Are you considering going vegan but have reservations because of common myths surrounding the lifestyle?
In this article, I’ll debunk five common misconceptions about going vegan. From concerns about cost to questions about convenience. Whether you're already a vegan, considering making the switch, or just curious about the lifestyle, keep reading to learn more.
Myth 1: Going Vegan is Expensive
One of the most pervasive myths is that going vegan is expensive.
This is true if you’re comparing the cost of
Meat alternatives to meat and
Vegan milk, cheese, and yogurt to similar dairy products.
Although vegan milk is priced comparably and is sometimes less expensive.
This table shows cost per serving:
| Food | Non-Vegan | Vegan |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | $1.92 | $2.50 |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | $.31 | $.71 |
| Vanilla Yogurt | $.80 | $2.19 |
| Milk (Whole vs. Almond) | $.50 | $.32 |
Unfortunately, vegan companies don’t receive the government subsidies that the animal agriculture industry receives. So, these vegan foods will likely be more expensive for quite some time.
However, if you eat primarily plants—beans (including tofu), nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruit—eating a vegan diet is significantly cheaper.
| Food | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tofu | $.84 |
| Chickpeas (canned) | $.26 |
| Black Beans (dry) | $.15 |
Contrary to popular belief, most vegetables are not expensive. They’re typically sold by the pound, and you don’t need much for 4-5 servings. Potatoes, cabbage, zucchini, and carrots are some of the most inexpensive vegetables.
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | $.75 |
| Cabbage | $.25 |
| Zucchini | $.75 |
| Carrots | $.60 |
Myth 2: Vegan Meals Take More Time to Prepare
“I’d eat more vegan meals if I had hours to cook food like this,” said the woman sitting at the table next to me at an upscale restaurant.
Other people have said similar things about food I cooked: “If I could eat food like this every day, I’d go vegan.”
Cooking vegan meals might be different and new, but it’s not complicated or time-consuming.
If you can slice and chop, pour ingredients in a pot or skillet, or put them in an oven, you can prepare vegan meals. You do not have to spend hours in the kitchen to make vegan meals that your family will love.
The only food that takes longer than 30 minutes to cook is dried beans if you cook them on the stovetop. I cook mine in an Instant Pot. Preparing seitan can be time-consuming as well.
If you do little actual cooking and do more heating and assembling, you might have a steeper learning curve if you want to save money by eating more whole foods.
Of course, I’m biased, but…I think it’s worth it.
Myth 3: You Won’t Be Able to Eat Your Favorite Foods
We have a saying, “Anything you eat, I can eat vegan.” In fact, there’s a book with a similar name. It’s true in many instances, but not all.
The desire to eat my favorite foods was why I started my YouTube channel. I wanted to enjoy all of the foods I loved—mostly desserts 😁—without contributing to animal suffering and death. And I figured it out.
Before I went vegan, I only ate poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. Chicken was my favorite!
Gardein makes my favorite vegan chick’n filets. I’ve even started experimenting with several seitan chick’n recipes to make my own. I’m enjoying it, and it’s so inexpensive.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Myth 4: You Won’t Be Able to Eat out at Restaurants
Thank goodness this isn’t true anymore!
There was a time when eating a satisfying vegan meal at any restaurant was a lot more challenging. Depending on where you live, you might still be stuck with fries and a salad. However, thanks to Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, you can get a vegan burger at many restaurants.
Make sure you ask if the bun is vegan. However, even if the restaurant doesn’t have vegan buns, a burger with fries and a side of veggies (cooked in oil or steamed) is a decent meal.
In The Vegan Roadmap Digital Workbook, I teach you how to order vegan meals at restaurants that aren’t vegan-friendly. I teach you what questions to ask and how to read the menu. It’s a vegan life hack, for sure. But, once you nail it, you can eat anywhere.
Myth 5: Vegan Meals Don’t Taste as Good
Now, this is a straight-up lie, and as a vegan cookbook author, I don’t appreciate it! 😆
In most instances, if something doesn't taste good, it's probably not the food but rather how it was prepared.
Please don't let one bad experience taint your perspective. I know it isn't easy. I struggle with this too when I have a disappointing meal at a restaurant.
Being open-minded and curious is the key to a successful vegan journey.
Look at this food! I've eaten all of it, and I'm telling you, it's delicious. You don't have to believe me, but I wouldn't lie to you 😋
