Top 10 Tips For Going Vegan
Lots of people all around the world are becoming vegan or intending to adopt a plant-based diet due to animal ethics and as a way to lessen their environmental impact. Whether you're just dipping your fingers into the realm of a plant-based diet or are ready to make a complete switch, there are 10 tips that can be helpful.
- Learn more
Veganism, like any other dietary change, may be challenging. So, when you get going, spend some time reviewing the fundamentals of plant-based nutrition. Learning about nutrition from an expert plant based doctor is a great way to start. This video by Dr Neal Barnard addresses these issues in the following video. Going Vegan What To Expect
- Begin with meals you're familiar with
You'll be more likely to stick to a vegan diet if you start with food your familiar with. When you start with the meals you already know about then it won’t be as overwhelming. For example if you like to eat spaghetti just look up how to make a vegan version and replace the meat with lentils as an example. It will ease your adjustment and eliminate any cravings you may have throughout the first week.
- Take it one day at a time
When you first start the diet it can be overwhelming to think that you will never eat animal products again in your lifetime. To make it easier just take each day as it comes. For the first day just think that today will eat completely plant based. The following day do the same and over time it will just become your habit and will be easy to maintain.
- Yes, you will be getting your protein
Despite the abundance of knowledge regarding plant-based protein, many people still believe it can only be found in animal products. This is a fallacy however with protein being found in every plant that we eat. If you want more protein in your diet then concentrate on the plant foods that contain the most. Tofu, nuts, lentils, beans, etc are all the examples
- Don't give up if you make mistakes
Be patient with yourself if you mess up. Move ahead after learning from your experiences. It will not be simple to change your lifestyle, so give yourself the authority to change mistakes and learn from them.
- Not all vegan food is healthy
Palm oil and coconut oil, which are high in saturated fats, are commonly included in processed vegan meals and are not healthy. You can't just eat anything that is vegan and expect to be healthy. Minimize the processed food and stick to a Whole Foods Plant Based Diet as much as possible.
- Don't be embarrassed
You'll have moments when you need to explain why you are changing your diet when challenged by others. This can be difficult and embarrassing. Just remember that you're doing it for the betterment of animals, the environment and yourself; don't lose sight of why you started.
- Don't give up
It may be difficult in the beginning, but as you get into the flow of things, it gets simpler and easier; you won't have to push yourself, you will not crave meat or dairy and you will feel refreshed!
- Learn about how animals are treated
If you are having trouble staying motivated it may help to watch a documentary on how animals are treated in the meat, dairy and egg industries. The documentary Dominion is free on YouTube and is a great way to learn about what is going on behind closed doors.
- Become a member of the vegan community
Make an effort to meet and mingle with other vegans as often as possible, and take advantage of available resources. Change is a lot less daunting when you have company. Being a vegan might make you feel isolated, so it's crucial to seek out support from other vegans, whether it be in person or online.
Have a good time living a vegan lifestyle! Vegan cuisine comes in a wide variety of flavors and preparations. Make vegan versions of some of your favorite non-vegan dishes as a challenge!
Happy Eating Plants!