#going vegan

[audreyrosepromise28]

When I look at animals I see beautiful little wonderful lives who just want to live, who enjoy the sunshine and the feeling of having a full belly, and it completely fucking baffles my brain that I ever saw anything less than that

[acti-veg]

Keep The Cheese: Why Harm Reduction Matters More Than Perfection - Acti-Veg

“I would go vegan, but I could never give up…” Variations on this sentence are a familiar refrain for any vegan; in fact it is often offered

"I would go vegan, but I could never give up..."

I've seen variations on this sentiment regularly in the vegan tag lately, so I wanted to write something that I could use to encourage people to at least reduce their animal product consumption even if they aren't ready to eliminate it entirely.

I know that a lot of you don’t like any encouragement of reduction or flexibility, but hopefully some of you will find it useful in your own conversations, regardless.

[jhoumous]

Skeletal

[vegandude74]

[caavakushi]

The Truth About Going Vegan 🙀😱🌱

[snekdood]

thinkin about a post i saw earlier of someone saying they get really weak when they go vegan... my friend, you are doing everything wrong if that's the case. aside from whatever health issues you may have that prevents you (i've yet to actually hear of any specific health issues that prevent someone from going vegan, maybe being allergic to legumes and soy? or an allergy to nuts etc.? otherwise... i remain kinda skeptical when someone says this, I often feel like ppl say this so they dont have to keep thinking about it), there's lot of things to consider when going vegan and its really important to talk to a nutritionist if you can before you do it.

some things to consider:

you will need to find a source of iron. theres plenty of veggies when eaten in high enough quantities that will provide iron (spinach, an obv choice). it's also wild to assume that you're supposed to get iron from ONE source of food, ideally you eat multiple things throughout the day that have an ok amount of iron that when added up over the day = the daily value you need, you dont need one big block of iron rich food to get all of your iron (and this goes for all food honestly, no reason you need to get all of your nutrients from one food per se. I dont think convenience should ever really be favored over whats ethical)

you'll need a source of omega vitamins. typically this can be found in seaweed, seeds or nuts, but ultimately it might be easier to just buy some supplements (if ur like me and dont like eating nuts a lot :/)

you'll need a way to get vitamin K2, I trust that you're able to do your own research enough to know where to find it, for now I'll tell you it can easily be obtained from saurkraut, natto, kimchi, and dandelions

there are multiple types of protein. this is probably whats tripping you up if you've already covered everything else. these proteins, or more specifically amino acids, are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. you will need to eat complete proteins that have all of these covered, which is why often people tell you to pair rice with beans since together they are a complete protein. there used to be a website I knew of that listed the different sources of each amino acid, but if you're up to it (im not rn) id suggest looking each amino acid up and finding what food sources have them in it, you'll likely find that multiple amino acids are in one food and that another food has the rest of the amino acids- combined they make a complete protein. oh and also there are some protein powders out there that have all of the amino acids you need, so i'd suggest searching those out (make sure to look at the nutrition info, I used garden of life protein powder) bc you can easily dump that in a smoothie and there ya go.

the problem with going vegan isn't not getting enough nutrients typically, it's that it can be very hard and costly to buy everything you need. it's likely not that you CANT go vegan (unless you have specific allergies or something) just that you were never taught the best way on how to. it all boils down to nutrition, and if you're able to get all these nutrients locked down and be consistent about eating all the nutrients you need, you'll likely not have any issues being vegan, if you do that's something to bring up to a nutritionist, because vegan diets are healthy insofar as you can get all the nutrients you need, and some of us are too poor to consistently be able to buy all these different things. in that case, i'd suggest being a "reducetarian" (thats basically what I am, i'm vegan philosophically and would be more vegan if I had the cash...), rely on vegan alternatives but eat eggs or something here n there if necessary. what I do know is most people dont need to eat meat consistently every day and distrust anyone who tells you otherwise, quite frankly. eating it 2-3 times a week is sufficient from what I've read.

[socialbeveganism]

Transitioning to a Plant-Powered Lifestyle: Top Tips for Going Vegan

What is Veganism

Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that involves abstaining from the use of animal products, both in food and other aspects of life. People who follow a vegan lifestyle, known as vegans, avoid consuming meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived products. Instead, they focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Top Tips for Going Vegan

In recent years, the vegan movement has gained significant momentum, with more and more people embracing a plant-powered lifestyle. Whether motivated by health, environmental concerns, or compassion for animals, the decision to go vegan can be a transformative and rewarding experience. However, transitioning to a vegan diet and lifestyle requires careful planning and preparation. If you’re considering making the switch, here are some Top Tips for Going Vegan to help you on your journey to a plant-powered lifestyle.

1. Educate Yourself:

Before diving into the world of veganism, take the time to educate yourself about the principles and benefits of a plant-based diet. Learn about essential nutrients found in plant-based foods, common vegan substitutes, and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment. Understanding the reasons behind your decision will strengthen your commitment and make the transition smoother.

2. Start Gradually:

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle doesn’t have to happen overnight. For many, taking small steps towards eliminating animal products works best. Consider starting with “Meatless Mondays” and gradually increasing the number of plant-based meals each week. This approach allows you to explore new recipes and find vegan alternatives that suit your taste preferences.

3. Explore New Foods:

Going vegan opens up a world of exciting and diverse food options. Embrace this opportunity to explore a wide range of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Try different cuisines and experiment with new flavors. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how delicious and satisfying plant-based meals can be.

4. Focus on Whole Foods:

While there are many processed vegan products available, it’s essential to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins into your diet. This will not only ensure you’re getting the essential nutrients but also contribute to improved overall health.

5. Meal Planning and Prepping:

Planning your meals ahead of time can make the transition to a vegan diet more manageable. Design a weekly meal plan and create a shopping list with all the necessary ingredients. Consider meal prepping for the week, so you always have nutritious and delicious options readily available.

6. Learn to Read Labels:

When transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, it’s crucial to be mindful of food labels. Animal-derived ingredients can hide in various processed foods. Familiarize yourself with common animal-derived additives and watch out for hidden ingredients like gelatin, whey, and casein.

7. Connect with the Vegan Community:

Joining vegan groups or online communities can provide valuable support and resources. Interacting with like-minded individuals can offer advice, recipe ideas, and encouragement during your transition to a plant-powered lifestyle.

8. Be Kind to Yourself:

Embracing a vegan lifestyle is a significant change, and it’s natural to face challenges along the way. If you slip up or find the transition difficult, remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. Be kind to yourself, and focus on the progress you’re making, no matter how small. Every step towards a plant-powered lifestyle is a step in the right direction.

Conclusion:

Transitioning to a plant-powered lifestyle is a powerful decision that benefits your health, the planet, and the animals we share it with. By educating yourself, taking gradual steps, exploring new foods, and planning your meals, you can smoothly transition to a vegan diet. Embrace the journey, connect with the vegan community, and remember to be kind to yourself as you embark on this compassionate and sustainable path. Happy vegan living!

[theonlinevegan]