While eating too few calories can happen on a vegan diet, this is not always the case and some people experience weight gain. The people who are most at risk for getting too few calories on a vegan diet are children, teens and in some cases, pregnant women.

If you shun all animal products, including dairy and eggs, for health or ethical reasons, finding a nutritionally complete meal-replacement shake can be a challenge. Many packaged versions are made with dairy proteins, such as whey or casein -- which are no-nos on a vegan diet.

Raw vegan meals exclude meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs or any product derived from living creatures. This diet also excludes food that is cooked above 116 degrees F, to retain the vitamins and nutrients from the vegetables, fruits, seeds, legumes, nuts and grains.

Vegan diets exclude all animal products, including meats, dairy and eggs. Because these animal products are high in protein, a low-carb vegan meal planner needs to seek out large amounts of plant-based protein sources.

Appropriately planned vegan diets, according to the American Dietetic Association, are nutritionally adequate for pregnancy and can result in positive maternal and infant health outcomes. A vegan diet is plant-based and devoid of animal sources of fats and proteins found in meat, fish, eggs or milk products.

A vegan diet eschews all animal products, including dairy and eggs, and relies on plant foods for nourishment. While it is possible to get all the nutrients you need by eating a plant-only diet, it takes careful planning. In some cases, a lack of proper nutrition can lead to excessive hair loss.

Vegan diets offer a buffet of food for thought. Health and lifestyle choices weigh heavily into the discussion of pros and cons. Studies cite numerous health benefits associated with plant-based diets. As with any diet, however, education is required to ensure you get a proper balance of nutrients.

Vegan diets, when planned properly, are healthy and can even lower the risk of certain diseases, according to the American Dietetic Association. They can be appropriate for individuals in all stages of life, including infancy, childhood, pregnancy and lactation.

A vegan diet is one that excludes all animal products including eggs and dairy. Despite this restriction, you can meet your nutritional requirements and consume an adequate amount of calories by eating a variety of plant-based foods.

A vegan refrains from consuming animal products. It is a common misconception that there are few food choices for vegans; in fact, the opposite is true. Vegans have a large variety of flavors available to satisfy their palates.

Buttermilk lends a creamy texture and tart flavor to dips, sauces and salad dressings. In baked goods, it helps activate the leavening action of baking soda and adds a rich, tender taste with less fat than whole milk.

Vegan milk alternatives are a wildly various bunch. If it's powdered milk you're after -- whether to keep on-hand for emergency shortfalls, beef up a bread recipe or add body to smoothies -- you'll have several options to choose from.