So you’re thinking of axing the animal products to make the leap into the strange new world of veganism? Congratulations! You join 88 million others throughout the world who all decided to do the same. And with statisticians predicting that a quarter of the planet will be vegan by 2025, you have no reason to feel lonely.
But before you dive head-first into your new eating regime, have a read through this list of pointers to help guide you in becoming a vegan and increase your chances of staying one.
Know your onions
Gather as much info as you can on veganism, from books, articles, the internet, documentaries and anything else that will help you with the transition. Know what nutritional deficiencies to be careful of as a vegan, and what alternative foods, along with their correct amounts, that you may need to introduce to your diet to compensate for this. Vegans are particularly at risk of being deficient in vitamin B12, so unless you’re regularly consuming foods fortified with this vitamin, you should look into supplementing with this.
Don’t go nuts at the start
Ease into your new diet, slowly phasing out the foods you’re trying to switch rather than excluding them all in one go. As a stepping stone, consider becoming a vegetarian first before going fully vegan, focusing on replacing the meat in your diet before cutting out the other animal products. If you’re new to vegan cuisine, try out a few meatless alternatives for taste, such as dishes with tofu, beans, quinoa or mock meats, gradually building up a replacement menu. If you enjoy the alternatives, replace one or two meat-based meals a week with your chosen vegan dishes.
Use your loaf
Keep monitoring your health, especially once you’ve gone fully vegan. If you’re starting to feel below par and you suspect it’s diet-related, think about getting your vitamin and mineral levels checked. Be aware, though, that deficiencies can take years to show up in the body, so it’s important to keep tabs on your nutritional intake.
You can have your cake and eat it
Veganism shouldn’t feel like a punishment. These days, there is a wide and exciting variety of vegan food and drinks available, with some imitation products so closely resembling their animal-based models in appearance, texture and taste that it’s hard to tell them apart. From dairy-free grain- and nut-based milks to vegan versions of classic dishes, there’s no reason for vegans to go hungry or feel they’re missing out.
Enjoy the fruits of your labours
Like a lot of changes in life, it can sometimes take a while to adapt, and there may be obstacles to overcome. Vegans can face additional challenges owing to being members of a minority group: they can encounter opposition, come under criticism and have to deal with the temptation of throwing in the towel just to fit in with the world around them. It’s at times like those that it’s important to remind yourself of why you became a vegan. Look on it as a chance to renew your vegan vows so that you stay on course and aren’t swayed by the meat-eating crowd. Feel proud of your achievements – your dedication and commitment to your cause, and your courage for making such a lifestyle change. Above all, give yourself a pat on the back for the planet you’re protecting and the 200 animals you help a year by the sacrifices and choices you make each day. In return, pause now and then to enjoy the plant-based bounty that nature has to offer you, and the healthy and rewarding way of life you’ve chosen for yourself. Bon appétit!
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