If you’ve recently started a vegan lifestyle you may be overwhelmed by the amount of foods that contain animal products and you may face many challenges as you transition. Friends, family, and co-workers may ask you questions about why you’ve chosen to become vegan, some questions you may have answers for, and some questions you may not have answers for, which is okay.
It can be confusing and confrontational at times to have to explain or defend the choices you’re making. But as there are so many benefits of a vegan diet, it is well worth facing the challenges and sticking to being a vegan. You will improve your overall health, prevent cruelty to animals, and make the planet a better place for everyone.
What Can I Eat?
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out what to eat, especially if you are hungry and all the familiar animal foods are tempting you. Spend time each week planning your meals, write a simple meal plan so you know what to buy and have plenty of vegan food choices on hand. In the beginning stick to foods that you are familiar with and add new foods one at a time. You don’t want to end up overwhelmed by your new diet overnight.
When you go to a restaurant for dinner, call ahead and ask about their vegan options and request vegan food for your meal. When you attend parties, dinners, or work functions, inquire if there will be vegan food there. If not, eat before you go or take a vegan dish if that is appropriate. Keep snacks on hand at work, in your car, and in your gym bag so if you are hungry you have something healthy to eat and will be less likely to give into cravings.
Dealing With Non-Supporters
Veganism is a hotly debated subject. You may be faced with the opinions and advice of people who both eat meat and surprisingly from other vegans. Advocates who are passionate about animal rights and the environment may be critical of you if you have apparel, accessories, or upholstery that is made using animal products. They may say that you are not a vegan because you only eat a plant-based diet.
On the other hand, people who eat meat and animal products may mock you and say that a vegan diet is unhealthy. It is important to know that when people are overly critical in their judgments of you, it has more to do with them, than with you. Don’t take it personally.
When you become vegan, it is your journey. This is a time for you to discover what works for you and the statement you want to make about what you want to eat and use in your life, for you.
While it may be challenging, being a vegan is the best choice for your health. Vegan diets are embraced by millions of people all over the world, from all lifestyles. From people in small towns to competitive athletes.
As you continue to learn more about your new lifestyle and see the changes in your body and energy, you’ll learn how to deal with unsupportive people and how to eat everywhere you go.