So You Wanna Go Vegan... Now What?

Hey! The Vegan Peach here, thanks for stopping by. Have you decided to begin your journey to a compassionate lifestyle? Are you having trouble knowing where to begin? Fear not! I am here to help.

 

I know it can seem like a scary and difficult journey but I promise you it is very much worth it and not nearly as scary as it might seem. Look at it as a step by step process. There's no need to overwhelm yourself, the most important thing is to just start somewhere.

• Educate yourself: I am a firm believer that getting as much knowledge as possible is going to help you so much in the long run. Watch the documentaries, read the books, visit websites like this one, watch YouTube videos, check your local library for vegan cookbooks and so on. There is an endless wealth of information out there for you and the beauty is, people like myself, have done the research for you. As you search this website, you will find all the tools you need for an easy transition. I have tried to make it as easy as possible for you.
• Build a community: It is so important to talk to people who understand. It can feel like you might be very isolated in the beginning but finding a space to talk to like-minded people will ease that feeling. Even if you don't have local vegan groups in your city, the internet is chocked full of vegan spaces. Reach out and don't be afraid to ask questions. You might be surprised who you meet online that lives next door.
• Google is your best friend: Many people think they are going to miss out on their favourite foods, this is where Google comes in. Vegan cookbooks are fantastic and if you can afford to buy some I highly recommend it but there are literally thousands upon thousands of vegan recipes all over the internet for every food imaginable. Type in vegan"enter food here" recipe and you will get hundreds to choose from. Everything can be veganized, you really aren't giving anything up at all.
• Don't be afraid to speak out: Friends and family may feel concerned or confused by your decision but don't be afraid to express your views.
• It's okay to make mistakes: Mistakes are bound to happen, sometimes we miss ingredients on prepackaged items, that is okay. The important thing is to make sure you shake it off and move forward. Life is a learning experience.
• Don't be scared to ask for help: If you need help, ask for it. Find a vegan mentor via Vegan Outreach
• Remember who you doing this for: Cravings can happen just don't lose sight of who you are doing this for. Look at videos of pigs, cows, chickens and remember what they go through for meat, dairy and eggs. Cravings are simply physical and will most likely go away within a month or so. Animals can't escape the misery and death. Fight past them, you are strong and capable.
• Become an ingredient master: Labels might seem overwhelming but within a couple months you'll become a speed reader when it comes to ingredient labels. Check for common animal ingredients such as: honey, milk, whey, lard, gelatin, etc. Master tip: Read the allergy warnings first, if eggs or milk aren't there (you know no milk or eggs are in the product) then scan over the rest of the list for honey or other non-allergen ingredients.
• You aren't really giving up anything: You are simply shifting your current habits to a cruelty free one instead.

Check out below my Beginner's Guide to Veganism and followup video with more tips and tricks. 

 

Originally posted on www.theveganpeach.com