive to meat-eaters.
From Bollywood stars to everyday folks in the gym, so many are discovering a vegan diet to be the one that not only sustains them through their workout but keeps the energy running high and recovers fast, and also supports their fitness goals side by side. The idea that one has to consume meat or dairy to be strong belongs to an archaic theory—there is more than enough vegan sources of protein and other nutrients to back an active lifestyle. 💥
Vegan diets can, in fact, fulfil all the needs of the essential nutrients concerning athletic performance. Protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, and tofu helps in muscle growth; iron-rich foods like spinach and lentils maintain high energy levels by providing that extra energy; calcium-rich foods like fortified plant milks ensure bone health is maintained. Sources of omega-3s such as flaxseeds and chia seeds help with recovery and inflammation.
The Bottom Line: You don’t need meat or dairy to be strong and fit. With a well-planned vegan diet, you can achieve your fitness goals and feel great doing it!
There are plenty of myths surrounding veganism in India,🔍 but most don’t stand up once you look a little deeper. From fears about a lack of nutrition 🥗 to worries regarding the cost 💸 and taste, the truth is, veganism can be full, healthy, and accessible.
With all of our diverse culinary traditions, it is actually quite hard to have ways in which you can adhere to plant-based eating in the Indian way of life. 🌱 Why not think with an open mind about veganism? You never know, it may just turn out to be much easier—and more delicious—than you could have ever imagined. 🍛😊