Are your goals saving animals, saving the planet, eating healthier and being more compassionate? Then this “Going Vegan” to-do checklist is exactly for you!
Originally published in the “Simple Happy Kitchen – An illustrated guide for your plant-based life” book.
1. KEEP YOUR MOTIVATION IN MIND
Once your eyes have been opened to the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, you aren’t likely to close them again. Your new understanding of the individual and global effects of animal products changes you and helps you make more changes – and stick to them. Your desire to live a healthy life helps you place your feet on a new path – and never look back.
2. SOAK UP KNOWLEDGE
Boost your confidence with a wealth of knowledge. Learn all you can about your new lifestyle as you make the transition. Books, websites, blogs and other vegans are valuable sources that will provide the insights and support you need.
3. START READING LABELS
Learn about product labels and how to decipher them. Once you become familiar with animal-derived ingredients and how to identify them on product labels, it will become easy to recognize what’s vegan and what’s not.
4. ADD BEFORE YOU SUBTRACT
It’s easier to add foods to your diet than remove them. Make the vegan transition easier by adding more plant-based foods to your diet before you start taking anything out. Try eating more delicious veggies, seeds, nuts, legumes, and tofu.
5. EXPAND YOUR VEGAN FOOD REPERTOIRE
Try new types of foods to prepare to change your lifestyle. Add new vegetables, grains, fruits, and legumes to your meals and snacks.
6. MAKE YOUR VEGAN MENU APPEALING
Myriad vegan recipes are available. Find the ones that appeal to your palate. Check out vegan cookbooks or free online recipes. You’re certain to discover delicious new dishes as well as new ways to prepare old favorites.
7. MASTER A FEW SIMPLE, HAPPY MEALS
You might be surprised how many quick and easy vegan meals you can prepare from products already in your kitchen. Learn a few of these to immediately feel like a vegan meal master.
8. MOOOVE YOUR MILK SELECTION
Switch your dairy milk to almond or soy milk. Many other options are also available. Most people find it easy to discover a non-dairy option they enjoy.
9. STRENGTHEN YOUR WEAK POINTS OF GOING VEGAN
Are you worried about giving up the foods you enjoy? Learn about vegan alternatives and new recipe options. This will help you view veganism as a new healthy lifestyle, not a food rut.
10. GET READY FOR RESISTANCE
No one likes to feel judged. Remember, not too long ago you were eating animal products too.
It’s important to keep your end goal in mind and go at your own pace. Some people can switch to a vegan diet overnight. If that’s not you, that’s ok. Don’t worry if you need more time. As with other lifestyle changes, going vegan takes time to adjust. You simply need to determine what works best for you.
Simple Happy Kitchen is this first illustrated guide for a plant-based lifestyle. It is packed with humorous and engaging illustrations designed to help you and your family learn more about plant-based nutrition. The book takes the reader through simple steps needed to live a healthy, nutrient-filled, compassionate life.
