Are you interested in becoming vegan but need help figuring out where to start? You are not alone! With the evergrowing popularity of the vegan lifestyle change, thousands are interested in transitioning to plant-based food. People have different reasons for going vegan, such as for the welfare of animals, for their health, and for the planet. There are many benefits and challenges in adapting plant-based foods. In this guide, we will help you understand the answer to the question “How do I start living vegan?” and the benefits and ways you can make the switch.
Reasons Why People Are Going Vegan
For the Animals
Many animals have a special place in our hearts, and the last thing anyone wants is to witness them suffer. Regretfully, countless adorable creatures endure unspeakable torment in order to be consumed as food. Switch to plant-based alternatives if you want to stop the sheer terror that animals endure in factory farms. Veganism is a powerful ethical decision that helps treat animals with the compassion they deserve, even though it also directly lowers the demand for products made from animals.
For the Planet
Opting for plant-based products saves the animals from torture and helps our planet. It helps us reduce our environmental footprint and be kinder to our planet. Animal agriculture contributes to climate change, water pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources. Meanwhile, producing vegan foods requires fewer resources and less land and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
For Their Health
It is said that the food we eat becomes the fuel for our bodies. When we make the switch from consuming animal products to being vegan, our bodies benefit from plant-based foods that are high in nutrients. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and seeds are free from cholesterol and can reduce or even reverse the effects of high cholesterol. Plant-based meals meet our bodies’ protein needs and may benefit recovery.
Tips on How to Start Living Vegan
- Research on vegan lifestyle change– If you have come across this article, you have already started researching plant-based diets. This is the first step of transitioning. Other sources, such as books, documentaries, and websites, can also help educate you on veganism.
- Why are you becoming vegan- Before making the switch, you should know why you are becoming vegan. As we have seen earlier, people become vegan for animals’ welfare, health, and the environment. Knowing your “why” will help you be motivated through your journey and encourage you to stick with it despite the challenges.
- Add more, cut less- Do not cut your animal products simultaneously. Gradually reduce the meat, dairy, and egg products while adding more veggies and fruits to your diet. You can try a new vegan recipe once or twice weekly and dine at a local vegan restaurant. This is an exciting way to introduce plant-based foods into your diet.
- Ask for help- Don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can ask your vegan friends and family members for grocery lists, vegan recipes, or ingredient swaps. Even if you don’t have any vegan friends, you can find people around the globe in online communities to connect with and share your experiences with.
- Be kind to yourself- Committing to veganism can be a challenge. Still, it is important to remember that you are making an impact with every individual meal you take.
- Don’t give up- It can take around two to eight months to form a new habit and stick with it. Despite the hurdles, if you keep trying, it will become easier. Just remember to take one step at a time.
What Can I Eat as a Vegan?
Plant-based meals are not restrictive. They provide you with plenty of delicious foods to choose from. Given below are a few ideas:
- Beans, lentils, and peas
- Legumes and seeds
- Soy-based products
- Nuts and their butter
- Whole grains and their products
- Starchy and non-starchy vegetables
- Fruits and nutritional yeast
- Fortified kinds of milk and yogurts
- Maple syrup and molasses
What Are the Benefits of Becoming Vegan?
Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Animal products are high in cholesterol, which can build up in the bloodstream and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Certain lifestyle modifications, including vegan lifestyle change in diet and exercise, can reduce the risk. Going vegan is an appealing and effective option for people concerned about their heart health.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Unfortunately, after heart disease, cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States. Although there is no cure for cancer, its risks can still be reduced by making dietary choices. Processed meat is categorized by the World Health Organization as a “known carcinogen,” placing it in the same category as tobacco and ultraviolet light.
Reduced Risk of Diabetes
In the USA, millions of people already have type 2 diabetes, and millions more are at risk of developing it. Making a switch to a vegan diet can lower our risk of developing Type 2 diabetes as it can regulate blood sugar and stop the exhaustion of insulin, which leads to chronic diabetes.
Improved Gut Health
If you experience problems in the gastrointestinal system, including your stomach, intestines, and colon, you may find relief by transitioning to a plant-based diet. Vegan meals are full of fiber, which is crucial for maintaining your gut health. These meals are lactose-free, so people consuming plant-based meals no longer experience the “abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and nausea” associated with consuming dairy products.
Brain Health and Enhanced Mood
The bacteria in our stomach impact our gut health, and help produce hormones that affect our brain function. It is suggested that the mood and mental cognition of individuals taking vegan food improve rapidly.
Summing Up
Whether concerned for the environment and your health, out of compassion for animals, or a combination of both, becoming vegan can improve your life. We hope you found your answer to “How do I start living vegan?” Instead of eating animal-based products all at once, you can gradually switch to vegan foods by incorporating more fruits and veggies in your meals. Eating plant-based meals has many benefits, such as reduced risk of certain health conditions and enhanced mood and brain health.
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