Many people were inspired to switch to a vegan lifestyle because of health reasons, environmental concerns, or ethical considerations for animals. According to a report by Ipsos, the number of vegans in the US has increased 600% in the last three years. This only shows that more people are starting to embrace being vegan and are willing to ditch animal products.
What is a vegan lifestyle?
By definition, a vegan lifestyle is one that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. This includes using animals for food, clothing, entertainment, or other purposes. A vegan lifestyle is more than just eating plant-based foods. It’s a commitment to living in a way that doesn’t involve using or harming animals.
The vegan lifestyle has many benefits. For one, it can help you improve your overall health. A plant-based diet has been linked with lower rates of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Additionally, veganism can help reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment.
Going vegan
Whatever your reason is for wanting to try veganism, know that it can be a rewarding and delicious journey. Here are some steps to help you make the switch to veganism:
Educate yourself about veganism
The first step to transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is educating yourself about what it entails. Learn about why people choose to be vegan and the ethical considerations involved. You can also read up on the health benefits of a plant-based diet.
There are several resources available to help you educate yourself about veganism. Books, documentaries, websites, and even apps can provide valuable information about veganism and how to live a cruelty-free lifestyle. One recommended book is The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. This book presents the findings of the most extensive study ever conducted on diet and disease. A plant-based diet can prevent and reverse chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Know the products you use
The next thing you need to do is take inventory of the products you use on a daily basis. This includes everything from the food you eat to the clothes you wear and the cosmetics you use. You might be surprised that many common products contain animal-derived ingredients. For example, some makeup products contain beeswax, while others contain lanolin derived from sheep’s wool.
But the good news is that cosmetic companies offer vegan-friendly products, from vegan skin tint makeup to vegan shampoo. You can also find a number of plant-based food options at your local grocery store.
Try vegan alternatives
One of the best ways to transition to a vegan lifestyle is to start trying vegan alternatives to your favorite animal-derived products. For instance, instead of cow’s milk, you can try almond milk or soy milk. There are also many vegan cheese options available, made from ingredients like cashews or coconuts.
As for meat, there are a number of plant-based meat alternatives on the market, such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan. These products can be used in place of animal-based meat in almost any recipe.
Join vegan online communities
Making the big switch to a vegan lifestyle can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are many online communities dedicated to helping people transition to veganism. In these communities, you can find helpful resources, support from others who are going through the same thing, and even vegan friends. This can make the whole process a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Some popular vegan online communities include Vegan Reddit, The Vegan Forum, and Vegan Facebook groups. Joining these groups will help you connect with like-minded individuals and learn more about veganism.
Find a vegan buddy
If you know someone who’s already living the vegan lifestyle, ask them if they’ll be your vegan buddy. Having someone to offer support and advice can be very helpful when you’re first making the transition.
Your vegan buddy can help you with things like finding vegan-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and products. They can also offer moral support when you’re feeling doubtful or frustrated. Overall, they can help you successfully make the switch to a vegan lifestyle.
Final thoughts
Remember that going vegan is a personal decision. While there are many great reasons to choose a vegan lifestyle, ultimately the decision is up to you. If you decide that veganism is the right choice for you, do your best to stick with it. And if you have any questions or concerns along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to the supportive vegan community for guidance.
