Asklemmy

*Citation needed

Veganism can be inexpensive, accessible, and perfectly healthy with a little planning. Here's a short list of major nutrients that are usually a concern and some inexpensive vegan sources:

• B12 - Nutritional yeast.
• Calcium - Antacids like Tums.
• Iodine - Iodized salt.
• Complete Protein - Beans, lentils, tofu, etc.
• Omega-3s - Flax seeds, Chia seeds, nuts and vegetable oils.*

*Omega-3s are the hardest to get enough of because converting ALA to DHA and EPA is an inefficient process. Chia and flax seeds are an easy way to get enough ALA, but you will need to eat them, or another ALA-rich food, with every meal. I use a non-vegan Omega-3 supplement, but I don't claim to be a vegan. A 95-99% reduction in the animal products I consume makes me happy.

As others have stated - a strict vegan diet is not necessary for everyone, but the individuals who choose to go strictly vegan increase demand for alternatives and popularize recipes and techniques that help the general public to consume fewer animal products. Whether someone adheres to a strict vegan diet, or not, a drastic reduction in the amount of animal products we consume is essential. In the United States it is normal and expected to eat meat & dairy as part of every meal and every snack. The adverse health effects of red / processed meats and dairy are well documented, and the resulting environmental devastation is undeniable.

Everyone doesn't need to go vegan, but eating meat and dairy 3-5 times per week instead of 3-5 times per day would be a big step in the right direction.