Going vegan seems to be the newest health/ diet fad around, much to the annoyance of those who chose this path seriously. Yes it isn’t just a trend but a whole lifestyle. It affects everything from what you eat to the kinds of clothes you wear. So before plunging in, here’s what you need to know.
Doesn’t Translate to Automatic Weight Loss
Yes, this isn’t a shortcut to dropping those kilos. It depends on how your diet is changing. For instance, if your current diet consists of minimally processed food then you transition to a whole foods vegan diet, you’ll likely gain weight.
Supplements
Certain minerals such as B12 occur only in animals. Switching to a vegan diet denies you this so stock up on supplements and B12- fortified foods. Iron is found in both animal and plant foods but the latter is harder to absorb into the blood. In addition to eating more legumes and leafy greens, iron supplements are vital.
Find a Community
Making such a significant change in your lifestyle can be daunting and lonely. Search for online vegan communities. If they hold physical meetups, all the better. Staying in isolation makes it harder to stay the course.
Expect to Fail
Going through setbacks is part of the journey. After all, you’re trying to change aspects of your life after many years. Be gentle on yourself when lapses happen. It’s not the end of the world. Just get back on track and keep going.
Do it Gently
Going cold turkey on anything rarely works. Instead, draw out a long-term plan to ease your transition. It might take months or years to fully adjust to a vegan lifestyle, and that’s okay. Don’t let the internet rush you.
Switch it Up
If you’re focusing on ditching meaty pies, for example, and this proves almost impossible, switch to something else. Try another food that’s easier (like eggs). This boosts your morale instead of getting hung up on failing at one thing.
