With more people choosing a vegan lifestyle, understanding proper nutrition is vital. We all need protein, complex carbohydrates, and fats to function optimally, so avoiding both meat and dairy can create many challenges. Finding nutritious and, more importantly, tasty recipes that fit into a vegan meal plan doesn’t have to be difficult once you know the basic principles to adhere to.

What many people find surprising is just how healthy a vegan diet can be. Because animal products are avoided, saturated fats are not consumed; thus you can avoid many diseases and illnesses.

But when animal protein and animal byproducts are missing from the diet, maintaining a healthy balance of important nutrients becomes perplexing for even the most dedicated vegan. Dining out, eating at a friend’s house, or attending social functions can make mealtimes problematic. Dining at home is usually the safest bet and an effective way to ensure the body receives its daily requirements. However, even the most talented, vegan-savvy chef must remain vigilant not only in balancing meals but also in creating new and exciting recipes to enjoy.