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Going vegan doesn’t have to be difficult at all – it can actually be fun! And, we’ve done all the work for you so you don’t even have to guess where to start.
If you’re considering going vegan, don’t do it cold turkey. Check out our article on vegan transition tips. It’s a great decision, but like any major change, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. If you take baby steps you’ll be eating vegan in no time without any stress.
Once you’re on the vegan train, these tips will help keep you there and keep you making progress toward a healthier lifestyle and feeling better all around!
1. Eat More
Vegan foods are filling, but some don’t stick with you as long.
The first tip for going vegans is EAT MORE! Isn’t that so great? Bring healthy snacks everywhere. (Extra emphasis on healthy snacks).
The reason vegan foods are so filling is because they are typically very high in fiber but low in calories. This is great for losing weight but it does mean you might be feeling like you’re eating all the time. That’s a bonus if you ask me.
2. Vegan Meal Planning
Planning meals and snacks is key – it’s easy to slip into old habits because they’re familiar. If meal planning sounds daunting use a meal planning service like Forks Over Knives. It’s super affordable (around $2 a week!) and it’ll actually save you money in the long run.
(If you’re interested in more money saving ideas, check out this article on how going vegan can save you around $200/month).
Meal planning is awesome because you don’t have to worry about what’s for dinner after a long day or get up in the morning and not have any good lunch options planned out. The Forks Over Knives Meal Planner even gives you a grocery shopping list and meal preparation tips to save you time. And who couldn’t use more of that?
3. Pre-Cut Foods
You’re more likely to eat fruits and veggies that are pre-cut. You can either buy them that way at grocery stores, or save money by pre-chopping your produce after your grocery shopping trip. It only takes an extra 5 or 10 minutes, but makes a huge difference in your healthy eating for the week.
4. Upgrade Your Food Storage
Storing food in plastic containers and baggies gets old.
Invest in Pyrex.
Your food doesn’t get squished and Pyrex is naturally BPA-free. Also, glass containers don’t absorb odors or food stains either.
You can get a 10 to 36-piece set shipped right to your door from Amazon. It’s an investment, but a serious life upgrade from your old plastic containers that have weird spaghetti sauce stains.
5. Get Your Family/Friends On Board
Are you cooking for someone else too? Convince them to go vegan with you by finding the dishes they like.
It’s way easier to stick to a new diet when you’re doing it together. You can scroll through our Pinterest page and have them pick the recipes that look good, or figure out a way to veganize recipes they already like.
Just fyi… You may have to try a lot of recipes to find which ones you like. Set expectations right and plan on a few duds.
6. Find Vegan Restaurants
Find the restaurants near your home/office that have vegan options right away. If you’re going out to lunch or need take-out you can stay on the vegan train.
This might take a bit of research, but it’s definitely worth it. If you like to eat out, there are only so many days you can get a Chipotle veggie bowl or a generic salad.
7. Consider Homemade Snacks
Homemade vegan snacks are amazing – and way healthier than most snacks you’d select as a non-vegan. Again, this takes time which is always in short supply, but it can be rewarding.
Check out our Pinterest board for great vegan snack ideas. There are a lot of options that only have a few ingredients and you can throw together in less than 15 minutes!
8. Remember Not All Vegan Food is Healthy
You still have to be careful about what you’re eating if you want to lose weight by going vegan. Beer and fries are vegan, but they’re not exactly healthy. Not that we’re knocking beer…or fries.
A vegan diet can help with weight loss because most vegan foods are high in fiber and low in calories. In general, vegan foods have a lot of veggies, beans, and nuts which are all pretty healthy. To really dive into veganism and weight loss check out our article on why weight loss is automatic on a vegan diet.
9. It’s Not All About Salads
Eating vegan isn’t all about salads. You can get normal entrees, hot dishes, salads, and combinations. There’s a whole new plant-based world out there filled with new tastes, foods, and flavors!.
If you don’t know where to start, you can check out our Pinterest page for vegan recipes, a vegan meal delivery service such as Purple Carrot or the Forks Over Knives vegan meal planning service.
You don’t have to like international foods to eat vegan with a good variety. It doesn’t have to be all Indian curry and Thai bowls. You can even get a vegan Whopper at Burger King now. Mmmmm… flame-broiled goodness in vegan form.
Be on the lookout though. Seemingly vegan items can sometimes have hidden animal products in them. For example, McDonalds fries contain beef fat.
Gross.
10. Have a Quick Backup Plan
Everyone needs a quick meal once and awhile. Check out Aldi’s ready-made vegan “meatballs”, veggie burgers, or chicken-less tenders. If you like this idea, be sure to check out our list of 21 vegan foods at Aldi.
11. Use Your Vegan Alternatives
There are some great alternatives from your previous omnivore ways. Like if you used a lot of cheese before, try substituting avocado slices. It provides a rich creaminess that’s still vegan. Or, instead of using eggs in a baking dish you can substitute ground flaxseed powder. Just mix with some warm water and voila you have an egg replacement! Check out our vegan alternatives Pinterest board for more ideas.
12. Have a Great Dish for Parties
Have a “go to” recipe for large gatherings (or your own meals) so you can share some vegan goodness when it’s time to party.
My favorite is vegan cashew queso. It comes together in just minutes and is so delicious. All you do is combine 1 cup soaked cashews (in water for four hours), a fourth cup water, 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, and a can of diced tomatoes (with liquid) and blend until smooth. Serve with chips and watch everyone guack at the fact it’s vegan!
13. Plan for a Vegan Sweet Treat
Keep some dark chocolate (or other small vegan treat) around so you can satisfy a craving for something sweet while still eating vegan. May I suggest Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups? If you liked Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups before going vegan then you are in for some seriously good news because these blow them out of the water. Think of Reese’s as the baby of peanut butter cups and Justin’s as the classier more sophisticated adult version. They’re that good. They taste like you just bought them from a gourmet chocolate shop.
14. It’s Better Together
Join a vegan group on Facebook. Life is so much easier when you are on a journey with like minded people. By joining a Facebook group you can chat about the challenges and joys of being vegan as well as share favorite vegan recipes!
15. Stay Positive
Focus on the positive aspects of eating vegan. Veganism has so many benefits – like a generally cleaner diet leading to long-term improved health, clearer skin, and better mental clarity among so many others. Remind yourself that food is your body’s fuel. And you’re not putting in regular unleaded. Only premium because that’s what you DESERVE.
16. Eating Vegan Has Global Benefits
Remember that you are not only helping out your body by going vegan but you’re also the environment as well! How you ask? Good question!
The production of meat and other animal products is literally killing the Earth – there are crops and water needed for feeding animals and then transportation and factories for slaughtering. Did you know the emissions from livestock exceeds that of the transportation industry?
Emissions from the production of beef and lamb are 250 times higher than those from legumes, and pork and poultry are 40 times higher than legumes. A large amount of methane and nitrous oxide, gases that are more than 20 times and 250 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, are generated through livestock-raising activities. By not eating meat you are helping us to preserve our home for future generations!
Being vegan is amazing for your body, the earth, and the animals, and just by joining us here you’re doing great! Just remember, the transition is a marathon not a sprint and it’s ok if you’re not perfect! We’re here for you however we can help.
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