by Christine Pesta
When people decide to make a major lifestyle change, there are bound to be times when they feel unsure of themselves. The decision to become vegan can affect most, if not all, areas of a person’s life. Some people may only concern themselves with what they consume, while others make more drastic changes to their lives by not just adapting their diet, but their wardrobe, furniture, etc. to the lifestyle as well.
Trying to figure out what to eat and what to wear becomes more challenging when it’s all new territory. Some people may consult books and magazines or social media to help them figure things out, or ask a friend who knows the ropes a little better.
Like most things, adapting to a new way of living is going to mean a little bit of trial and error will likely take place. Navigating the ins and outs of being vegan might seem difficult at first for some, exciting and fulfilling for others. Many will try to make the easiest transition for themselves that they can. That may mean not straying too far, at first, from what they have always eaten even if it’s now vegan.
Below are some tips for you to make it easier to transition to a vegan lifestyle. Some may wish to ease into it, others may wish to dive right in; all may find this information helpful somewhere down the line.
DO: Eat more produce!
While most people think lettuce and carrots are all vegans eat, there are actually lots of
foods out there for vegans to consume. However, some vegans will rely almost solely on processed and packaged foods that, while meat and dairy free, may not be the healthiest choices as a main source of nourishment.
By adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, you will not only be giving a little more variety to what you eat, but you will also be getting more of the nutrients our bodies require on daily basis.
DO: Continue to Educate Yourself
Learning can not only be fun, but it can save your life. Keep up on the latest regarding such things as food and health, the environment, and animal rights. Do whatever you can to contribute to a healthier planet. The more you know, the more information you can impart to others. Vegans are always finding themselves answering the questions of curious friends, family members, co-coworkers, and even strangers. The better you can explain what veganism is all about, the more likely the person you’re speaking with is to give it a try.
DON’T: Replicate your carnivore diet with vegan equivalents.
As stated above, while vegan meat and cheese substitutes are more widely available in stores these days, and they can be a great convenience and a security blanket to those just switching over to a vegan diet, they are sometimes very highly processed, and not the healthiest choice on an everyday basis. Explore the benefits of and interesting dishes that can be made from natural, whole foods. Fresh produce, grains, and legumes can be fashioned into very filling, tasty, and satisfying meals.
DO: Invest in at least one vegan cookbook.
Some people starting down the vegan path haven’t the foggiest when it comes to meal preparation. They may rely on packaged or frozen meals, or just eat beans and rice or a salad every day and get bored with what they perceive as a limited diet. Having just one cookbook can open up a whole new world for people who would otherwise not know where to start in putting together a nutritious and delicious vegan meal.
DON’T: Be afraid to try new things.
Have you ever had a jackfruit taco? Tried soursop? Have you eaten pumpkin lasagna or drank a turmeric latte? There’s a whole world of foods, tastes, textures and flavors out there and plants provide most of it. You won’t miss out on familiar things with the many ways vegan foods can be prepared with substitutions for meat and dairy, but there are so many more ways to prepare those foods than most people are aware of and so many foods out there that the average meat eater hasn’t bothered to try. There are literally thousands of fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices that can be fashioned into thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dishes that will not only keep you well-nourished, but will also keep you from getting bored.
DO: Make sure you get enough protein in your diet.
Some new vegans tend to focus on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diet, and that is something every vegan should do, but those new to veganism sometimes forget to get enough protein in their meals. Some chickpeas in your salad, walnuts or hemp seeds in your oatmeal, or some tempeh or tofu in your stir fry will instantly add more protein, as well as additional textures and tastes to your meal. Adding a scoop of protein powder to a smoothie is also a quick and easy way to get enough protein throughout the day. There are lots of options for vegans when it comes to protein that many don’t realize, and even use as an excuse not to try to switch to a vegan diet. Exploring all the ways of consuming vegan proteins can create endless options when it comes to preparing meals. Have fun with it!
DON’T: Be afraid to explore the exciting world of herbs and spices.
The trouble with meat-eaters is that they fail to understand that the slab of meat in front of them really has no “taste” on its own whether it’s boiled, fried, grilled, or baked, unless it is accompanied by some sort of seasoning. Enter, you guessed it, plants. Once it is roasted or grilled with vegetables, and seasoned with herbs and spices, it then begins to taste like something, but the taste still comes from the plants, not the meat itself. That is why most vegans turn to a meatless diet – there is no point in harming an animal when it is the plants that are providing the nutrition and flavor to the meal.
There are all sorts of herbs and spices out there to give your meal very different “personalities” if you will. The same salad, for instance, can take on a whole different taste depending on the dressing you put on it – one day it’s got an Italian vibe, another day you may give it a bit of an Asian flair. There are so many combinations and interesting notes to the food you eat that can be brought out through the spices you choose to incorporate into your cooking. Give more of them a try!
DO: Make sure to take your vitamins!
While some may say that you will get everything you need from whole foods, that isn’t always the case. Vegans eat differently. Every individual has different needs, and some people may require a bit more iron, vitamin D, or zinc for example. One thing all vegetarians and vegans need to always make sure they get enough of is vitamin B12. A supplement of B12 is necessary to take, along with whatever else you or your doctor know you may need to boost in your system. Most vegans will take a multivitamin or at least a B-complex vitamin. It is always a good idea to make sure you get enough vitamin C and zinc for a healthy immune system, whether it’s through supplements or the foods you consume on a daily basis. Check with your doctor to be sure you are getting enough vitamin D as well. A vegan diet provides much more of the vitamins and nutrients than that of most meat-eaters, but it is still a good idea to make sure your meal choices are providing you with the nutrients and protection you need each day to maintain good health.
DO: Drink lots of water!
When switching over to a vegan diet, sometimes people are not aware of the different ways their body may react, at least in the beginning, to an increased intake of plant matter. Vegetables and fruits can contain high amounts of fiber. Such a drastic change in what you consume, beans, raw vegetables, etc., can mean a little bit of discomfort until your digestive system gets used to processing the extra fiber. While some may feel no changes to their digestive process, some may experience bloating, gas, and more frequent trips to the restroom at first but, for most, those things tend to gradually fade. That is where water comes to the rescue! Staying hydrated is something you always want to be sure you’re doing, but drinking lots of water can also help push food, particularly the fiber you consume, through your digestive tract. Drinking plenty of water can also help with weight loss, improve the condition of your skin, and keep all of your organs working properly. Make sure your home has a good filtration system to get rid of any impurities in the water you not only drink, but cook with as well. For those not big on drinking water, try livening it up with a splash of freshly squeezed lemon or lime.
DON’T: Let anyone intimidate you.
Most people vegans encounter are curious as to what veganism is all about. They will mostly ask questions about food, but they may also ask about other aspects of the lifestyle as well. However, there are those who might poke fun; some vegans have even had hostile encounters with people over their choice to not eat meat or dairy. Such people may not realize it, but their hostility or negativity may stem from the struggle with their own conscience over eating meat, and you should not take anything they say personally. The best you can do is to stick to your guns and not let anyone try to tell you you’re choices are wrong – particularly when there is so much evidence to the contrary on your side.
DO: Enjoy your new lifestyle!
There are so many ways in which a vegan lifestyle can benefit you, those around you, the lives of animals, and the environment. Once you begin to see changes in your health, as well as how not consuming meat and dairy, not purchasing products derived from animals, and not purchasing products that harm the environment are benefiting your life, you begin to see the impact each person can have on the world. As many vegans say, their only regret is that they didn’t become vegan sooner.
