Ultimate Tips For Going Vegan In 2024
These might just be the best tips for going vegan ever, ones that will motivate you to become vegan and eat well this year! New Year New You!
2024 is here and I know a lot of you are aiming to include more plant-based meals into your diet. Whether you plan on eating vegan full-time or just a few times per week, it is a great change to make to better your health.
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Read below for my best tips for going vegan.
Tips For Going Vegan This year
Embracing a vegan lifestyle marks the beginning of a mindful shift in both your diet and perspective on food. As we usher in a new year, many are looking for ways to refresh their habits and make healthier, more ethical choices.
Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle offers a path to revitalizing your meals and aligning with values that benefit the environment and animal welfare. This article aims to arm you with practical and thoughtful tips to confidently navigate the shift to plant-based eating, ensuring that your experience is both fulfilling and sustainable.
I have a few strategies for you to help transition into veganism (and actually enjoy your meals!). Below are my top tips for making the switch to vegan.
1. Join a vegan challenge
Participating a vegan challenge, such as Veganuary is a great way to kickstart your motivation. Joining others in eating vegan can be very helpful in getting on track.
Join vegan communities, either locally or online, to share experiences, get support, and exchange recipes.
2. Take it slow
If becoming vegan full-time feels too daunting and difficult for you; choose to eat plant-based 2-3 meals per week to start with.
Or swap your breakfast first for 1 week then add vegan lunches and once you have those figured out you can aim to eat predominantly vegan.
Start by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet gradually. You could begin with one vegan meal a day or have specific days each week dedicated to vegan eating.
3. Don’t take the “all or nothing approach”
It is okay if you aim to eat vegan at home but still eat animal proteins when out and about, or if you can’t say goodbye to cheese but want to stop eating meat it is still a great decision to make for your health and the environment.
You might want to ease into your vegan lifestyle by starting as a vegetarian (eats dairy but no meat/seafood) or as a pescatarian (eats seafood and dairy but no meat).
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself
Eating plant-based is a lifestyle, not a diet so if you make a mistake or eat a non-vegan meal it is okay- just try again the next day.
5. Make it fun
Try new recipes! Experiment with new ingredients, new cuisines and vegan treats to keep it interesting.
Check out my most popular vegan recipes to get inspired:
6. Make it delicious
Eating vegan doesn’t have to be boring. Try some of my vegan recipes for delicious vegan plant-based recipes.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to say goodbye to all your favorite foods when eating vegan. Because pasta, pizzas and ice cream can all be made vegan!
7. Surprise – it doesn’t have to be expensive
Eating vegan is cheap if you avoid vegan processed foods. Eating predominantly whole grains such as rice, legumes, lentils, vegetables, and fruits is the best for your health and your wallet!
When in doubt fill your plate up with wholegrains, vegetables and fruits. The less processed the better!
8. Take your vitamins
Take a B12 supplement and also maybe an omega-3 vegan and a vegan vitamin D supplement. Learn about the nutritional aspects of veganism to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins B12 and D. Familiarize yourself with vegan sources for these nutrients.
Consider a vitamin B12 supplement, as it’s mainly found in animal products. Depending on your individual needs and location, you might also need vitamin D, omega-3, and iron supplements.
9. Follow Vegan Creators
Follow like-minded people on Instagram for recipe tips, vegan recipes and more. If you are not following me yet I am @healthyfrenchwife on Instagram!
10. Plan Your Meals
Planning is key to maintaining any healthy diet, especially a vegan one. It ensures variety and that you’re getting a balanced intake of nutrients. Explore vegan recipes and meal ideas online or in cookbooks.
11. Try Vegan Versions of Favorite Meals
Start by making vegan versions of your favorite dishes. There are plenty of plant-based alternatives for ingredients like milk, cheese, and meat.
12. Explore Plant-Based Proteins
Proteins are crucial, so get familiar with vegan sources like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, and a variety of beans and seeds.
13. Stock Up on Essentials
Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with vegan staples like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and a variety of fresh produce.
14. Learn to Read Labels
Not all products that appear vegan-friendly are actually vegan. Learn to read and understand food labels to avoid hidden animal-derived ingredients.
15. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is a significant change. It’s okay to take it one step at a time and acknowledge that slip-ups might happen.
Ultimate Tips For Going Vegan – Conclusion
I hope you found these tips for going vegan helpful. Leave me a comment below if you have a question. I would love for you to love this new plant-based lifestyle!
As you adapt to a vegan lifestyle, consider the profound influence your dietary choices have on your personal well-being, animal lives, and environmental health. Transitioning to plant-based eating is a significant stride, replete with learning, adapting, and, most importantly, enjoying the process. Allow yourself the space to explore and the grace to grow.
With these comprehensive tips guiding you, you’re set to make this year a transformative period of healthful, ethical eating. Let the vitality of your commitment and the flavors of vegan cuisine enrich your journey toward a more conscious, compassionate way of living.
Be sure to check out my Instagram page for my everyday vegan meals.