The biggest misconceptions about vegan food

Lisa Stel, founder of the Lisa goes Vegan platform, had been eating vegan long before it became a trend. By now, she has heard all the comments. These are, in her view, the biggest misconceptions.

Misconception #1

“By far number one: that you can’t get enough protein. Nonsense. There are plenty of plant-based protein sources: legumes, tofu, tempeh, seitan, grains, nuts. You’d have to go to great lengths to develop a protein deficiency. Just look at CrossFit athlete Jeremy Reijnders—he’s pretty much the fittest man in the Netherlands and eats entirely vegan. It’s also important to take a vitamin B12 supplement if you switch to a fully plant-based diet.”

Misconception #2

“That you wouldn’t be able to eat anything anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth: you can still enjoy risottos, pastas, casseroles, stews and all kinds of desserts. Vegans certainly don’t eat only lettuce and raw vegetables. That’s why my book Vegan Comfort Food is also packed with filling dishes.”

Misconception #3

“That you would have to be a master chef to cook delicious vegan food. I’m not a master chef at all; I just try things out and try to make them as accessible and easy as possible.”

Photo: Silvia Falcomer