Let's Get Started!

Before we begin, there's a few important things that I need to mention. I am in no way pressuring you or forcing you to become a vegan. That's just not my philosophy. I think you should always do what feels right to you and let others do the same. And if you have no interest in adopting a vegan lifestyle, you certainly don't need to in order to still enjoy this video and the tips that I share.

Consult a Professional

Including more plant-based foods into your diet is a win all around. If you're somebody who has a medical condition, you're immune compromised or you're feeding young children, I would recommend seeing a physician or a dietitian before you begin. That way you've just got your bases covered.

My Journey into Veganism

And finally, if you're interested in learning more about my journey into veganism, the difficulties I experienced when I first started or the fears that I had with coming out as a vegan dietitian, I've already written about it on the website. So I will leave a link to that in the description box below in case you feel like checking it out.

Busting Myths

Okay, all of that aside, now let's get started. Forget what you heard about vegan food being bland, the lifestyle being too expensive, you're not getting enough nutrients or just being too complicated to incorporate into your life. If you go into it with a negative mindset, it's just going to feel like a punishment. But trust me, it is the furthest thing from that. Eating this way is nourishing, delicious and wholesome. It's food that loves you as much as you love it back.

Taking It Slow

And like anything else, it gets easier with time and practice. You'll find more affordable places to shop and making meals will be just as quick if not quicker to make in time. So forget everything you think you know and dive in with an open mind. Some people feel like when they become vegan, they need to also simultaneously become zero waste. Minimalists, gluten-free, sugar-free, oil-free, fitness warriors, not to mention an expert in vegan nutrition. But why all the pressure?

No Pressure

You're going to learn more and more about veganism with time and you can start to adopt these other lifestyle practices down the road if they even resonate with you at all. But biting off more than you can chew just leads to indigestion. So slow and steady, friends. Like I said, everything we do is harder and requires more of our time in the beginning. So intentionally schedule some extra time when it comes to preparing meals, at least for the first few weeks. You'll get faster, don't worry.

Stock Up on Pantry Essentials

The lifestyle change is going to be complicated if you've got nothing on hand to work with. So start by stocking up on the pantry essentials. I've made a video on this already, so I'll link it at the end of this video if you want to check it out.

Treat Yourself

And you know what else, if you're just starting off, please don't go to the extreme and forbid yourself from having any treat foods only to look at other.

'Using Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

There's no denying that plant-based meat alternatives have come a long way in recent years. They taste better than ever, and they're available in more stores and restaurants than ever before. These products can be great for transitioning to a vegan diet, as they offer a familiar taste and texture to what you may be used to.

Some popular options include burgers, sausages, and even plant-based chicken nuggets. Just be mindful of the ingredients and make sure you're choosing options that are whole-food based and not highly processed.

Here are a few of our favorite plant-based meat alternatives:

  • Beyond Meat: This company offers a variety of plant-based burgers, sausages, and crumbles that are available in many grocery stores and restaurants.
  • Lightlife: This brand offers a variety of plant-based products, including burgers, sausages, hot dogs, and deli slices.
  • Tofurky: This company offers plant-based deli slices, sausages, roasts, and more.

Experimenting with Plant-Based Recipes

One of the best things about being vegan is getting to experiment with new recipes and flavors. There are tons of great vegan recipe blogs, books, and websites out there, so you'll never run out of ideas for what to cook.

Here are a few of our favorite vegan recipe resources:

  • Forks Over Knives: This website and accompanying cookbook offer a wide range of plant-based recipes, as well as tips and resources for transitioning to a vegan diet.
  • Oh She Glows: This popular vegan blog features a wide range of healthy, plant-based recipes that are easy to follow and delicious.
  • Minimalist Baker: This blog features simple, plant-based recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Remember, the key to success on a vegan diet is to keep things simple and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. And don't be afraid to experiment and try new things – you might be surprised by what you end up loving!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, our top 12 tips for anyone starting out on a vegan diet. Whether you're just looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into your life or you're ready to make the full transition, these tips will help set you up for success.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to be vegan – it's all about finding what works for you and your lifestyle. So take it slow, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey!