Many people each year decide to adopt veganism as a way of life. Some new vegans will begin this journey for health reasons. Others swear off animal products due to a belief in animal rights or concerns for the climate. But whatever the reason for adopting a vegan lifestyle, careful planning will be needed.
1. Keep Your Own Pace
Many new vegans place an immediate prohibition on all animal products only to find the radical transformation too difficult to maintain. A more sensible approach might be to eliminate one animal product from your diet at a time.
One expert on the vegan lifestyle suggests you start with a product you consume often and find the vegan version for this product. One example of this would be almond milk for the person who drinks milk on a regular basis.
Other vegans found success by first shifting to a vegetarian diet before making the complete move to veganism. This allowed them to continue eating eggs and dairy products while adjusting to their new eating habits.
2. Start Quietly
Your vegan journey will be much simpler without the scrutiny or lines of questioning from others. You should concentrate your thoughts on your body and the food addictions you have. You will gather strength when you quietly exercise complete control over your own life.
3. Do Not Worry Too Much About Not Getting Protein
Many new vegans worry that a protein deficiency will result in them being hungry all the time. However, many rich sources of proteins are available to individuals who adopt a vegan lifestyle. A few of these foods include beans, nuts, quinoa, and hemp seeds. Protein can also be found in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus.
When you eat a wide variety of these items, consuming the daily requirements for protein will not be a concern.
4. Keep Focus on Fruits and Vegetables
Many individuals who think they are adopting a vegan lifestyle are in effect seeking to replace meat with unhealthy starches. They believe bread, pasta, and fries are a viable alternative to consuming meat and animal products. Healthy whole foods are needed to provide the body with the vitamins and minerals needed to promote and maintain health.
It is also important to remember that fortified foods and supplements are available as vegan sources of b12. Vegans sometimes struggle to find adequate supplies of this important vitamin.
5. Veganism Does Not Equal Deprivation
Once you decide to eliminate animal products from your diet, you will no longer be consuming the fat and salt that makes these products irresistible to so many people. You can add enjoyment to vegan meals by adding flavorful items like avocados, walnuts, olive oil, and pink sea salt. There are also many other items available to assure you do not feel as if you are depriving your taste buds while converting to veganism.
6. Change Shopping Habits
Beans, grains, and nuts are staples of veganism. These items are often inexpensive and can be purchased and stored in bulk. New vegans can also join a community supported agricultural group to find great deals on whole foods. One trick that experienced vegans use to find discounts on food is to shop at a farmer's market an hour before closing.
7. New Vegans Can Eat Out
Many fine eateries are available to individuals who wish to interact socially while practicing a vegan lifestyle. There are even fast-food restaurants now that offer vegan meal choices. This is beneficial to many new vegans who feel their social life will suffer because of their new lifestyle choice.
The Bottom Line
The vegan lifestyle can have great benefits to the mind and body of new vegans. There are a variety of reasons people choose to adopt this lifestyle. But regardless of the reason you decide to become vegan, it will take careful planning to successfully adapt to veganism.
