A Guide to Becoming a Vegan
A raw vegan lunch: spicy seaweed wraps with peanut sauce.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’ve already made your first steps toward a vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re transitioning from being a meat eater or a vegetarian, becoming a vegan can often feel like an overwhelming step, but in reality, it’s not as hard as many people think. By sticking to a few simple rules and setting a steady pace, the transition to veganism can feel like a natural process.
Get Kitted Up
One of the things you will notice as a vegan is the sheer number of things you will have to make from scratch. Sure, supermarkets are slowly starting to stock vegan products, and more and more restaurants are offering excellent vegan fare, but if you want to save money, then high-quality home cooking is what you want. Having an armory of essential tools, such as a high-powered blender, a quality knife, measuring cups and spiralizers will make things a whole lot easier for you when it comes to creating those recipes.
If you have nothing in your cupboards, then take some time to study the recipes you like the most and work out which equipment they require. You can work backward from there.
Take it Easy
The journey to becoming vegan can be as fast or slow as you need it to be. Some prefer to make the switch in one day while others need more time in making changes. Don’t beat yourself up if it takes a little longer than you would like — it’s not easy to break a lifetime of habits!
One way to make the transition is to start with one thing in your diet and work from there. Substitute cow’s milk for a plant-based variety, for example, or cut out red meat. After you have adapted to that change, make another one, and so on until you have no more left to make. Some people find it simpler to switch to vegetarianism before removing dairy and eggs, but it’s your call.
Stay Positive
It can be super simple to feel down about all the things you’re “not allowed” to eat anymore. But it doesn’t have to be like that. There are plenty of ways to change your favorite meals into vegan versions, so you won’t have to feel deprived of something. In fact, veganizing your meal is simple when you know how. Just look at your new lifestyle as an exciting adventure into different tastes and recipes, and find something to make that you look forward to every week.
There are so many types of tasty tofu that the only problem is choosing which one to have first!
Join a Group
There are often going to be times when you want to ask a question about a product or the best ways of achieving a particular goal you have in mind. That’s where social media groups can be helpful. An instant way to connect with vegans all around the country (and the world!), social media groups will provide you with the network and support you need when you feel as though you are the only vegan in the world. Share recipes, vegan finds and your favorite places to eat while you’re out and about and you may find that you make a few new friends.
Find Inspiration
For those days when you just need an extra boost, look to the glittering world of celebrities for a bit of inspiration. A-listers such as Ariana Grande and Jared Leto have been leading the charge in making the switch to veganism and are not ashamed to shout about their choices. Others, such as Miley Cyrus, have quietly switched over while NFL defensive lineman David Carter and PokerStars Pro Daniel Negreanu have been showing the world of competitive sports how to do it.
Remind Yourself of the Goal
Every vegan is going to have a rough day every now and again; after all, we are all human. Just remember the reasons why you decided to transition to this lifestyle. Whether for the environment, animal welfare, health reasons or a combination of all three, regularly remind yourself of your motivations for this massive change and feel proud of yourself that you have made it this far.
Most of all, enjoy every moment of becoming a vegan. It is not only a diet, it is a meaningful and profound way to live your life. By even thinking about making that change, you’re doing well.
Whatever lifestyle you choose having the right tools is essential to prepare your meals. Following what you believe in and being true to yourself is so important whether it be veganism or another diet and living a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your diet is filled with healthy, nutritious, organic and/or local harvest foods with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
