For those who are thinking about becoming vegan, there are many questions and concerns that can arise when considering the seemingly strict diet.
One could argue that health, expense, and accessibility are the main concerns of pursuing a vegan diet, especially when living in a city that is not as accustomed to various diets.
And while Virginia Beach is beginning to come up with more vegan-friendly restaurant options, vegans may find that their selections are still limited.
But fear not, Virginia Beach has hidden gems for vegans who want to expand their dining options.
The vegan based bakery that might change your mind and expand your dining options
My Vegan Sweet Tooth, a bakery on Virginia Beach Boulevard, has been supplying baked goods to locals since its opening in 2011.
“I originally started the vegan bakery from my home,” said bakery owner, Tonya Deveau.
Deveau, who has been a vegan for 23 years, knows all about creating vegan dishes and treats, using ingredients that are “unusual” but very tasty.
“That whole idea that vegan food is fake — that’s not true,” Deveau said. “We use whole foods and even make our own brown sugar. In fact, I would say that vegan sweets taste better than processed sweets since there are only fresh ingredients involved.”
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According to its website, My Vegan Sweetooth is also dedicated to protecting animals and supporting local animal charities.
But Deveau agreed there are still not enough vegan restaurants, shops, and bakeries in Virginia Beach.
“Even if there aren’t enough, we’re seeing progress, and we like to promote those restaurants that offer vegan options,” she said.
Brittany Foote, manager at the Fruitive restaurant at Hilltop, also agrees.
“I always find myself going to the same places,” she said.
Fruitive makes their dishes from scratch, and about 98 percent of their food is organic, Foote said.
“We also have vegan mayo and ranch,” she said. “We don’t use anything with additives or added processed sugar.”
So it might taste good, but how healthy is it?
In terms of nutrition, Kameo Snyder, a leading nutritionist In Motion Psychical Therapy Center based in Town Center, said a plant-based diet is one of the most healthy ways to treat the body.
“Saying that you do not have enough protein in a vegan diet or that it’s an unhealthy lifestyle is a total myth,” she said. “You can get your protein from soy-based foods, legumes, seeds, nuts, and quinoa — which are packed with amino acids.”
Scott Banks, a nutritionist at Banks Nutrition Center, agreed that the essential amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates can also be found in various fruits and grains.
“Avocados, for example, have plenty of healthy fats, carbs, and protein and many other fruits carry plenty of carbohydrates,” Banks said.
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