Choosing to go vegan is a great adventure, but it can also be a bit worrying! When you want to become a vegan, you ask yourself lots of questions and look for answers. Here is a list of 10 useful tips for an easier and smoother transition to veganism.
1. Define your reasons for becoming vegan
Write on paper why you want to become a vegan. Is it a health issue? To lose weight? To avoid or cure a chronic disease? To have a better concentration? To have a more beautiful skin, free from skin conditions, like acne, psoriasis, eczema? To reduce your allergies? For the respect of animal life? To save the planet? To achieve some inner peace? Record your reasons on paper and post them where you can see them every day, such as on the refrigerator door. This will motivate you to persevere.
2. Research and information gathering
Before changing your lifestyle, it is always a good idea to do some research beforehand. So, you will know exactly what to expect. Look for information on what vegans eat or do not eat. Learn about the benefits of becoming a vegan. What are the obstacles and challenges facing vegans? This will help you make an informed choice.
3. Find good recipes
It is necessary to find and build a good collection of vegan recipes. Because your way of eating will change radically. You need to find quick and easy recipes, because at some point, the daily grind might make you too busy to cook, and you might fall back into your old ways.
Gather a wide assortment of vegan recipes, such as recipes for breakfast, lunches, dinners, snacks, cakes, desserts. The web is a great place to search. You will find their sites entirely devoted to vegan food, but also electronic or traditional cookbooks, to order. Just make sure you have your vegan recipe file well prepared, so you have variety in your meals.
4. Inform family and friends
Let your loved ones know that you are making the decision to become a vegan. This will ensure that when you visit them or when they visit you, food will not be a problem. If they know about your new way of life, it will be easier. They may be trying to get you to change your mind. But explain your reasons. Perhaps you will gain followers!
5. Be ready to resist cravings
When you stop eating certain foods that you have been eating for a long time, you will inevitably experience cravings from time to time. Be prepared for this, and make sure you have healthy snacks, or easily accessible frozen pastries, so you do not give in. Try to find recipes for “vegan clones” of your favorite meals and snacks. You can then put something in your mouth that is very close to the object of your desire. Some professional vegan chefs have written an assortment of electronic recipe books to meet just that kind of carnivorous urge: veggie burgers, veggie shepherd’s pie, vegan spaghetti sauce: the choices are endless. You must persist remember the reasons for your choice of life.
6. Know the brands of vegan food
Nowadays supermarkets and health stores are adapting to the needs of vegans, so you should not have any trouble finding meatless and dairy free snacks like vegan cheese, tofu, vegan chocolate, health bars, ’’fake’’ bacon, and cereals. Try them all and get to know your favorites.
7. Stay motivated through the Internet
There are many support groups on the Internet for vegans. You will find discussion forums and blogs that you can visit to interact with other vegans. This will help you stay motivated and encouraged. It will also help you realize that you are not the only vegan on the planet, and that everyone is going through the same things.
8. Buy lots of fruits and vegetables
You will eat a lot fresher now that you are vegan. Find fruit and vegetable markets or food stores that offer quality products at a reasonable price. Take the opportunity to encourage local and organic merchants and producers. You will help the planet! Remember that supermarkets are often more expensive. Do not be afraid to try new products. You will bring variety to your diet, and you may discover delicious products!
9. Prepare your own healthy treats and snacks
Since you will be more limited in buying treats and candies, make your own vegan treats such as healthy brownies, cakes, and muffins. Make them regularly and keep them frozen. It will be easy to draw on your reserve when you want a treat. Again, you can find a host of vegan dessert, candy and treat recipes on the Internet.
10. Don’t give up easily
The transition to the vegan lifestyle is often more difficult at first. After a while, it will get easier and easier. It will become second nature to you. So, if you are a beginner, the idea is not to give up at the first temptation and to persevere. If you succumb to a certain moment and give in to a desire, this is not the end of the world. You must understand that it can happen, and you must give this new way of life a chance. Pick yourself up and try to persist. Chances are, after a few months, you will be extremely proud of yourself and your improved health. The rewards and benefits of this lifestyle always outweigh the challenges you may face.
Remember the reasons that led you to adopt a vegan lifestyle. They will give you the courage to persevere, and over time, when you see the benefits of this lifestyle for health, for the planet and for animals, you will never want to go back!