More people than ever before are beginning to see the value of following a vegetarian or vegan diet. It’s good for the planet, good for the body, and good for animals all across the globe. Still, there are many more people who say “I’d like to go vegan, but…” than there are people actually following the diet. And, to be sure, there are some obstacles standing in between a “normal” diet and an animal-free one. But good news! These obstacles are not that hard to overcome. Below, I take a look at four steps to making the jump. Give it a try!
START SLOW
Of all the things that people follow, their enthusiasm is probably the least productive one. It’s all good and well being eager about something, but unless you can sustain it (and you generally can’t), then eventually you’re going to end up failing. It’s a bit like joining a gym: you’re eager in the first couple of weeks, but then it dies away. The best way to make it a long-term part of your lifestyle is to start small, and build up. The same applies when it comes to switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Don’t just cut meat and dairy out — slowly make the transition. It’s the most sensible route.
EDUCATE YOURSELF
There have been a lot of people who watched one of those shocking documentaries about factory farming and instantly cut meat out of their diet. It’s coming from a good place, but it’s not advisable — your body gets a lot of the things it needs from meat. These can be replaced by non-meat sources, but you need to know what they are. While you’re in the early stages of the transition, make sure you’re reading as much as you can about the new foods you should have in your diet.
LEARN SOME RECIPES
You’ll be more convinced of the benefits of a vegan diet if you’re able to make delicious meat-free meals at home. In the age of the internet, this couldn’t be easier. You can look up vegetarian and vegan dishes for any type of cuisine! Get started with a few staple dishes, and then move on to a few delicious favorites — they don’t need to be complicated. This Nomads Marketplace hummus recipe, for instance, is delicious, yet can be made in three easy steps. And hey, once your friends and family have tasted your creations, they might just join you on the vegan train.
EATING OUT
If you live anywhere near a large city, check out the vegan restaurants. They’ve been ballooning in popularity in recent years, and there’ll likely be many more than you realized. You’ll get more than a meal. You’ll see the creative concoctions that they’ve thought up, which will show you what’s possible when it comes to meat-free dishes, and you’ll also get to meet like-minded people. It’s much easier to stick to a vegan diet when it’s a broader part of your lifestyle.
Remember, there’s no stress involved — so whatever you do, enjoy the journey!
While I haven’t completely removed meat and dairy from my diet, I try my best to have less of both. Instead, I go for more fruits, veggies, and nuts. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance for me. What about you? Do you follow a specific diet?
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