Without proper nutrition, people become more at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can lead to serious health problems. And even in other cases, a properly nourished person may still need additional vitamins and minerals for their individual health journey. Even if you’re not vegan or plant-based, evidence is showing that opting for vegan supplements can provide even greater benefits than synthetic and animal-product alternatives.

1. Vegan Supplements Are Animal-Friendly

You’ve made a life decision that’s better for your body, the planet, and all living beings in it. Looking at supplements from an ethical standpoint, you can see the benefits to the environment when you choose plant-based alternatives. 

Animals are spared from a vegan lifestyle, and one person’s commitment to living a plant-based lifestyle helps remove those beautiful beings from harsh conditions. Your decision about what you put into your body and your use of vegan supplements have a bigger footprint on the world’s energy.

2. Vegan Supplements Have Higher Rates of Bioavailability

Bioavailability is the percentage of a nutrient that is successfully absorbed and metabolized by our bodies upon consumption. 

Understanding a supplement’s bioavailability is crucial because while they may be packed with vitamins and minerals – if they don’t have a high percentage of bioavailability – those nutrients aren’t serving your body as well as you might think.  

When it comes to the supplements we take, natural, plant-based supplements are more easily absorbed than their synthetic counterparts. This is because your body distinguishes between natural and synthetic nutrients. 

By including bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals in a dietary supplement, the body reaps more of the rewards – a better bang for your buck. 

Learn how women can benefit from vegan vitamins. 

3. Our Vegan Supplements Are Naturally Sourced From the Earth

If you abide by a vegan lifestyle, you understand the benefits of natural plant-based products. Rather than using chemicals to try and mimic essential vitamins and minerals from the earth, vegan supplements rely on condensing real, natural, plant-sourced materials that our bodies already know how to absorb and process effectively.

All-natural plant-based and vegan supplements are free from preservatives, GMOs, artificial sugars, synthetic chemicals, etc. This makes them better for consumption over long periods of time – which is not the case for supplements with synthetic ingredients and chemicals. 

Vegan Life Nutrition

How do we keep our vegan products just as innovative as they are effective? With processes that are held to the highest standards, we bridge the gap between the most cutting-edge nutritional science and your good personal health. 

See which Vegan Life Nutrition vegan supplements fit into your plant-based lifestyle.

The post Three Benefits of Vegan Supplements appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

What is Choline and Why is it Important During Pregnancy?

According to Healthline, “Choline is an organic, water-soluble compound. It is neither a vitamin nor a mineral. It impacts liver function, healthy brain development, muscle movement, your nervous system, and metabolism.” 

During the gestational period, choline works to support the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord and plays a role in brain development – including memory and thinking. 

Choline is found mainly in liver, egg yolks, and red meat. However, there are some vegan sources like legumes, tofu, green vegetables, potatoes, nuts, seeds, grains, and fruit. These don’t contain nearly as high a percentage of choline as animal products do. This is why a vegan choline supplement is so important. 

Benefits of Vegan Prenatal Vitamins with Choline

Choline is an important part of an effective prenatal vitamin due to its numerous benefits for the baby: 

Cell Structure

Choline is necessary for the production of fats that support the structural integrity of cell membranes. 

DNA Synthesis

Vitamins, such as B12 and folate, alongside choline, assist with the process of DNA synthesis.

A Healthy Nervous System

Choline is required to make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. It’s involved in memory, muscle movement, regulating heartbeat, and other basic functions.

Learn more about what vitamins and minerals to look for in a vegan prenatal vitamin.

Prenatal Focus Bundle from Vegan Life Nutrition

The Prenatal Focus Bundle includes a bottle of Prenatal & Postnatal Basic as well as a bottle of Prenatal Focus for the extra 550 mgs of choline per serving. This bundle provides essential vitamins and minerals to women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Within each bottle, you’ll find the nutrients to support: 

• Healthy digestion *
• Promote healthy cell division and development *
• Support the fetal brain, spinal cord, heart, muscle, bone, nerve, and skin development *
• Support placenta growth *
• Promote red blood cell development *

Learn more about the Prenatal Focus Bundle.

Vegan Life Nutrition 

You can purchase the Prenatal Focus Bundle and the Postnatal Focus Bundle on the Vegan Life Nutrition website. You can also discover more about our core values and how we develop our 100% vegan products. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The post Prenatal Vitamins with Choline | A Vital Nutrient for Moms-to-Be appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

One of the foremost reasons why many people choose to be vegan is their love of animals. We believe that animals deserve to live in peace just as humans do. For many of us, this is where our vegan journey begins, and for our friend Michelle, it serves as the sole purpose for her vegan transition. 

Michelle started her vegan journey in 2017 and in a similar way as many of our other Vegan Life Nutrition friends; as a vegetarian! It wasn’t until she became more informed about the seriousness of animal cruelty that she decided to switch to a vegan lifestyle. She also found her voice and became a vocal member of the vegan community. 

Using her voice to educate

While living a vegetarian lifestyle, she quickly came to the realization that she wasn’t doing enough to inspire change and put a stop to harmful acts against animals. She began watching different documentaries about veganism, including What the health and Game Changers, which is what inspired her to cut out all animal products from her life. 

For Michelle, watching these documentaries opened a new door to an unknown world and allowed her to develop a new appreciation for the vegan community.  Michelle maintains an Instagram account @vegout_withme_ and her posts are not only creative and original but educate others about veganism, ethical decisions, and nutritious vegan meals. She is definitely someone that inspires others!

Any dish can be “veganized” and tasty

Michelle says that she feels amazing! She has lots of energy and keeps her body nourished with food that is grown from the Earth.  When Michelle is not working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, she enjoys hiking, working out, running, yoga, cooking vegan food, painting and spending time with her dog. 

A common misperception that Michelle believes should be cleared up about being vegan is the idea that “vegans are depriving themselves from good food.” She wants everyone, especially those considering switching to a vegan diet, to know just how delicious vegan food actually is. If you don’t believe her, try out some of her favorite types of vegan dishes: Thai and Ethiopian. She also says that eating a vegan diet isn’t as hard as it seems and that pretty much all non-vegan recipes can be veganized. 

Family Support

Like many other life changes, having the support of your loved ones is key to positivity and success. Michelle shared with us that her boyfriend, sister, and stepmom have all embraced the vegan lifestyle.  She’s educating her dad, mom and brother about the benefits of making that switch.

Just like many of the others who have shared their vegan journey with us, Michelle says that going vegan is the best decision she’s ever made. Her only regret is not doing it sooner.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

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The post Inspiring voice: Michelle appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Luis Cerna is a Washington native, and his vegan journey started behind bars in federal prison for drug-related offenses. As strange as it may sound, he says his incarceration taught him to reflect and grow his mental, physical, and spiritual health. The years of incarceration weren’t the only battle he endured. For someone who is serving a prison sentence, the surging stress levels can leave little to be positive for, and that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.

A vegan journey that’s more than diet

Luis took it upon himself to not let his sentence determine the rest of his life. He made significant lifestyle changes in a very vulnerable state and implemented greater changes when he regained freedom. He turned to veganism at the beginning of 2020. This was a New Year’s health resolution that stuck. He experienced health benefits like increased energy but found that veganism had a much greater impact on his life. He spends most of his days exercising, meditating, reading and enjoying time with his 11-year-old daughter, who he credits as his motivation for his change. 

Luis is thankful to spend more time with his family, and although they are not vegan, they are very supportive of his lifestyle change and even eat and prepare vegan dishes when he comes to visit. His absolute favorite dish is vegan fish tacos, and his go-to snack is cucumber with lemon and cayenne pepper. A simple and easy snack that we just can’t wait to try! He says that the hardest part about veganism is that, contrary to popular belief, there are actually very limited healthy vegan options available in dining restaurants. He tries to cook as much as he possibly can.

Luis says that “being vegan feels great,” especially when people ask him where he gets his high level of energy from.  He says it’s awesome knowing that his lifestyle change not only makes him feel amazing both physically and mentally but also helps give back to this planet. His biggest takeaway from his vegan journey so far is that “being vegan is  a way to give back to this planet and to yourself.”

A vegan journey through workouts, nutrition and supplements

A few common misconceptions about veganism that Luis would like to share with others are that you are unable to grow muscle mass on a vegan diet and that being vegan is expensive. In terms of growing muscle mass, Luis has been able to build muscle through daily workouts, proper nutrition and protein supplements. Luis began his vegan journey confined in prison, which is not the easiest place to begin your journey. Although Senate Bill 1138, passed in September of 2018, requires “licensed California health care facilities and state prisons to make available plant-based meal options containing no animal products or by-products,” living a vegan lifestyle in prison comes with challenges. However, for Luis, the vegan options available to him during his time of incarceration were sufficient. 

Luis’ vegan journey proves that anyone can be vegan and get the proper nutrients despite facing challenging circumstances. 

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you. 

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The post Breaking an Unhealthy Sentence: Luis Cerna’s Vegan Journey appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

An Ethical Choice

While Matt’s primary reason for going vegan was for the environment, he says that the ethical aspect was a close second for him. He embraced veganism with the new year, and that start date was January 1, 2015.  In his free time, Matt spends quite a bit of time enjoying the beauty of nature and often finds himself connecting with the animals he meets along his walks. In his eyes, they are friends who cohabitate in the same environment we live in. He truly appreciates every moment he spends enjoying nature and meeting new friends; We definitely consider him a friend to each and every kind. 

When asked by Vegan Life Nutrition what living a vegan life feels like, he said, “it feels amazing, free of guilt and definitely healthier.” Not only does his mind feel better knowing that he is making ethical choices in life, but so does his body. He no longer gets food comas and feels that he has much more energy and stamina than he did before making the switch.

Vegan Family Dynamic

Matt shared that living a vegan lifestyle is a much wider family change.  He and his wife embraced an animal-free way of life and that extended to his wife’s family as well.  He says that many misunderstand veganism.  When asked about the vegan myths, Matt jokes, “That we’re all weird hippies or that we’re a bunch of weirdos. I mean, I am, but I’ve met others that are not.” His favorite dish in his home in the United Kingdom is vegan kabobs.  Matt says that vitamins for him offer extra insurance when he “remembers to take them.”

Reforest the Web

Matt started his company with his mindset on combining his love for the planet with his passion for web design. ‘Reforest the Web’ chooses to use its platform for good rather than greed, which is something that many of its loyal customers appreciate and cherish. For every service that they sell as a team, they plant 5 trees to contribute to reforestation. Matt’s overall mission is to help others grow their businesses while also helping to build a more sustainable world. This way, everyone grows together! Each month, they plant over 1,000 trees, which Matt says “is a feeling that cannot be beat.” 

Matt is proud to have made the choice to switch to a vegan lifestyle, and he encourages others who are considering going vegan by educating them on not only the environmental benefits but additional benefits as well. The best advice he has for anyone looking to make the switch is “living a life that does good in the world is a life worth living, so don’t delay; go vegan today!

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

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The post A vegan journey beyond saving animals: Matt Unsworth appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

At Vegan Life Nutrition, we believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more than just making sure your body gets the proper nutrients it needs through dieting and

We would like you to meet Julie Harper, the ultimate plant-based athlete from Delaware who believes in taking her goals seriously, whether they be fitness goals, nutritional goals, or personal goals. 

Fitness Journey 

Julie works as a personal trainer and gym manager and switched to being completely vegan two years ago to help aid with recovery and decrease inflammation. She  inspires her clients to reach their goals by helping them overcome hurdles. Julie especially understands how challenging losing weight and gaining muscle can be, as she herself wasn’t always in fit shape. Through changing her diet and establishing a consistent workout regime, she lost almost 100 pounds and started taking her health and wellness journey seriously.  Not only does Julie work in the fitness industry, she also spends her free time training for and tackling obstacle courses such as the Spartan Race, which is the most popular obstacle course in the world and Julie has competed in 50 times. 

Vegan Lifestyle

Although Julie’s vegan journey began as a temporary solution to help her recover from workouts and a curiosity, she quickly grew to love the change in her lifestyle and has continued on her vegan journey for two years. She says that compared to the way her life was before, there is a 180° difference. “I sleep better, I feel better-I recover faster from workouts and I one hundred percent believe that it protects me from any injuries.” Overall, being vegan has allowed Julie to hit new fitness goals and has contributed to a more fulfilled health and wellness journey. 

Julie’s approach to helping others become vegan is to encourage them to try it for themselves so see how their body reacts to the changes. She fully believes that veganism has changed her body and her mind in the most positive way and that once you implement a vegan diet into your life, there is no way you can go back from it. She says the reason for this is that “when people start to feel better, they want to continue to do better for themselves.” Julie and her significant other Jason became vegan together to see if it would improve their lives or make them feel better. She says that it definitely led to drastic positive changes in both of their lives and that at 41 years old, she feels better than she ever did at 20.

Eating the Rainbow

One common misconception that Julie would like to clear up about vegans is that their only source of protein is tofu, therefore; they must eat tofu every single day. She says that this is absolutely not true. In fact, because Jason is intolerant to soy, they were able to both broaden their horizons and try new foods that they would’ve never would have thought of. In order to ensure that they are getting a full balanced diet, they “truly eat the rainbow.” Beans are a necessity throughout her diet and her favorite plant-based meal is a 4 bean chili. 

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

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The post The Plant-based Athlete: Julie Harper appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Expectant and breastfeeding moms have a double duty: not only do they need to make sure that their babies are getting all of the nutrients they need, but they must also ensure that they themselves are properly nourished. Pregnancy and the subsequent months after delivery is a highly demanding period of time for the body. Mothers understandably need higher quantities of quality nutrients than at nearly any other time in their lives: which is why a vegan calcium supplement for breastfeeding can be so beneficial.

One of the chief nutrients required in greater quantities through pregnancy and beyond is calcium. Pregnant and nursing mothers require 1,000 to 1,300 mg of calcium per day and can lose up to 5% of their bone mass while nursing. Especially for vegan mothers who may find it difficult to meet their calcium requirements through diet alone, a quality calcium supplement has the potential to help circumvent bone density loss and help rebuild bones faster after pregnancy. 

Not all calcium supplements are created equally, however. Here are the things to consider when looking for a calcium supplement to take while expecting or breastfeeding. 

The Type of Calcium

Calcium occurs in a few different forms, all of which have varying amounts of elemental calcium – the base nutrient your body needs to help maintain healthy bone density. The nutrition label on the product you’re considering will tell you which form of calcium the product contains. Calcium carbonate tends to be one of the most popular choices because it contains the highest amount of elemental calcium—typically around 40% by weight. Other sources of calcium include calcium citrate, an excellent choice if you plan to take your calcium supplement on an empty stomach or if you regularly take heartburn medication. Calcium citrate generally consists of around 21% elemental calcium.

The Calcium Source

In addition to understanding which form of calcium your supplement contains, learning its source can help you further narrow down your choices. It’s best to avoid products with calcium made from unrefined oyster shells, bone meal, dolomite, or coral, as these may contain lead or other toxic metals. 

Instead, opt for something sourced from a mineral-like the AQUAMIN® found in our Synergistically Vegan calcium supplement. Derived from calcified red algae, AQUAMIN® is rich in magnesium and other trace minerals important in your body’s calcium absorption process.

The Calcium Dosage

You should consult your doctor to confirm how much supplemental calcium you need in your diet. Regardless of the number, however, it’s important to keep in mind that your body can only absorb about 500mg of calcium at a time. So choose your supplement accordingly, keeping in mind that supplements promising to deliver more than 500 mg of calcium in a single dose may not be worth the money. If you need more than 500mg of supplemental calcium, make sure to spread your doses throughout the day.

The Supplement Formulation

Calcium is best received by your body in conjunction with other nutrients. If your calcium supplement only contains calcium, it may not be working as well as you hope. The calcium you take does the most for your body when it’s able to work in conjunction with two other important nutrients: vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. Aside from being another essential nutrient for breastfeeding mothers, vitamin D3 helps encourage calcium uptake through the intestine so that more of the calcium you ingest is absorbed quicker. Meanwhile, vitamin K2 assists in the absorption process, directing ingested calcium away from the arteries and encouraging it to bind to the bones.

Your Personal Preference

After a supplement’s efficacy, one of the most important considerations is whether it will be something that you stick to. Most supplements work best over the long term – especially calcium, which takes time to build in your skeletal system and counteract any density loss. Consider the size of the pills you’ll be taking, as well as the number of doses you’ll need, then choose a supplement you feel confident you’ll be able to stick to. 

Ready to find a 100% vegan calcium supplement for breastfeeding moms? 

Synergistically Vegan is an all-new plant-based combination of unique ingredients developed to give you the BEST calcium absorption possible. 100% vegan and safe for expectant and breastfeeding mothers, Synergistically Vegan may help prevent bone density loss that can occur during pregnancy. Learn more about this groundbreaking calcium supplement here.

The post The Best Vegan Calcium Supplement for Breastfeeding Moms appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

There’s no doubt about it;  vegan diets have been shown to produce better health outcomes than other standard diets. That doesn’t mean, however, that vegans are in the clear when it comes to perfect nutrition. In fact, there are many key nutrients that vegans can easily miss if their diets aren’t carefully diversified. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most important vegan nutrients and where they can be found both in the grocery store and in 100% pure vegan supplement form.

Vegan Vitamin D3

Often called “the sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is most commonly obtained through exposure to sunlight, though not everyone synthesizes and processes vitamin D the same. Especially in colder climates and colder months, it’s important to ensure that your diet includes vitamin D-rich foods or a quality vegan supplement. Not only does vitamin D help build stronger bones and assist in strengthening our immune systems, but emerging research also suggests that this vitamin may be key in predicting better COVID-19 outcomes. Get your recommended daily allowance of this vital nutrient from fortified vegan foods and some mushrooms grown in sunlight. You can also find this vitamin in its most bioavailable form in our vitamin D3 softgels, sprays, gummies, and chewable tablets.

Vegan Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps regulate your nervous system and assists in the production of red blood cells. Being deficient in this vitamin can lead to anemia, weakness, and fatigue, but B12 can’t be reliably obtained purely from a varied plant-based diet of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables alone. The only reliable sources of this vitamin for vegans are foods fortified with B12, though vegans can get a small portion of their recommended daily allowance from nutritional yeast products and nori. If you’re worried that you’re lacking in B12, you should definitely look into a purely vegan B12 supplement. 

Vegan Vitamin K2

This vitamin is often left out of the common lexicon of popular vitamins and minerals, but its importance can’t be ignored. There are many speculative benefits of Vitamin K2, but one thing is certain: this vitamin is essential in the metabolism of calcium, helping activate calcium-binding proteins that are central to building strong bones. This is just one of the reasons that we’ve paired this powerhouse vitamin with D3 in our D3 + K2 spray and with D3 and calcium in our new capsule supplement, Synergistically Vegan. Vitamin K2 is another nutrient that is tricky to come by in great quantities in a vegan diet outside of vegan supplements, but it can be found in many fermented foods. 

Vegan Calcium

Most of us are well aware that calcium is essential for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Lesser-known, however, is that your heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium in order to function optimally. Vegans can find this nutrient in fortified foods, but also in leafy greens, sesame seeds and tahini, and dried fruits such as raisins, prunes, figs, and dried apricots. For this mineral to have an optimal effect on the strength of your bones and teeth, it’s best if it’s accompanied by vitamins D3 and K2 as it is in Synergistically Vegan.

Be confident in the health benefits of your vegan diet! But don’t forget to check on your intake of these essential nutrients as well. They’re paramount to a truly healthy, balanced vegan life.

Ready to find the perfect 100% vegan supplements for your lifestyle? Shop our complete line of products here.

The post The 4 Essential Nutrients Every Vegan Needs appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

The holidays can feel like a particularly fraught time of year – especially if you’re concerned that the menu at your holiday get-together won’t include vegan-friendly options. Between Aunt Margie peddling her holiday cheesecake and Uncle Dave insisting that no one can celebrate properly without a bite of Christmas ham, holidays may feel hopeless. While many aspects of celebrating with family and friends who have different values may be out of your control, the following tips aren’t. Here are five ways to make this holiday season a little less uncomfortable.

Here’s our Holiday Survival Guide for Vegans

Plan Ahead

Take the stress out of uncomfortable day-of surprises by discussing your needs with your family in advance. Doing so will not only help you feel more at ease, but it will help the person in charge of the holiday menu feel much more comfortable as well – after all, the purpose of working hard to create a holiday feast is so that it can be enjoyed by all. At the very least, you may avoid the surprised reactions or off-the-cuff inquisitions, and at the very best, those that you’re celebrating with will have time to make more inclusive arrangements.

Be Prepared

One of the hardest things around the holidays is the collision of values that can occur with some of the people we love most. Simple questions can easily feel like interrogations, and it can be tempting to feel hurt or offended if a family member or old friend can’t come around to seeing your point of view. Combat uncomfortable questions and potential escalations by being prepared. Be cognizant of the questions that might arise about your decision to live a vegan lifestyle, and practice answers that will make you feel cool, collected, and confident.

Eat Ahead

If you’re not confident that your needs will be accommodated at a gathering, don’t risk getting “hangry”. Not only will filling up ahead of time save you from uncomfortable hunger pangs, but it may also save you from temptation if there’s a non-vegan dessert or dish that you simply can’t resist on an empty stomach.

Bring a Dish

One of the best ways to ensure that you’re included in the festivities is to contribute a dish of your own. Find a recipe so good that your friends and family will hardly believe it’s vegan, or whip up a vegan take on a family favorite. Sharing is caring, after all, and there’s nothing quite like sharing good food with loved ones to make the holidays bright.

Focus on Loved Ones

Of all the activities that happen over the holidays, the one most highly anticipated by 83% of Americans is spending time with family and friends. If your diet or lifestyle is a point of contention with family, move the conversation to some common ground. Now may not be the time to convince your loved ones to become vegans, but it is the perfect time to spend time together and enjoy each others’ company.

Is there a tip we missed? Contact us and let us know! Then check out our line of quality vegan products and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest nutritional tips, tricks, recipes, and scientific news.

The post The Ultimate Holiday Survival Guide for Vegans appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.