Tips on Transitioning to Veganism
1. It is just that—a transition, not a transformation. Take it one day at a time. You can’t expect your body to go from eating meat every day to eating no animal products at all; this is why many people think they “can’t be vegan”. Start by cutting out red meat. Try this for a week or so, until you feel ready to cut out white meat also. Once your body has adjusted, try replacing milk with a dairy-free alternative. The transition may take some time, probably a few months, but it will be worth it.
2. Be patient and forgive yourself. Remember that every action you take counts; accidentally ordering a non-vegan meal and eating it anyway is not the end of the world. Think of these instances as opportunities to learn.
3. Don’t “cut out”; replace. Simply “cutting out” meat is not a sustainable way to live. Every source of nutrition that you cut out of your diet must be replaced with a plant-based source of nutrition. Instead of meat: beans, nuts and seeds, tofu, tempeh, seitan. Instead of dairy: almond milk, coconut milk, almonds, leafy greens, and other raw calcium-rich foods.
4. Be open to trying new things. If you are used to eating meat, you may be drawn to processed meat substitutes like Beyond Meat burgers, Chick’n nuggets, plant-based sausage, etc. These are great in moderation, but remember to include a variety of foods, including some that you may not have tried before.
5. Find recipes for vegan dishes on Pinterest! This is my favorite thing to do, especially as I was beginning my transition. Finding recipes that pique your interest will help you feel more excited about your transition. There are millions of vegan recipes out there, tons of different ways to cook things that you may not enjoy in their raw form (tofu comes to mind). Find lots of new recipes and adjust them to fit your taste!
I wish you the best of luck on your transition to veganism! Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions or concerns :)
