• The term vegan refers to an individual who does not eat meat, dairy or any other animal-based product. In many cases, this includes honey. While there are restrictions to what a vegan can eat, nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables and fruits are all on the menu, and for vegans, a focus on having a plant-based diet can make their eating habits more interesting.
  
  

Legumes

• As vegans do not consume meat or dairy products, legumes provide an important source of protein for vegans. Boston beans, kidney beans, red beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, sweet peas, peanuts and many sprouts are all legumes. A few common legume-based items that can be eaten by vegans include plain peanut butter sandwiches, beans and rice and baked beans
  
  

Whole Grains

• The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, an organization that supports the vegan diet, suggests the following foods as sources of whole grains: bread, rice, tortillas, pasta, hot or cold cereal, corn, millet, barley, and bulgur wheat. Whole-grain foods do not include white bread and white rice, which are not as rich in nutrients and fiber, although such foods are usually compatible with a vegan diet.
  
  

Fruits and Vegetables

• With dairy products such as milk and cheese absent from the vegan diet, fruits and vegetables become an important source of calcium for vegans. Retired general practitioner and holistic health practitioner Dr. David Ride says that "vegans obtain their calcium from vegetation. . . . Good sources include vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard and kale, dried figs and raisins."