More and more people are going vegan. But here are 14 things you need to know before going vegan- even if you’re just doing the 1-month vegan challenge.
My motivation for becoming vegan is to fight my eczema and other autoimmune disorders I grew up with. However, there are still many benefits of a vegan diet.
More people than ever are giving up meat and dairy in favor of a vegan diet. And everyone has their motive for going vegan.
But, being vegan is not just following a plant-based diet. It will have an impact on your lifestyle as well. Switching to vegan seems to be challenging for those who are just starting.
Don’t worry! I will help you with how to go vegan without losing friends! So, here are 14 things you should know before going vegan.
1. Know your motive
From health to the environment to animal welfare, there are many reasons to go vegan. However, knowing what motivates you will help you in staying vegan.
I believe it is important that you establish your intention to become vegan. When I first began my vegan journey, I must say that sticking to my diet was difficult for me.
And it made me realize that it won’t work unless I understand why I’m turning vegan in the first place. I researched and fed my brain and body with information on my motivation.
And it made my vegan journey easier! It can be challenging but always remember your motive.
2. Learn to deal with family and friends who don’t get it
You should expect that not everyone in your family, friends, or peers will ‘get it or understand your decision.
Some of my peers did not get why I was switching to vegan. But I figured out how to deal with them.
I get my Le Creuset cast iron skillet out of the kitchen cabinet. And I offer them delicious plant-based meals. They all enjoyed it!
It is also a good way to give them an idea about being vegan.
3. You can still eat out
Eating out as a vegan is easier now!
Most restaurants have a separate vegan menu or many choices for avoiding eating animal products.
There is even a pizza of the month subscription where they offer plant-based pizza! Vegan meals are almost everywhere you go, so you will never go hungry.
4. Read food labels
When you’re still learning what vegan products are, it can take up a lot of time shopping.
During the first few months of my vegan journey, I usually spend two hours getting everything I need in the grocery for the week.
I know that reading all product labels is a hassle. But, you must make them your best friend.
Looking at a food label and not knowing if it’s vegan can be daunting. However, you can focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains.
It might help you save time while shopping since there are no extra ingredients to check
5. Never forget about multivitamin supplements
Yes, vegan foods are healthy. You must ensure that your body receives the vitamins and nutrients it needs. Since eliminating animal meats can off-balance your diet.
A vegan diet offers most of your essential vitamins and nutrients. But Vitamin B12, iodine, and vitamin D need supplements.
So, I have done my research to help you what vitamins vegans should consider taking.
6. Not all vegan foods are healthy
You’re probably confused because I just said veganism is healthy. Yes, it is. But vegan junk food and meat alternatives are not.
Vegan pizza, burgers, and cakes were difficult to find back then. However, these treats are now widely available. But it doesn’t mean it says “vegan food.” It is healthy.
You can still eat these vegan foods, but only in moderation. Just focus on eating plant-based whole foods. Then you can enjoy yourself with vegan junk food or vegan cake occasionally.
If you’re running out of vegan food ideas, check out these best plant-based diet nutrition books to get many vegan food inspirations!
7. It is cheap to be vegan
Eating healthy is expensive? That’s not the case for veganism.
Vegan products like dairy-free cheeses and meat replacements are often more expensive than animal-based. They aren’t essential for living a vegan lifestyle.
I always focus on cooking naturally grown plants in my backyard. You can check how you can grow herbs in your backyard.
But it is not a problem if you don’t have a backyard. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are among the cheapest foods you can buy.
8. Enjoy soy-based products
There is a common belief that soy products are harmful. And that you should avoid it if you go vegan. It is not true!
Some people spread the myth that eating soy causes ‘man boobs’ due to high estrogen levels. Many people will buy this in the beauty industry if it is true.
Soy contains phytoestrogen, a plant estrogen. It does not affect humans, just plants, making soy safe.
9. It is okay to start small
You can’t go vegan overnight. It is okay to start small and take things slowly.
I started small with my vegan diet. The best way to accomplish this was with the help of the 30-Day Vegan Challenge.
Make a vegan month by mixing your routine with 30 days of healthy plant-based recipes and tips.
10. Find vegan options on vacation
It is not an excuse to stop being vegan if you’re on vacation. You may need to research where to eat before your break.
Discovering hidden treasures while on vacation is part of the pleasure. But having a list of vegan-friendly cafés and restaurants with you on your travels might help you avoid being hungry.
The worst-case scenario is being hungry and stressed while searching for meals in a foreign country! Trust me. I’ve been in that situation
11. No more meat cravings
It’s difficult to break a decades-long obsession with the smells, flavors, and textures of meat. Maybe you’re hungry for a bacon sandwich, or you’re at a barrel grill, and the smell of grilled chicken thighs trickles over to you.
The good news is that vegan food can now easily mimic the flavors and textures of meat. No more meat cravings!
But remember to eat it in moderation. It is not as healthy as natural plant-based foods.
12. Get ready to pass gas more
They say, “Beans beans good for the heart, the more you eat the more you fart.” And this is somehow true!
Going vegan makes you a little gassier. It is because of fiber that you can find in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
But don’t worry! It’ll only last a few days as your body adjusts to the higher fiber levels.
It can be embarrassing to pass gas more often, especially in public. But it is natural.
13. Find vegan buddies online
Many of us stay connected with friends and family through sharing food and a way of life.
You won’t be alone if you decide to go vegan! Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have a huge group of vegans who can give you advice, tips, and help.
We are all happy to help anyone who wants to eat more ethically.
14. Make vegan a lifestyle
Veganism is mostly about not eating animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
But it’s not just about what you put on your plate. You should also think about your beauty and bathroom products and the material of your clothes.
You should look for the Cruelty-Free International leaping bunny logo, PETA’s cruelty-free stamp, and a vegan certification on makeup and skincare.
The problem is that a product can be cruelty-free without being vegan. The products can still have animal by-products, like honey, beeswax, or shellac.
It seems like a long list. It’s pretty easy to get rid of these things with research. And you will be a vegan in no time!
People Also Ask
Do vegans get older quickly?
Even though being vegan is good for your health in many ways, it won’t make you age faster or slower. Eating more vegetables will make you look younger because they are rich in vitamin C, lysine, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to the cellular production of collagen. As a result, the skin maintains its elasticity and youthful appearance.
Can vegans drink alcohol?
Most brands of hard liquor, like vodka, gin, bourbon, whiskey, and rum, are vegan, which is good news. Except for cream-based liqueurs and goods with the word “honey” on the label, nearly all distilled spirits are vegan.
Why is honey not vegan?
Honey is not vegan because it comes from bees and other insects. Honeybees will return to their hives with a stomach full of partially digested nectar from flowers. The food is then sealed into beeswax honeycomb by worker bees, much of it for the purpose of storing food so the hive can endure the winter.
Conclusion
You are only human, and you are allowed to make mistakes. If you do end up eating meat, remember why you became vegan in the first place.
It may be difficult at first, but you can adjust! I occasionally slipped with my vegan diet when I first started. However, I always manage to get back on track.
To make it easier, you may find a 1-month Vegan challenge helpful! You can check out all the details on that here.
Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take things slowly and enjoy your journey! This isn’t a fad diet, it’s a way of eating that will fuel your life for years to come 🙂
Are you ready to try a vegan lifestyle? Let me know in the comments!
