Why does The Finnish Vegan Association talk about nutrition?
Veganism is a philosophy and ethical conviction that seeks to exclude harm to animals as completely as possible. In our current society, this mostly relates to our consumption choices, and most explicitly to what we eat. Many people even think of veganism as a synonym for a plant-based diet. The Finnish Vegan Association does not see veganism as just a diet – instead, food choices are one aspect of practicing veganism. However, we do want to make following a vegan diet easier, also for other than ethical reasons (such as environmental issues, health reasons).
The goal of our communications is to share the basics of vegan nutrition with the public and to show that a plant-based diet is a viable choice for most people. Another equally important goal is to inform those already following a vegan diet about how to do so safely and healthfully, as well as to share practical tips such as recipes and meal plans. Thirdly, we wish to offer information to nutrition professionals and to others who may deal with nutritional questions in their work, such as care professionals, about existing and emerging research on vegan nutrition. We also wish to serve those responsible for organizing food services and public catering, and even individuals who occasionally prepare vegan food for guests, by sharing information about vegan food.
Our basic assertion on nutrition:
A vegan diet is a viable choice for almost everyone. Most people can follow a vegan diet in such a way that the food is reasonably priced, easy to prepare, and tasty. It also does not require giving up familiar eating habits (such as mealtimes, what types of food one prefers or how one is accustomed to preparing food), although it does require learning some new skills and trying new ingredients. Adopting a vegan diet does not automatically mean eating in a climate-friendly or healthy way – this is neither promised nor demanded. However, The Finnish Vegan Association does encourage people to make eco-friendly and healthy choices, too, while always paying attention to food safety.
Our nutritional advice is:
- Based on scientific research whenever we make health claims.
- Claims based on experience are clearly stated as such.
- Easy to understand without expertise in the field.
- Mindful of practical considerations.
- Written or verified by experts.
Our nutritional advice is not:
Preachy or persuasive. Converting people to veganism is not a goal of our nutritional advice. People can make this decision on other grounds, and we offer neutral, reliable, science-based information on how to implement a plant-based diet.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
You can reach our nutrition experts by emailing ravitsemus@vegaaniliitto.fi
Our food and cooking expert Pietar Viittanen can be reach by phone: 040 0392581, or you can email info@vegaaniliitto.fi