Today there are many people who choose to follow different models of nutrition, among them is the vegan diet. Maintaining a vegan diet in our home does not usually mean any difficulty, but it does mean that we have to travel. Therefore, if you are going to spend a few days in Gran Canaria on vacation, it is good that you know that you have suitable lodging options for vegans. If you stay at one of our hotels we ask you to inform the Guest Experience team and the Executive Chef about your vegan diet upon arrival. Our team will propose you vegan dishes according to your wishes and needs..
What is a vegan diet?
Veganism is not only a diet, but a way of life. It excludes everything that is somehow related to the animal world, either by the direct consumption of meat or fish, or its derivatives: cheese, eggs, milk, etc.
This way of life is also applied to clothing: wool, leather or silk, which come directly from animals. Likewise, in cosmetics, since many brands use animals to test their products.
The advantages of following a vegan diet, in addition to respecting animal’ welfare, are directly in the diet. It is a very low in fat and cholesterol diet, components that are mostly found in animal products, not so much in vegetables. On the other hand, it is very rich in fiber and, therefore, beneficial to the body.
Similarly, this type of diet can have some drawbacks, since it is usually low in proteins and other essential nutrients for health, such as vitamins D and B12, calcium and iron.
Another inconvenience that may arise comes at lunchtime away from home, since not all establishments offer vegan-friendly menus. However, nowadays we understand that customers are increasingly diverse in their diets.
Vegan food and practical tips for a vegan diet
As we have already mentioned, vegan cuisine excludes all kinds of meat, fish and its derivatives. All kinds of vegetables, legumes, fruits and nuts, etc. can be eaten. The consumption of vitamin C is extremely important for vegans and must be present in practically all meals.
Other essential foods to have daily are nuts, preferably natural, never fried.
When not being able to ingest proteins from animal origin, it is necessary to substitute the needed nutrients such as healthy proteins, iron, vitamins (including the B12), calcium, etc. The specific combination of some vegetables increases the essential amino acids.
Let's see where you can get the necessary nutrients and vitamins in a vegan diet:
- Iron, is part of red blood cells and essential to form the hemoglobin that transfers oxygen to all organs. It can be obtained from legumes such as chickpeas or lentils. Foods rich in iron are broccoli, grapes and wheat, among others.
- Calcium, which is obtained mainly from milk and its derivatives, and since it is excluded from the vegan diet, only found in very small quantities in soy or broccoli, the intake of food supplements are a must.
- Zinc, is present in legumes and nuts.
- Essential fatty acids, which come largely from virgin olive oil, very beneficial to properly maintain cholesterol and blood pressure control.
- Proteins and amino acids daily intake it’s found in legumes and nuts. Nevertheless, if there are deficiencies can be solved by taking food supplements.
Hotels in Gran Canaria where you can follow a vegan-friendly diet
To keep a vegan diet, properly speaking, is not a matter of having an all-vegetable diet and to avoid foods of animal origin and derivatives, but it is essential that its preparation is made in an appropriate way and following very specific guidelines. Also, finding a hotel that suits your vegan needs can sometimes be difficult.
Therefore, it is essential that the hotel restaurants, and more specifically their kitchens, are properly equipped and have expert staff on this diet. Otherwise, important mistakes could be made, and they are easily avoidable.
In our hotel chain in Gran Canaria, you have the possibility to request the preparation of your vegan diet, since we have staff duly prepared for it in all our establishments: Dunas Don Gregory, Dunas Mirador Maspalomas, Dunas Suites & Villas Resort and Dunas Maspalomas Resort.
Once you let us know that you follow a vegan diet, our kitchen team will design the most varied and attractive way possible menu for you. Foods are supplemented with the much-needed vitamin C, and sugars and refined flours are avoided at all times. Thus, we make sure the food you eat will be an addition to your enjoyable vegan holidays.
A hotel that suits your needs as a vegan in Gran Canaria is an option that makes things easier for you to enjoy your holidays. You will not have to change your diet. All you’ll just have to take care of will be enjoying the sun, the beach and our facilities.