When you start thinking about becoming vegan, you’re immediately bombarded by a thousand opinions about the way you plan to eat. And when you hop online to look for help, the advice is varied and contradicting!
If you’re thinking of trying a vegan diet, keep reading. We’re going to give you the tried and true tips for going vegan.
Start Experimenting Early
As soon as you start thinking about going vegan, you should start experimenting with fruits and veggies. Look online for different plant based proteins that can take the place of the protein in your meat.
Some plant based proteins that pack a powerful punch are:
- Quinoa
- Hemp seeds
- Peanuts
- Nutritional yeast
- Broccoli
Finding ways to work these plants into your diet early will help you later on when you’re transitioning to a vegan diet.
Transitional Food is a Great First Step
One big online area of contention within the vegan community is the use of transitional foods. Transitional foods are the meat replacement options that are usually found in the freezer section.
One big drawback to transitional meat replacements is that they’re expensive. Plus, they require a lot of resources to make. So, if you’re going vegan to reduce your impact on the environment, some say it defeats the purpose.
But if you’re a diehard meat eater, transitional foods are the perfect first step to getting you on the path to veganism. When you throw yourself into new eating habits without giving yourself the comfort of food you’re familiar with, you could be setting yourself up for failure.
Block Out the Naysayers
Despite the fact that your eating habits are nobody’s business, everyone is going to have something to say about you going vegan. Whether it’s your spouse, your friends, or your great Aunt Karen who brings her infamous Swedish meatballs to the family potluck, they’re going to share their opinions about your veganism.
But, at the end of the day, their opinions shouldn’t matter to you. You’ve got to keep your chin up and keep working towards your own healthy habits, regardless of what others say.
Be Prepared to Try New Things
This is no secret, but it’s worth mentioning: you’ll be so much happier with your vegan diet when you’re willing to branch out and try new things. There are a ton of fruits and veggies that may be unfamiliar to you. And trying new things is scary!
But when you open yourself up to those new experiences, you’re going to be surprised what you walk away loving.
Need More Tips for Going Vegan?
Now that you’re armed with these tips for going vegan, you’re ready to get started on your healthy eating journey. As long as you’re willing to try new things and not give up on yourself, you’re going to do great.
One last tip before you get started: give yourself some space. Even one meat-free meal a week is a great start that improves your health and has a positive impact on the environment. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
For more food tips and tricks, keep reading!