An easy entry to a plant-based lifestyle from the perspective of a vegan nutritionist
Going vegan is a great way to look after your health and help the planet. Vegan diets typically provide more fibre, vitamins, and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, which can reduce cholesterol (LDL) and the risk of heart disease.
Plus, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water and air pollution, and animal suffering — making it a win-win for you and the environment!
10+1 Tips
to help ease into your transition to veganism
A basic rule is to not give up on anything. Whatever you’re leaving behind, you can replace it with something else. There is no need to make things harder when we can have it easier. Life is hard enough as it is.
- Get familiar with plant-based foods; Look up vegan recipes for your favourite dishes (e.g., vegan lasagna) and learn which vegan-friendly products are available in your area, generally. Just explore the vegan aisle in your usual store next time you’re out grocery shopping, focusing on ingredients you personally like.
- Gradually reduce your dependence on animal products; challenge yourself to remove one animal product from your diet each week or month. I figured it’s easiest to start with plant milk, as there are so many tasty and versatile alternatives to cow’s milk.
- If you find it challenging to give up meat, a great alternative is to prepare meals with substitutes for animal products; there are plenty of vegan replacements for meat, mayonnaise, cheese, and eggs. Replace your burger patties, pizzas, and casseroles with vegan versions to get a taste of what it’s like to switch to a vegan diet.
- Experiment with vegan condiments and sauces; vegan ingredients can be used to make creamy smoothies, dressings, and sauces for any dish. Adding those to your meals will elevate them and introduce new flavours.
- Begin eating more whole, plant-based foods; start trying out new vegan recipes and adding vegan options to your favourites. Add some stuff you have never tried before, like veggies or fruits. Variety is important, too, so try to make different dishes to stay motivated.
- If you’re not ready to dive straight into it, begin by eating vegan at home and flexitarian outside; when eating out, opt for vegetarian options or ask them to reduce the animal ingredients in a dish.
- Focus on flavour; introduce vegan recipes to your diet that feature familiar flavours and tastes to keep it enjoyable.
- Put creativity to the test; experiment with new vegan recipes and find creative ways to make your old favourites. You can even experiment and try to create your own dishes and develop recipes. Make it fun!
- In the beginning, you can stock up on staples; keep pantry staples such as canned foods, beans, and vegan snacks to make meal times easier.
- Expand your palate; try out vegan products that are new to you, and look for inspiration from vegan chefs and restaurants. Try making vegan meals from different countries and cultures, too.
- Be brave; don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavours and cooking techniques. The vegan diet offers a wide variety of flavours and textures, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. If it feels wrong and you don’t want to do it, it’s out of your comfort zone.
It may not be easy to make the transition to a vegan diet, especially if you’re used to eating a lot of animal products. For some people, it’s a gradual process, and for others, it involves doing a lot of research and planning.
However, with the right recipes, meal plans and support, it can be a rewarding process.
It is important to remember that a vegan diet is still delicious and nutritious. There is a wide variety of vegan foods available in stores and supermarkets these days, and many vegan recipes can be found online. You can also always try and veganise your favourite dishes or come up with your own ideas.
With a bit of creativity and preparation, you can have tasty and nutritious meals that don’t include animal products. Additionally, there are now many vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, making it easier to find plant-based options while eating out.
Activeplantbased can help you make the transition to a vegan diet smoother and more enjoyable. I am here to provide guidance and food selection ideas and help you with meal planning fitting your lifestyle and culture.
Thank you for reading and supporting our love of writing.
─ the activeplantbased pub 🐇
