It can be a challenge – a lifetime of eating and using animal products – habits so ingrained that they may be very difficult to change. In addition our society is created along the sort of hierarchical lines that gives little, if any, importance to animal rights considering the human birth right to exploit animals at will. So it can be difficult indeed to go vegan. Here are some tips to help you make a start towards a vegan lifestyle.
1. Take it one step at a time
Being vegan is a learning process. A vegan lifestyle is something you should aspire to move to, over time. It is unrealistic to try and become vegan overnight. So, give yourself time.
2. Find out more about what happens to animals
One of the strongest motivators to turn vegan can be finding out what happens to animals that are bred and reared in captivity for meat and their body parts. Find out more about the conditions they are kept in, the cruel treatment they receive to make more responsible choices.
3. Learn about the substitutes
If you like dairy products, find out about their substitutes – margarine instead of butter, nondairy cheese, creamy substitutes, and so on. Similarly, meat substitutes can include soy chunks.
4. Find out what you like
Going vegan doesn’t mean that you have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods. Try different vegan foods to see what appeals.
5. Learn about nutrition
Find out more vegan sources of protein, calcium and iron so that you can continue to have all the nutrition that your body needs from the food you eat.
6. Consult a doctor about supplements
Consult with your doctor to see if you need supplements to ease into your new vegan lifestyle after a lifetime of using animal products.
7. Find vegan restaurants
There are vegetarian restaurants and there are vegan restaurants as well. Find out about them.
8. Spread awareness
Knowing and speaking about the merits of veganism will help to stick to your vegan agenda.
9. Learn vegan recipes
There are so many free resources that will help to become and stay vegan. Get yourself a vegan cookbook or get free vegan recipes online to help you reorient your cooking methods.
10. Be aware
Being vegan isn’t just about food. When you buy your clothes, shoes, accessories and cosmetics, be aware about what you buy and make sure that you’re using cruelty free products.