5 Simple Steps to start living a PLANT-BASED lifestyle

5 simple steps to start living a plant-based lifestyle.

When you think of going vegan or starting a plant-based diet, what is the first thing that runs through your mind? Probably fear of giving up your favorite foods? Or is it you have no clue how to cook vegan food?

Today we’re going to be discussing tips I used to become vegan and adapt to a plant-based diet.

Prepare! When you first go vegan the most important thing is to prepare to eat new foods, meet new people, and explore new areas of the supermarket.

Prepare, Plan, and Conquer!

The day my family decided to go vegan, I knew I had to prepare and plan. The very first thing I did was log in to my Pinterest account and search for vegan comfort foods. I believe our first vegan meal as a family was an amazing creamy vegan alfredo. I have to say, it was super easy and super delicious. 

Educate! Why are you thinking about a plant-based lifestyle? Is it for the animals, the earth, or your health?  All are wonderful reasons to make the switch! My advice is to educate yourself on all things vegan and that will make your convictions and reasons stronger. The more you know, the more reasons you have to stick to your new lifestyle. 

Educate, don’t discriminate...

Then when those pesky omnivores start asking you where you get your protein, you can educate them as well. Just remember to educate, don’t discriminate! Always remember you used to be one of them too :)

Donate, don’t waste!

Donate! Think you’re going to go crazy with cheese and ice cream in the house? Yeah, I did too. I thought, ummm, how the heck am I going to go vegan with cheese and ice cream in the house?! 

So, I donated it! I gave the ice cream and cheese to my neighbors and then I cleaned out our pantry and donated everything that contained an animal by-product to a local food bank. There, that was easy.

Support and don’t abort! 

Finding a good support system is a necessity when you first start. There are many ways to connect to other like-minded individuals. Facebook has many groups dedicated to people who love to share recipes and converse about their stories. 

Explore the unexplored!

Exploring new foods can be a challenge at first but once you learn the ropes of all the vegan food and recipes you can create masterpieces in the kitchen. Don’t be intimidated! Experimentation in the kitchen is one of the best parts of being on a plant-based diet!

By using these small but mighty tips, you can breeze through the first week of your new vegan lifestyle with no problem. Just remember, veganism/plant-based is a journey, not a destination. Every step you make in veganism is making a difference in your own life, the earth, and all living things on it. Be proud of yourself!!