So you’ve decided that you’d like to become vegan, but where do you start? Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can seem really daunting but often the idea of a big lifestyle change is a lot scarier than actually doing it. If you focus on making one change at a time the progression to veganism will feel quite natural. It’s important to go at your own pace and to decide on a method that works best for you. Here are some ideas and guidelines to structure your transition to veganism, just be sure to tailor them to your specific needs.
- Go Slow
One of the easiest mistakes people make when going vegan is thinking it has to be done overnight. It doesn’t! It’s totally ok to take it slowly. While it’s fantastic if you want to adopt a plant-based diet all at once, it’s also great to start by just reducing your consumption of animal products.
- Take simple, manageable steps like eating meat-free one day a week or one meal per day.
- Increase the amount of plant-based meals you eat as you get more comfortable with them.
- Be kind to yourself! You’re bound to fall off the wagon occasionally while you’re a beginner and that’s ok – it will get easier with time.
- Focus on what you can eat
When people go vegan, they often focus on what they’re cutting out, which is a sure way to make yourself miserable! Instead of thinking about how much you miss cheese (this was definitely me), ask ‘What CAN I eat as a vegan?’
- For every food you’re worried about giving up, take time to find an alternative you love. Meat alternatives like the Beyond Burger have become incredibly popular in the last couple of years, and there are now loads of plant-based milk, ice creams, and cheeses out there too.
- Experiment and see what products you like that you might not have tried before!
- Try new restaurants
One of the best parts about going plant-based! In almost every town and city now, there are a variety of vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants to choose from.
- If you’re tired and can’t face making dinner, why not go out (if it’s accessible to you)? It can provide a welcome break, not to mention cooking inspiration.
- In addition to fully plant-based restaurants, many popular chains now offer vegan menus or options, too. The easiest way to find vegan food near you is to download the Happy Cow app and search your local area.
- Do not just eat junk
It’s tempting to live off vegan junk food when there are so many options, but we need to eat a balanced diet to support our bodies:
- Focus on eating mainly whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and grains to ensure you’re getting plenty of nutrients.
- Indulge in treats and fast foods from time to time, but keep them occasional.
- If you’re looking for healthy meal ideas, you’ll find loads here! My favorite beginner vegan recipes include Homemade Vegan Chili, Creamy Broccoli & Mushroom Pasta, and Easy Vegetable Stew.
