Healthy Living

Thinking Of Going Vegan? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

imageBecoming a vegan doesn’t have to be difficult. It should be an easy and pleasant transition. Of course, like many things in life, things don’t happen overnight. Doing something and making such a big change all at once can cause you to come away from it after a while because you become overwhelmed. However, going vegan is a lifestyle choice. So I thought it would be a good idea to share with you everything you need to know about becoming a vegan. With some handy tips along the way.

Go at your own pace

First of all, accept that this could take some time. Going vegan, like a lot of lifestyle choices, can take some getting used to. So allow yourself time to ease into it. Take things slow and try and not attempt to do things all at once. Especially if you have a been a huge meat eater in the past. A great method would be to take it week by week. Each week you should remove a few things from your diet, or add in the alternatives. Like dairy or egg alternatives. There is a plant-based alternative to most things that have been developed by companies. You can read more About Hampton Creek and other sources of these products online.

If you don’t feel comfortable with that method why not make the changes to your meals each day. You could start by removing the meat, and they any other animal based products as time goes on.

Don’t miss out on essential nutrients and vitamins

The thing is, even though you are changing your lifestyle to be a vegan, your body still needs it’s regular nutrients and vitamins to thrive. So do your research into where you will be able to get these. Things like calcium and protein are vital to your health. A good rich leafy green will be jam packed full of calcium whereas things like quinoa will be an excellent source of protein. All of this information can be found online and will be handy to you as time goes on. It’s best to do things right from the start.
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Make sure you try new things

Now that you have decided to become a vegan don’t just limit yourself to the foods you know. Now is the time to be adventurous and try new things. There is a world of products available to you that you may not have even tried before now. So open your mind and your taste buds to exciting new flavours. A great way to be more adventurous is to challenge yourself with your old favorite meals and turn them into vegan friendly options. You will be surprised by what ingredients you need to use and it’s a great way to try things with a familiar flavour.

Gain support from friends and family

Becoming a vegan is you changing your lifestyle and approach to food and life. So it’s essential to have the support of your friends and family if you plan on making this a longterm thing. The last thing you want is for you parents to cook you a meal and not respect your new choice. Having support can help you keep on track. If partners, friends or family want to get involved as well then that would be amazing. It’s much easier to keep focused than to be tempted to deviate from your choice because they don’t understand or respect your decision.

If they are struggling to accept things, then try and teach them and explain why you are doing it. It may just be that they are unsure what it is all about, but once explained would be fully onboard with your new lifestyle.
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The internet is full of useful information

you are wondering where you can buy vegan friendly chocolate and unusual produce. Or you just need some advice; the internet will be able to provide an answer. Thankfully we live in a world where answers to our questions are right at the tip of our fingers. So we are always in close to hand to the information we need. Also online you will find many recipes for vegan friendly meals, which will be great for when you need to change things up a little or get a bit creative.

Don’t forget the reasons why you decided to do this

Sometimes you will need to remind yourself as to why you are doing this. SO make sure you do this regularly to keep you on track. It’s not always going to be easy to eat out with friends or cook up fabulous appetizing meals each night. It will, at times, feel like you are not getting anywhere. But reminding yourself of the reason why should always manage to get you back on track. Failing that then try and remember all the benefits you have felt since changing your lifestyle.

If you are struggling, then try and surround yourself with your reasoning. If animals, for example, are a big motivator for you then get yourself off to a local animal sanctuary. This will be a visual reminder as to yoru reasons why and should help you get through the funk you find yourself in.
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Don’t give up on your journey

There is always a better reason to stick with your lifestyle choice than to go against it. Remember that when things get a little tough. If you believe in yourself, then vegan living will become like second nature to you. The best advice is just to take things slow and gradual. It’s all about taking the right steps to the bigger goal, than trying to sprint to the finish and running out of energy half way through.

I hope this guide has given you some helpful tips about becoming vegan. It will hopefully give you an insight into how to get started and keep on track with your choice. Remember you made a choice to do this, with very good reason, so keep focused and take it step by step.

Karla Urwitz
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