Veganism Introductory Guide For Beginners
Veganism is a type of diet that has grown in popularity over the last few decades. It’s based on how one makes decisions about what they put into their body – not what comes out of it. With so many different reasons to adopt a vegan lifestyle, you might be wondering how to go about it. In this article, I have gathered up some helpful tips for going vegan!
What is veganism?
Veganism is a way of living that excludes all animal products from your diet. While there are many different interpretations of what makes up a vegan diet, the basic tenets are that you avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Some people also avoid using any products that have been tested on animals, such as leather or wool products. There are many reasons why someone might choose to live a vegan lifestyle. Some people believe that animals deserve the same rights as humans and should not be used for entertainment or experimentation. Others believe that eating animals is environmentally harmful, and that by eliminating animal products from our diets we can reduce our carbon footprint. Whatever your reason for becoming vegan, there are plenty of resources available to help you transition into this way of life. The Vegan Society has a comprehensive guide to veganism called “The Vegan Starter Kit”, which includes information on how to find vegan food in restaurants and supermarkets, how to shop for vegan food, and how to cook vegan food. You can also find online resources such as Vegan Life magazine and the Plant Based News website. If you’re new to the idea of veganism, be sure to check out some of these resources before beginning your journey.
Benefits of a Vegan Diet
There are many benefits to a vegan diet, including:
1. You’ll Save Money: A vegan diet is typically cheaper than a meat-based diet. This is because you’ll avoid spending money on meat, eggs, and dairy products.
2. You’ll Help Protect Wildlife: Eating a vegan diet helps protect wildlife by preventing the slaughter of animals for their meat.
3. You’ll Help Save the Environment: A plant-based diet is less damaging to the environment than a meat-based one. This is because farming methods that use animals produce greenhouse gases and water pollution, while plant-based diets rely more on recycling and reduced waste.
4. You’ll Feel Good About Yourself: A vegan lifestyle can be healthy and satisfying, which can make you feel good about yourself.
What to eat on a vegan diet
There are many foods that are vegan-friendly, but not all of them are the best for your health. You’ll want to make sure you include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as whole grains and nuts, to get all the nutrients your body needs. The following list includes some of the best vegan-friendly foods to eat on a regular basis.
Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries, carrots, citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines), grape juice, honeydews, kiwifruit, mangoes, melons, papaya, pears, pineapple, plums/prunes/summer fruit (blueberries, cranberries), raisins
Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (red and green), cauliflower rice*, celery*, cucumbers*, eggplant*, garlic*, green beans*, kale*, leeks*, mushrooms*, onion* (*buying frozen is an option as well)
Legumes: Black beans*, lentils*, Lima beans* (*buying frozen is an option as well)
Tips for transitioning to veganism
If you’re thinking about going vegan, or if you’re already vegan and feeling great, keep reading for some tips on transitioning to veganism.
1. Educate Yourself: The first step to transitioning to veganism is becoming more knowledgeable about the topic. Read up on the benefits of veganism, learn about the animals involved in farming and dairy production, and understand the environmental impacts of animal agriculture. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your friends or family members who are vegan for advice.
2. Make a Plan: Once you’ve done your research and know what you want to change about your diet, it’s time to create a plan of action. Decide what foods will be out of your reach for a while (like meat and dairy products), figure out how often you will need to meal prep/cook vegan meals, and establish some regular habits (like going for a walk after dinner or prepping your own snacks). It can be helpful to enlist a friend or partner in this process so that you can both support each other along the way.
3. Be patient: Transition
Is it right for you?
If you’re considering a plant-based lifestyle, you may be wondering if veganism is for you. This introductory guide will help you decide if veganism is the right choice for you.
