You’re probably thinking that moving to a vegan diet sounds like a great idea, but you don’t know where to start??
I know eating a vegan diet might seem a little intimidating when you’re just starting out, but you can do this. It might be hard at first and most likely you’ll stumble along the way but what matters is that you keep trying.
WHAT IS A VEGAN DIET?
A vegan diet is a diet consisting of no animal products.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
It’s essential to consider this with an open and positive mindset. Think what you will be achieving from eating a vegan diet instead of what you’ll be missing out on. Maintaining your new diet shouldn’t be a struggle or deprivation. Once you learn more about vegan eating, you’ll see that don’t have to give anything up. Once you’re familiar with the ins and outs of vegan alternatives to pizza, cookies, chocolate and sandwiches, you’ll have no problem learning to love the vegan lifestyle and how it makes you feel.
KNOW WHY
It’s important to get a clear reason for embarking on vegan diet. There are times it will get tough, having a clear reason why can help you stick to your goals.
Reasons for going vegan may include:
- preventing disease
- managing blood sugar
- lowering cholesterol
- longevity
- love for animals
- weight loss goals
- ethical
- beneficial for the planet
There are a lot of great reasons to eat a vegan diet. Find a reason that inspires you.
STEP 1. SLOWLY REDUCE YOUR MEAT CONSUMPTION.
Start going meatless once per week. I would suggest incorporating this into your routine for about 2-4 weeks.
Focus on adding more plant food into your diet and eating less meat. Try utilizing a bean/legume or tofu-based dish as your main entree. Such as maple glazed tofu roast or roasted garbanzo beans.
START ADDING MORE PLANTS
While you’re transitioning add more plant-based foods to your diet. For example: If you’re making a sandwich, try adding avocado, sprouts, or try making a tempeh burger. This way you’ll also be getting lots of healthy fiber and nutrients!
STEP 2. REDUCE MEAT CONSUMPTION DOWN TO ONCE A MONTH.
Now it’s time to start reducing your meat consumption to only once a week.
You can stay here for about another month or two until you’re ready to cut meat down to once every couple of weeks and then once a month.
STEP 3. ELIMINATE MEAT FROM YOUR DIET
It’s time! I would review YOUR why. You got this!
Next, it’s fish, start to reduce and eliminate as well.
STEP 4. START REDUCING YOUR DAIRY INTAKE
I would say this is the hardest, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easier than you think.
REPLACE COW’S MILK FIRST
So many plant-based milks on the market today. This is an easy switch to make.
THEN YOGURT
Yogurt is easy too. You can make your own cashew, almond or coconut yogurt or go for one of the many store-bought options.
THEN CHEESE
This is probably the hardest for most (me especially), however, at some point you just have to go for it.
STEP 5. ELIMINATE DAIRY FROM YOUR DIET
So, at this point you’ve been acquainting yourself with alternatives to dairy. It’s time to cut it out completely. I’d take two weeks here adapting to living with no dairy.
STEP 6. ELIMINATE EGGS FROM YOUR DIET
You are almost completely vegan, no meat, fish and dairy. Cut out eggs. Replace eggs in baking, use flax or chia seed as a replacement.
STEP 7. REPEAT!
At this point, you should be completely vegan! Congratulations!
Now, repeat that for life. Remember everyone has there own journey. Some will take weeks while others will take years. Either one is great! If you are inspired to lead a vegan lifestyle-just start! Start today!
Continue exploring new foods and recipes. Keep learning, go easy on yourself and just enjoy this amazing, vegan lifestyle.
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY
Health is a life journey. Start now, you got this!