Vegan before 5pm: Tips to adopt a part-time vegan diet like Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris, the first woman of colour who is running for presidency of the United States of America in the 2024 election, has previously discussed her forays into plant-based food, and she’s also spoken about the environment and animal protection. Harris, who has been the 49th and current vice president of the United States since 2021, serving under President Joe Biden, is the Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 US presidential election. Harris previously represented California in the United States Senate. Before that, she was the Attorney General of California.

Throughout her career, Harris, the first African American and first Asian American vice president of the US, has prioritized various forms of environmental and animal protections. Harris has also discussed the negative impact of red meat on health and the environment, and spoken about her penchant for plant-based foods on more than one occasion.

Here’s everything you need to know about her stance on the environment, animals, and veganism.

Harris previously said she was ‘dabbling’ in veganism while visiting the plant-based Mexican restaurant Tacotarian in Las Vegas. While chatting with staff, Harris said that she tried to eat plant-based before 6pm in order to reduce her consumption of animal products.

Naturally, the question arises – Is Kamala Harris vegan?

While Harris has undoubtedly voiced support for the protection of some animals, she does not follow an entirely vegan lifestyle. However, it is worth noting that Harris includes a splash of honey (which isn’t vegan) in her morning tea, meaning her go-to, mostly plant-based breakfast is best described as plant-forward, or flexitarian, rather than vegan.

What Harris eats:

In 2022, Kamala Harris told Forbes, "I eat 'no' for breakfast." As quirky as that sounds, Harris doesn't skip the most important meal of the day. However, she doesn't usually opt for a sit-down breakfast, either. In 2018, she described her daily routine to The Cut, and revealed, “I usually stand at my kitchen counter eating some kind of Raisin Bran in almond milk while I look at my schedule for the day," stated Harris. "It's the generic Raisin Bran that I get from the grocery store — I try to not have a lot of sugar in it. I have tea with honey and lemon and then I'm out the door.”

Although Harris starts her day with a modest breakfast, she is a foodie at heart. As per the 49 th vice president of the US, she just knows how to prioritize. Harris told Jennifer Hudson in 2023, “Sunday family dinner is my thing to stay focused and keep some normalcy.” She then elaborated on her love of cooking, exclaiming, “One day, I'm going to write a cookbook!”

A look at an almost vegan diet:

In case you want to follow a vegan diet like, here are some tips you might follow:

Eat a variety of foods: Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plant-based proteins, nuts, and seeds.

Avoid processed foods: Even if processed foods are vegan, they often contain added calories and chemicals, and high temperatures can make them less healthy.

Focus on iodine: Sea vegetables, iodized salt, and supplements are the main sources of iodine for vegans.

Get enough zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral found in all body tissues and fluids.

Eat fish-free omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in canola oil, soy oil, walnuts, ground flaxseed, and soybeans.

Consider grains: Grains are a good source of protein, iron, calcium, and B vitamins.

Eat nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of iron, fiber, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E.

Consider supplements: Vegan supplements can help prevent deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12 is especially difficult to get from plants alone.

In case you want to follow a partial vegan diet, also known as flexitarianism, following are the tips that can help you:

Eat more plants: Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which are high in fibre, plant protein, and minerals.

Eat fewer animal products: Eat fewer animal products and avoid junk food.

Cook at home: Cook at home as much as possible instead of eating out.

Choose high-quality foods: Eat high-quality foods and avoid foods high in sodium, added sugars, and fats.

Get enough nutrients: Make sure you get enough vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. You may need a calcium supplement to keep your bones strong.

Eat healthy fats: Eat healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds to keep your heart and brain healthy.

Eat legumes: Legumes are a good source of plant protein and fiber. You can sprout many legumes to make them even more nutritious.

Eat grains: Grains are a good source of vegan protein, iron, calcium, and B vitamins.

Eat omega-3 rich foods: Get omega-3 from plant sources like flax seeds to maintain heart health and promote a healthy digestive system.