Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

Ever since I found out about Chia Seeds and their gift of Omega 3’s, I have been seeking out additional  information about Omegas. I still have questions. I have learned that it isn’t enough to be consuming the “correct” amount of  Omega rich foods…are you getting the correct ratio of 3’s and 6’s?  What are the best sources of these vital nutrients?  I am familiar with the usual suspects like green leafies, walnuts,  flax and Chia seeds but it feels more complicated than that.

Flax comes with built in stipulations for its participation in your health care. For example, flax must be ground before it is consumed or else it will pass through you completely undigested. However, you don’t want to grind them too far in advance because the heat from grinding can cause them to deteriorate rapidly and spoil. I also read that flax oil can become rancid quickly, even when kept in the fridge. This feels like too much to me. Too much to remember, too much to avoid.

We of course love Chia seeds which are also an amazing source of Omegas. I have been adding Chia to our smoothies every week day and just kind of winging it.  Angela Stokes from Raw Reform has a fantastic site with great info about Chia seeds  so I asked her what her recommendation was for dosage of Chia seeds. This is what she shared,

“Work up to 3 tablespoons per day to get the optimum level, but start with 1 TEASPOON, see how your body does, and slowly move up over the course of a few weeks or even a couple months.”

We currently consume one tablespoon a piece each week day.

I also found compelling information about microalgae oil as a magnificent source of Omega s’3 and 6’s. According to Christine Harrell, author  of,  Sources Of Vegetarian Omega 3 And What Vegetarians And Vegans Should Know,

“One of the highest vegetarian sources of omega 3 is microalgae oil, which your body can begin to use immediately with no additional processing. Microalgae oil gives you the maximum benefit of omega 3s. In addition, microalgae oil contains the proper balance of EPA and DHA making it a far superior source to any other including fish. While foods and oils like flax oil and walnuts are a source of vegetarian omega 3, microalgae oil supplement is a higher source while being easier for your body to use.”

I find this incredibly interesting and will continue to seek out additional information. I want to keep supplementation to a minimum and eat for health. That being said, I’m am all for purposefully adding things to my diet that will ensure balance and an abundance of  energy and vitality of body and mind.

I am still not sure how many Omegas we are striving for on a daily basis, which means I don’t know if we are achieving it with what we are doing. Instead of settling on confusion and feeling overwhelmed,  I am going to continue to find sources of Omega’s that are most complementary to my lifestyle. I am not sure how you would know if you weren’t getting enough, but I think if you are supplementing them into your diet and  feeling amazing, than you are right on track. Find a source that you like, stick with it and strive for amazing.

So I am  curious, how are you getting your Omegas?

Do you drink them or grind them, smoothie them or pop them like vitamins? Please share so we can all be our most energetic and vibrant selves.

Have a delicious day.

Additional Flax information from Ellies Whole Grains

Additional info was found at Women to Women where there is an entire page about Omegas for Vegans.

Tags: chia seeds, Christine Harrell, dairy free, Ellies Grains, flax seed oil, going veg, microalgae oil, omega 3's, Omega fatty acids, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan wannabe, Women to Women