Frequently Asked Questions:

  • At The Vegan Six, we focus on delicious plant-based recipes that are quick, easy, and mostly higher in protein—perfect for busy people. It's important to understand the difference between the terms "vegan" and "plant-based," as they are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings.

    Vegan refers to a lifestyle that excludes all animal products and by-products, not only in diet but also in other areas such as clothing and personal care. A vegan diet eliminates meat, dairy, eggs, and other ingredients derived from animals like honey, motivated by ethical, environmental, or health reasons.

    Plant-based, on the other hand, primarily describes a diet centered on foods derived from plants—such as vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruits—without necessarily excluding all animal products out of ethical considerations. Someone following a plant-based diet may be doing so for health benefits, focusing on whole, minimally processed plant foods, and may consume some animal products.

    By concentrating on plant-based meals, we cater to both vegans and anyone looking to incorporate more plant foods into their diet, ensuring our recipes are nutritious, satisfying, and family-tested.

  • Our family’s vegan journey is rooted in both personal experience and a commitment to plant-based nutrition for health and ethical reasons.

    • From Beef Farm to Vegan Living: My husband grew up on a beef and lumber farm, surrounded by traditional animal agriculture. After learning about the realities of factory farming and its impact on animal welfare and the environment, he made the switch to a vegan lifestyle to align with his values.

    • Raising Vegetarian and Vegan Kids: Before marriage, we agreed to raise our children vegetarian, believing a plant-based diet for families was a compassionate and healthy choice. Our approach to vegetarian family meals evolved as our family grew.

    • Vegan Diet for Heart Health: When our second child was born with a congenital heart defect, his pediatric cardiologist recommended a vegan diet over a vegetarian one to help prevent arterial plaque buildup and support heart-healthy eating. This pivotal moment led us to embrace a fully whole-food, plant-based diet for our family’s well-being.

    • Transitioning from Cheese Lover to Vegan: Personally, giving up cheese was my biggest challenge—I was a true cheese lover! It took time and experimenting with dairy-free alternatives and vegan cheese recipes before I fully transitioned to a dairy-free lifestyle.

    • Flexibility for Teens—Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Now, two of our four teenagers have chosen to be vegetarian. That’s why many of our family-friendly vegan recipes include vegetarian swaps or tips, making it easy to adapt meals for both vegan and vegetarian diets.

    We share our story to inspire other families considering a plant-based lifestyle or looking for vegan and vegetarian meal ideas. Our journey shows that every family’s path is unique, and transitioning to a vegan family diet can be flexible, gradual, and rewarding for everyone.

  • I include a variety of protein-rich foods in every meal and offer snacks like nut butters, hummus, avocado, smoothies and healthy baked goods to meet calorie needs.

    Great sources of protein that our kids enjoy include: tofu, lentils, chickpeas, and beans, nuts and seeds, and meat alternatives.

    I also pay special attention to the providing the following essential nutrients::

    • Vitamin B12 (supplements or fortified foods)

    • Iron (beans, lentils, spinach, fortified cereals)

    • Calcium (fortified plant milks, leafy greens, tofu)

    • Omega-3s (chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts)

    Consult your pediatrician for more!

  • For vegan holidays, I love creating plant-based versions of classic dishes and festive treats so the whole family can enjoy beloved holiday traditions without compromising on flavor or ethics.

    When it comes to kids’ birthday parties, I simplified my routine years ago by bulk baking vegan pizzas and cupcakes or purchasing ready-made vegan options to freeze. The night before the party, I simply thaw a slice of vegan pizza and a vegan cupcake to send with my child the next day—making party prep quick, easy, and stress-free!

  • When traveling or dining out as a vegan family, we always plan ahead to make sure everyone has great food options:

    Research Menus in Advance: We check restaurant menus for plant-based options and use apps like Happy Cow to find the best vegan-friendly restaurants wherever we go.

    Pack Vegan Snacks: I always pack a variety of vegan snacks for the family, so we’re never caught off guard if options are limited.

    Locate Grocery Stores: Before arriving at our destination, I search for nearby grocery stores that carry vegan staples, making it easy to prepare meals if needed.

    Airbnb vs. Hotels: If I notice that vegan options are scarce in a particular area, I often choose an Airbnb with a kitchen over a hotel. This gives us the flexibility to cook our own plant-based meals and ensures we always have something delicious to eat.

    When we first went vegan over 15 years ago, hardly anyone knew what a vegan diet was. Now, there’s a word for “vegan” in nearly every language, making it easier than ever to request vegan meals worldwide. Thanks to the growing popularity of plant-based eating, we rarely have trouble finding delicious vegan food, whether we’re at home or on the go.

  • Yes, many recipes are gluten-free or can be adapted. We also share nut-free and soy-free options—check the substitution section of each blog post, where I try to offer substitutions for ingredients to accommodate as many sensitivities as possible.