insight

Vegan Myth #1: A vegan diet lacks essential nutrients like protein, calcium and iron.

TRUTH: You may assume that protein and iron must come from meat and calcium from dairy products; the truth is that whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and vegetables will provide us with all the proteins we need. Broccoli has more protein, ounce for ounce, than any meat. Iron can come in many veggie forms, including dark leafy greens, lentils and other beans. For calcium, look to dark leafy greens, almonds and black beans.
Source: This Crazy Vegan Life

I can attest to the truthfulness of this statement. I try to donate blood at least two times a year, and I have never been turned away for having low a iron level. Good nutrition gives the body the fuel it needs to use. It takes a fair amount of discipline and imagination to succeed at eating vegan/vegetarian in our culture. The key is to remain informed, organized, and resolute.