Do your homework. What foods that you like (that are vegan-friendly) do you need to start putting in your diet? Nuts? Quinoa? Beans? Be sure to consider whether or not you think it is important to cut out honey, gelatin, etc. As well as if you want to be a “full vegan” or just a dietary vegan. There are animal fats in soaps, there may be leather or the like in your shoes and clothes, etc. Does animal testing bother you? Some products and foods are tested on animals and that can also be something to avoid. Get online. There are tons of websites catered to budding vegans that are full of recipes, quizzes, fun facts, and interactive tools to get you on board. They’ll even do a week’s worth of recipes for you![1] X Research source Utilize what you have at your disposal to ensure you’re partaking in a balanced diet.
Ask your doctor how to maintain a balanced diet with your new eating habits. They’ll be able to shed some light on how to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals you need to function on top of your game.
If there’s a particular essay, picture, or quote that reinforces your desire to become a vegan, print it out and put it in a place where you’ll see it often, like your refrigerator. In case anyone asks, the vegan diet is appropriate for all lifestyles (as long as it’s done well). Athletes, pregnant women, children, and seniors all can benefit from a healthy vegan diet. [2] X Research source No need to defend yourself when the in-laws start the inquisition. You’ve got science.
You’ll still get your protein if know what to look for. Luckily, plenty of plants are high in it: tofu, beans, nut, seeds, quinoa and whole grains are all protein-packers. [2] X Research source When you buy soy, almond, or rice milk, make sure it’s fortified with calcium. Same goes for orange juice! Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are all good sources of healthy fats. [2] X Research source Those are necessary too!
The Vegan Society has a great website that’s full of resources, news, and even helps you shop! Talk about an exciting, addictive hobby. Who needs Pinterest?
Listen to your body and be easy on yourself. Don’t force yourself to completely change everything at once without guidance. You need to know how to properly substitute for certain elements such as protein and fats before thinking that a head of lettuce is all you need for the rest of your life. Start by removing meat, then eggs and cheese, then all dairy products, and then worry about diligence when it comes to ingredients lists (some get pretty sneaky).
You’ll soon find that vegan websites will endorse certain brand name products. Knowing what to look for in the aisles will cut down on turning grocery shopping into a tedious chore.
Tofu, along with soy or rice milk and other non-meat alternatives, can be your best friends in the vegan world. Name a product, there’s a tofu version of it. And it doesn’t taste bad either!
There are many vegan cookbooks and free online recipes nowadays to provide you with inspiration. Investing of your best energies and mental capabilities to the daily task of cooking vegan meals can enhance your enjoyment and satisfaction of re-training your taste buds to savor new, even strange flavors. Who knew this path was going to be so exciting?
Taking a supplement is a good idea. A daily multi-vitamin will ensure that you’re getting everything you need. If you have questions, talk to your local pharmacist or get in a quick chat with your doctor. There are no reliable plant sources of B12 (B12 found in plants is usually due to contamination with animal feces), which can lead to deficiency. [3] X Research source You should take a B12 supplement. Deficiency in best cases can cause significant fatigue/debility. In worst cases, it can increase heart disease risk and anemia and may also cause severe irreversible damage to the nervous system. A good tip is to eat foods that are fortified with B12 (check the label) such as yeast flakes, cereals and nondairy milk. If taking Omega-3 supplements, keep in mind that most are made from fish oil, and are not vegan. Vegan sources of Omega-3s include flaxseeds, flax oil, and walnuts. 1 tsp of flax oil meets your daily needs.
That being said, those around you take into account your dietary needs, so take into account theirs. Not everyone will be thrilled when presented with a tofu steak. But that doesn’t mean you need to incorporate their love for eating animals in your cooking. If you go eat at someone else’s house, be sure to bring your own food just in case. Thank them if they make you a dish or even try to cook something vegan, regardless of whether or not its actually vegan.
