The average American’s eating habits are concentrated around animal products, so the thought of giving them up can be daunting, despite all the compelling reasons to do so. Fear not! Here are ten tips I've found that can make your transition easier and more enjoyable.
1. Do your research. Going vegan is a hot topic in the book world currently, and reading up on the subject before taking the plunge will help you better prepare. Veganist by Kathy Freston and Living Vegan for Dummies by Alexandra Jamieson are two great starter books. You can also find lots of information in the magazine Veg News and on Twitter. Kathy Freston also has a new book out called The Lean that is built to help you transition.
2. Learn to read labels. Visit your local grocery store and look at labels. Learn which items have hidden animal products and which ingredients to avoid. Sprouts, with many locations in the West Valley of Phoenix, is great for vegan shopping as is Whole Foods. Check out theTwilight Farmer’s Market in Glendale too for some fresh items and tastings.
3. Experiment. Sample foods that you may not eat often (if ever) and learn what you like. There are many excellent vegan recipes in the publications above along with many other sources. Creating a list of foods and recipes that you enjoy will better prepare you to become vegan.
4. Transition your pantry slowly. Don’t buy all new foods at once because you won’t like them all or use them equally. They will take up space and cost you money. Try out a few recipes at a time and then go back for more. You’ll quickly get used to your new shopping habits.
5. Find some vegan options when dining out. Learn what vegan options exist at your favorite restaurants and investigate vegan establishments. The Loving Hut is a great, inexpensive vegan option in Phoenix, and there are many others everywhere. Check www.happycow.net or www.vegguide.org.
6. Socialize with other vegans. Find vegan groups from whom you can learn and get best practices. VegPhoenix has a 1,200 member group that meets often. Consider attending one of their events or communicate with members via the web.
7. Start slowly. Whether you’re vegetarian already or still eating meat, changing to a vegan diet has a big impact on your body. While the benefits are evident, you may experience short-term fatigue, headaches and digestive distress if you quit cold-Tofurkey (this happened to me). Your body needs time to detox from the animal products you’ve been eating for years. Consider making a small change each week. For example, you may decide to give up chicken the first week, eggs the second week, and so on.
8. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. You are new at this. It won’t be all smooth sailing. Maybe you didn’t realize your favorite cookies contained casein. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You are doing a wonderful thing for yourself, the animals and the environment by becoming vegan. Every mistake is a chance to learn so that you can do it differently next time.
9. Share with friends and family. The degree of sharing will vary from person to person. Some people want to shout from the rooftops and others don’t want to talk about their decision at all. Try to gain support from those to whom you are closest. The rest is up to you.
10. Stay committed. Remember why you decided to become vegan and celebrate how healthy you feel when you put whole foods in your body. Don’t forget the impact you are having on the animals and the environment. And you may not realize it, but you are raising the consciousness of others just by choosing to be vegan.
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