#14 - The Truth About Vegan Diets and Nutrient Deficiencies

Girl Talk Decoded

In this episode, Mary and Carla get real about the whole plant-based versus omnivore conversation. They open up about their journeys with vegetarianism and how adding animal foods back into their diets made a big difference in their energy, digestion, and hormones. They’re all about balance and variety, but they also acknowledge that getting enough nutrients like B12, iron, zinc, and protein on a strict plant-based diet can take some extra effort.
They also clear up some common confusion around red meat and health, pointing out that a lot of studies leave out key lifestyle details. The conversation covers how our protein needs change as we age, why some fake meats aren’t as healthy as they seem, and why many people feel stronger and more energized with quality animal protein in the mix. Their takeaway? Eat real, whole foods, load up on plants, and don’t be afraid to include animal products if they help you thrive.
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:21) Revisiting plant-based vs. omnivorous diets
(2:16) Hormonal issues and animal protein benefits for women
(4:48) How studies can be misleading
(7:54) Protein’s role beyond muscle
(10:45) Personal stories of returning to meat
(13:58) Risks of overly processed vegan foods
(15:35) Why lifelong diets may need to evolve
(18:49) Debunking the vegan heart health argument
(21:13) The issue of overconsumption of meat
(27:50) Final thoughts on balance, bioavailability, and personal choice
(29:04) Outro
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