“Vegan tastes like an old mattress”

“Vegan tastes like an old mattress,” is a striking statement by meat-eater and stylist Maik de Boer. An interview with him recently appeared in Het Parool, and he was very clear. Vegan is not for him. Is he right? Does vegan taste like an old mattress, or is it a personal aversion to the vegan lifestyle that is increasingly in the news? What do you think?

Vegan as a lifestyle

Beyond simply not eating meat, vegan eating and living is an entire lifestyle. If you are vegan, you use and eat absolutely no animal products. This includes no dairy, eggs, or leather products. That goes quite far and therefore involves adjusting many factors with a specific mission. Veganism is a way of life—as far as possible and practically feasible—in which all forms of exploitation and cruelty towards animals for food, clothing, or other purposes are renounced.

Eating less meat isn't such a crazy idea after all.

We are already becoming increasingly accustomed to eating less meat. Some of us are vegetarian, and that is much less strict than veganism. You are a vegetarian if you do not eat meat, poultry, and fish. You are a flexitarian if you regularly eat vegetarian and occasionally meat, poultry, and/or fish. Eating less animal-based and more plant-based food is good for animal welfare, our health, and better for the environment. 

Man as omnivore

Originally, humans evolved as omnivores. This is evident in the position of our teeth and the structure of our stomach and intestinal tract. One might therefore wonder what happens to your health and digestion if you eat no meat and/or animal products at all. The basis of health is sufficient variety, and eating not too much or too refined food. Furthermore, we must ensure that we get enough complete proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Does the modern omnivore actually consume this in all quantities?. I wonder about that. Being mindful of what you eat has brought most people a lot so far. Paying attention to whether you are varying your diet sufficiently and getting enough nutrients is naturally part of that as well.

Not right or wrong

We can conclude that veganism is not necessarily 100% right or wrong. If you support it and ensure a balanced diet, it is fine. Taste is always a matter of debate, and that is personal. What is good, of course, is to delve scientifically into healthy nutrition. That is the most important thing for all dietary styles. Did you know that the coaches at MINT Personal Training have all completed nutrition training and can therefore advise you well on what constitutes healthy nutrition? Your preferences are taken into account in this process.Can one of our nutrition coaches help you with nutritional advice?