
Do Vegans Eat Too Much Junk Food? - with The Happy Pear
03/10/25 • 8 min
This bite-sized episode tackles a question that comes up time and time again: Do vegans eat too many highly processed foods? This discussion was sparked by a live Q&A with The Happy Pear, where we explored what the evidence really says about diet quality in vegans.
We break down the differences between a vegan diet and a whole food plant-based diet, looking at how food choices impact overall health. Plus, if you’re vegan (or thinking about making the switch), we share some practical tips on how to keep your diet as healthy as possible—maximizing nutrients, minimizing ultra-processed foods, and making plant-based eating work for you.
Join us as we separate fact from fiction and help you build a balanced, nourishing diet that supports long-term health.
Follow Stephen and David Flynn—The Happy Pear —on Instagram and YouTube.
Buy “The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings from the First 20 Years” on Amazon UK, Amazon US, and at all good booksellers.
Updates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list
Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter
Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
This bite-sized episode tackles a question that comes up time and time again: Do vegans eat too many highly processed foods? This discussion was sparked by a live Q&A with The Happy Pear, where we explored what the evidence really says about diet quality in vegans.
We break down the differences between a vegan diet and a whole food plant-based diet, looking at how food choices impact overall health. Plus, if you’re vegan (or thinking about making the switch), we share some practical tips on how to keep your diet as healthy as possible—maximizing nutrients, minimizing ultra-processed foods, and making plant-based eating work for you.
Join us as we separate fact from fiction and help you build a balanced, nourishing diet that supports long-term health.
Follow Stephen and David Flynn—The Happy Pear —on Instagram and YouTube.
Buy “The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings from the First 20 Years” on Amazon UK, Amazon US, and at all good booksellers.
Updates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list
Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter
Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
Previous Episode

Why Quitting Alcohol Could Be Your Best Life Hack - with Andy Ramage.
Andy Ramage wants to change your relationship with alcohol, and spark lasting positive changes in your life. This episode is about so much more than stepping away from middle-lane drinking - it’s about creating a limitless life filled with energy, purpose, and positivity.
Andy’s energy, enthusiasm, and insights are infectious, and he has an incredible way of inspiring action and reflection. That’s why I’m so excited to share this conversation with you today.
Follow Andy Ramage: Instagram.
Make the change: Dryy app and community.
Listen to: The Alcohol-Free Advantage Podcast with Andy Ramage.
Updates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list
Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter
Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
Next Episode

Essential Diet and Lifestyle Practices for a Healthier Menopause - with Dr Nitu Bajekal
Today, I’m in conversation with renowned OBGYN and women’s health expert Dr. Nitu Bajekal as we tackle perimenopause, menopause, and how nutrition and lifestyle can empower women through this crucial phase of life. With over 40 years of experience in female health, Dr. Bajekal shares practical, evidence-based strategies that everyone should know!
Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, currently navigating it, or supporting a loved one through this important life stage, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to start conversations with your doctor about peri-menopause and menopause, to make informed decisions about HRT, and to decide which diet and lifestyle practices are right for you.
We also cover the roles of alcohol, exercise, and community, and take time to debunk the myths around soybeans and hormonal health.
Buy your copy of Dr Nitu’s Books: Finding Me in Menopause: Flourishing in Perimenopause and Menopause using Nutrition and Lifestyle
Living PCOS Free: How to regain your hormonal health with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Visits Dr. Nitu’s website for plant-based recipes & free resources: www.nitubajekal.com
Connect with Dr. Bajekal: Instagram TikTok
Updates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list
Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter
Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
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