Getting into a vegan lifestyle is actually not as hard as it seems. In this lifestyle, you have to avoid animal-based products, such as dairy, meats, eggs, and fish. Even though it may seem like a lot, veganism is a great lifestyle choice in the long run because it has many benefits such as eating rich nutrients, losing unhealthy body fat, reducing risks for heart disease or cancer, and avoiding antibiotic or hormone-based foods. Here are some tips to starting a vegan lifestyle:
Do not rush into the process! With every new lifestyle development, you have to start slow and gradually get used to it. If you stop eating all dairy, meats, eggs, and fish in one day, your body will not react positively. Take some time to gradually get off of meats, then dairy, then eggs, and then fish to see how your body takes these adjustments and how you will handle the process.
As said before, veganism is composed of avoiding animal-based products, so you need to make sure you know what you are eating and become more self-aware of labels. For example, honey is a product that many vegans did not know was part of starting a vegan lifestyle. Along with this, many foods and medications have animal-based products and you would not even know it since labels can be hard to read.
Because you are no longer eating animal-based products, you have to take vitamins to compensate for lost nutrients. Some vitamins or supplements you have to take are Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, iodine, calcium, and zinc.
Read the ingredients of all your food and throw out all the tempting animal-based foods. You will feel miserable having those products in your pantry and it will make the transition a lot harder, so take away the pressure as soon as you can.
Explore farmers markets or organic supermarkets to find vegan options for ingredients. Also, use almond milk instead of regular milk and consider getting cheese or yogurt substitutes. A good way to truly understand vegan alternatives is getting the recipe of your favorite foods and finding a way to turn it vegan. No matter what, there is always a way!
Even though you are vegan, you can still eat out. Many restaurants have vegan-friendly menus online or post their ingredients with major food allergens, so take a look at these menus to have insight before you arrive. Along with that, communicate with your waiters or waitresses. You are probably not the only vegan they have ever encountered, so do not be afraid to ask.
Try to understand exotic foods and really learn how to use tofu in recipes. Tofu will most likely be your new best friend. Also, many Asian cuisines tend to be vegan, so try to get a taste of Asian culture by enjoying their different food options.
Do not only eat tofu or granola bars! Expand your choices and eat various gains, vegetables, fruits, or vegan alternatives. Do not make yourself suffer and feel bored with your food; try to spice it up and make it enjoyable for yourself.
There are many vegans out there willing to help and who love their new lifestyle. Therefore, try to find a vegan community to associate with so that you can have support through this new way of living and have some pro-tips before you dwell into it.
Confidence is key! You will constantly feel the need to eat animal-based products at first since it is easier, but remember the reason why you have changed your lifestyle and constantly keep strong through the urges. You can do it!
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