There are a million reasons to decide to go vegan. However, switching to a new diet, cold turkey makes it ten times harder to stick to the habit. Especially a big switch like giving up meat.
One of the most significant problems people face when going vegan is knowing what to eat. A plant-based option can be hard to navigate until you fully get the hang of it, especially with so many processed meat alternatives and other unhealthy options.
Here’s what you need to know to make going vegan easier.
Take Your Time Making The Switch
There’s no reason to go cold turkey. It can be a huge help to scale back your meat-eating or cut things out a little at a time.
For instance, start by eliminating red meat but keep eating everything else. The next week, cut out cheese or dairy. Every week you can cut something out until you’re fully vegan.
Don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself to tackle it all right at the beginning. If you slip up, you slip up. Let it go and start again the next day.
Make A Grocery List
Once you know what foods to eat, make a grocery list that you can consult each week.
The list will take some of the stress of the grocery store off of you. You’ll know exactly what to get, and your home will be filled with tons of veggies and fruits to keep you away from those meat products.
Find Some Cookbooks
A great cookbook is a fantastic companion, and there are tons of plant-based options out there.
Cookbooks will help you get creative with your food, preventing burnout from eating the same thing over and over. Once you find a chef you love, continue to follow them on social media to get even more ideas.
Some of our favorite cookbooks include Fuss-Free Vegan and Thug Kitchen. Both plant-based books offer over 100 recipes and will keep you entertaining your taste buds for days.
Get Used to Meal Prepping
It’s easier to stick to a new diet if you come as prepared as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to meal prep. Pick a day of the week where put your meals together and do it all at once.
It will save you time figuring out dinner or lunch later in the week when you might be tired from work or other activities.
Consider Prepping For Restaurants
Before you head out for a nice meal, take a look at the menu, so you already know what you want to order. Don’t be afraid to ask your waiter about ingredients or possible substitutions.
Knowing what you can and can’t eat makes the decision that much easier when the time comes. And you won’t be tempted to get something with meat or dairy.
Going vegan isn’t a picnic, but you’ll be happy to have made better decisions for your health. Remember not to pressure yourself and do it at your own pace.
