The Ultimate Guide For Converting To A Vegan Lifestyle

By on June 19, 2014
Converting to Vegan

Thinking about becoming vegan? It’s important to know that veganism is more than just an adjustment in food consumption. It’s a whole lifestyle change. People choose to go down this path for various reasons, including the desire to be healthier, a deep concern for the environment and a sincere compassion toward animals.

Before making this decision, it helps to educate yourself and consult with your physician. It is known that veganism consist of a very strict diet. To begin with, this is the basic rundown of what vegans do not eat.

What Not to Eat

Meat – This is the most obvious no-no for vegans. Beef, chicken and even turkey are all excluded from the diet. This also includes fish; they’re still living creatures.

Eggs and Dairy – Giving up eggs and dairy are the harder parts. Egg yolks and whites, along with anything containing milk, must be avoided to comply with veganism. So this includes butter, cheese and perhaps your favorite dessert.

Sweets – Well, not all sweets have to be omitted…just the ones made with certain sugar or honey. Bone char from animals is used in the processing of some white sugars. Honey is avoided because they come from bees.

Launching right into a vegan diet is usually not the best approach to take. It can be quite the adjustment to give up foods that you have eaten your whole life. You may need to gradually transition. Trying a form of vegetarian first and then increasing your food restrictions along the way will allow you to adjust both physically and mentally. You could start by permitting yourself to eat dairy and eggs for a while before completely cutting out all things animals.

Here is good video on converting to vegan

Some make the mistake of not properly nourishing themselves while trying to avoid products coming from animals. When sculpting your diet, you have to make sure your plates have an assortment of foods so that you create nutritionally balanced meals. Though taking on a vegan lifestyle may seem challenging initially, there are great substitutes for everything you are giving up.

Cutting out meat doesn’t mean you have to be protein deprived. Beans, legumes, nuts and tofu are all good sources. Not to mention, you can enjoy common American choices like hamburgers and hotdogs made from tofu, soy, potatoes and other veggies. Dairy products can be substituted by goods made from almonds, coconuts, various seeds and soy as well. Most supermarkets today will have such alternatives to satisfy any vegan grocery list.

If you find yourself stomped by what to cook, utilize cookbooks and the internet to find hundreds of practical vegan recipes. You’ll discover that there are a variety of dishes to make. Being vegan does not have to be boring, nor is it tasteless. After gathering yummy, but healthy, meal ideas, plan your daily cuisines on a meal calendar (always leaving room for leftovers). This will also help you have a clear idea of what items to buy at the store.

Meal planning is really simple once you get the hang of it. After you become a vegan veteran, you will be able to whip up meals with no problem. The effort it takes to fix meals on a vegan diet is no different from that of what you were used to before the switch.

What to Avoid Wearing
As mentioned before, veganism is more than having a selective food intake. It’s a philosophy that is centered on protecting animals’ rights and impacts other aspects of life including what you wear. If you are going to be committed, then you will need to prepare to have a wardrobe that is free of materials made out of animal skin or fur.

Familiar materials to avoid are as follows:

• Leather
• Suede
• Silk
• Snakeskin
• Alligator skin
• Rabbit fur

Manmade leather, also known as pleather, is okay. Here are other items that make approval:

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Nylon
• Microfiber
• Synthetic materials

When going on a shopping spree, check labels before making selections. This also means checking the materials on accessories and furniture. Those sticking to the philosophy also take it a step further and bypass products manufactured by establishments who test with animals. In addition, committed vegans avoid going to zoos and the circus.

Overall, becoming a vegan will yield a lifestyle of good health. Yet, it will also give you a sense of peace in knowing that you are helping to care for your environment and stand firm in your opposition to the inhumane treatment of animals.

Converting to Vegan diet infographic

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About Dean Iodice