I have been vegan for over 6 years now and I know this lifestyle change can be overwhelming, and sometimes hard to manage, when you first start out. I put together a list of some of my best tips of things I've learned over the years to, hopefully, help you through this process and make it a bit easier.
Veganism is not a diet! Though it is becoming more and more popular, it is important to understand that veganism - by principle - is an animal rights movement. So while adopting a vegan lifestyle, has lots of other benefits, like reducing your environmental impact, it doesn't just mean leaving animals and any other animal products off your table. I don't say this to scare you away from even trying to be vegan or eating more plants. However big or small the change you are able to make has an impact and the fact that you are doing something matters! I say this because there is more than enough misinformation out there about veganism.
If you are looking for even more in depth tips, documentaries to watch, answers to vegan FAQs, beginner friendly vegan meals, I have a FREE Vegan Guide that includes all of this plus more! Get it here!
1. Don't focus on what you can't eat.
When you first dip your toes into veganism, all the new information you probably just learned can be overwhelming. It involves change in lots of different areas of your life, but you can look at it as an eye opening, new beginning that aligns your morals with your actions and day-to-day habits, rather than focusing on what you're cutting out of your life and leaving off your plate. Try looking at this new journey, with an open mind, as an opportunity to discover new foods, learn new things, and be more aware.
2. Mistakes happen.
You will make mistakes and unintentionally eat animal products and that's okay. We've all been there. You read the ingredients list on a product at the grocery store, you don't seem to find any animal products in it at first look, but then you find dairy hiding in there. Don't beat yourself up, it happened to me too. Your intentions matter and every step counts!
3. Be informed.
One of the best ways to learn new information about every aspect of veganism is by watching documentaries. There are more and more vegan documentaries coming out almost every year. This is a great way to get answers to any questions you might have regarding veganism. It is also important that you are informed, so you are prepared to answer the inevitable questions of those around you. If you are able to confidently answer the commonly asked questions vegans get, your friends and family will be more likely to see veganism for what it is, instead of just a phase or a trend. (In my FREE Vegan Guide I go into more detail and answer vegan FAQs.)
4. Know your why.
I say this a lot, but knowing your reason for being vegan is super important! When or if you ever feel like giving up, stop and think about why you started in the first place. I get it, the constant criticism of your friends and family who just don't seem to understand can be a lot to manage. That is why it's important you remind yourself of your why, it will help you to keep going. I promise after a while it will become second nature and you just won't look at animal products as food.
5. Surround yourself with like-minded people.
I remember when I first went vegan I had no vegan friends nor did I know anyone else who was vegan. Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people can make your vegan journey a lot easier. Join groups, follow vegan content creators and activists, be part of their communities, you could even join activist groups in your area if you feel like it.
I would love to hear your tips for new vegans and people who have been vegan or quite some time as well! Share them in the comments.
Let's connect on other socials! Say hi on Instagram @plantiful_life_ and TikTok @plantiful_life !
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