Are you trying to go vegan in the New Year? It’s really not so tough! The key is to approach it with small, simple steps to slowly transition. I’ve got some great tips to help the smaller change last.
- Eat your veggies. This lifestyle includes an abundance of plant-based options, but make sure you eat enough and eat things you truly enjoy! Nobody wants to feel tired or hungry when they start out on a vegan diet, and there are two easy solutions to these problems. First, eat more plants. Vegetable-based foods are often much lighter than the animal products you are used to, but know it is okay to fill up on more vegetables and grains than you have in the past. Your body will be adapting to a different diet, and it may seem unnatural to eat a larger volume of food, but you will feel so much better after mealtime! Second, don’t forget the vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is easily found in animal proteins, but not naturally occurring in plant foods. This supplement is essential for energy and brain function on a vegan diet, and easily accessible in a local natural foods store or online.
- Don’t spend tons of money on new equipment and cookbooks. This might be an exciting step in your journey, but it unnecessary and can leave you broke or worn out. Instead, focus your energy on finding some recipes online (there are TONS!) that you believe can really work for your lifestyle. Make a grocery list, head to the store, and get what you need. I love Kris Carr’s weekly recipe planner. Spend your time and energy on choosing interesting recipes, and make sure you have a game plan at the beginning of each week.
- Find a local community or support group. There are vegan Meetup groups in many cities throughout the country. An important component of change is to have someone to hold you accountable. If you don’t have a local meetup group, start your own! A vegan community is also a great place to meet lifelong friends, exchange recipes, or just eat some good food with like-minded individuals.
- Prepare your food ahead of time. This is an important step if you are the kind of person who travels often or gets stuck in lengthy meetings. Pack your lunch in advance and bring a snack. I try to always have at least some fresh fruit, a vegan protein bar, and some nuts to snack on in case of an emergency. This way you will never be stuck in a situation where you only have access to food options that might be less than ideal.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things! Invite some friends out for Thai, Mexican, or Indian food. It is much easier to find plant-based options at these restaurants than it would be at Buffalo Wild Wings. Vegan dishes can be found much more easily in the cuisines of other cultures, so explore some new culinary delights. You can sub out chicken for rice and beans or tofu. This way, you can keep eating out with friends regularly and never have trouble finding something good.
Don’t worry about proving your decisions to others just yet. Make sure that you are making the journey the most successful it can be for you and keep all the energy positive. Often times, if you just make the change and start including others in the delicious meals you have learned how to make, it can be a much easier transition. Enjoy your food and take pride in the amazing choice that you have made- one that will greatly benefit your health, the environment and all of our animal friends. Take it slow and don’t beat yourself up if you are not perfect; Like everything, this is a process. Take pride in your small successes, and if you mess up, just try again tomorrow. Any reduction in animal products is something to be proud of. Congratulations on your decision and best of luck in the new year!
Colleen O’Connell, VLCE is a health coach, yogi and fashion-lover. Her goal is to help everyone learn how to be successful with living in abundance and welcoming more plant foods into everyday meals. She uses her creative spirit away from the food world on the stage as an actress and singer. You can read all about her tips and vegan travel pursuits on her blog leangreencolleen.com.