Who is a part-time vegan? It is a person who periodically refrains from consuming animal products, including dairy. But why bother with it? I would not, but in case you are interested, here is the deal:

What a part-time vegan is all about A traditional vegan eschews all animal foods, as well as leather and fur. Many are motivated by ethical issues; others seek health benefits.

But compromise is possible. Take Jennifer Lasalle Edwards, 35, of Aurora, Colorado, who wanted to feel better physically without giving up some of her favorite foods.

The part-time vegan diet Weekdays, Edwards eats vegan meals: a fruit smoothie for breakfast; guacamole and veggie soup for lunch; and black bean chili for dinner. She snacks on LäraBars or apples with almond butter. Wiggle room makes it easier to stick to the diet, so on weekends, she adds cheese, eggs and shrimp or crab (she skips red meat altogether). “I have more energy, and I’ve lost 10 pounds,” she says.

Should you try to be a part-time vegan? “Being a part-time vegan can be incredibly healthy if it’s done correctly,” say a number of experts. “A partially plant-based diet is higher in disease-fighting phytonutrients and lower in calories and saturated fat.”

The right way to be a part-time vegan Start by trying two vegan meals per day. To get enough protein, calcium and calories, use calcium-enriched soymilk in smoothies and add tofu to a veggie soup. Eat fish on weekends to get omega-3 fatty acids. And consider taking a daily calcium supplement and a multivitamin. [via]