Definition for Ladies Spring 2014 Issue 001 April 2014 | Page 51

Pitfall #6:

Blaming everything on the diet

I find it interesting that people who had lousy, unhealthy diets before becoming vegan will
still blame physical issues on some perceived deficiency in their new vegan diet. There is not a
single medical condition that necessitates the eating of animals or their secretions. Before assuming your vegan diet is at fault for what ails you, please consult with a vegan health professional!
That said, there are nutrients that need special attention on a vegan diet, including calcium,
zinc, iodine, vitamin K2, B-12 and D. Iron, in particular, can become low and need
supplementation. A vegan health professional can do the proper tests and help you sort
this out. You could also have digestive issues that are impairing absorption of the nutrients
you digest. Or you could be suffering from a health issue, such as an improperly functioning thyroid, that has nothing to do with your diet. Whatever it is still must be treated.
Finally, it is important to understand that although food is our building blocks and fuel,
it is not everything that we are. If we are unhappy in our personal lives, jobs or relationships, our physical health will suffer as well. We must work to have well-rounded, happy
lives fueled by satisfying work, love, touch, rest, laughter and hope. Only then will we
experience the vitality and health no diet alone can provide •
Emily Segal is a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach and the founder and owner of Triumph Wellness, an international nutrition counseling practice. Emily specializes in plant-based nutrition, sugar addiction, emotional eating
and sports nutrition. A lifelong vegetarian, Emily became vegan in 2009 and used the new found health gains to
accomplish her first full marathon at the age of 45. Find Emily online: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram