Easy Ways to Eat Vegan, Even If You're a Newbie

Have you ever considered eating vegan? Or knows someone who already does. Here are the easy ways to eat vegan, either you are  vegan, just about to become one or wants to be eating healthy, these tips will show you how to go about it.

Below, are the few tips for going vegan, even if you’ve never tried it before:

1. Clean up your pantry
In order to avoid the temptation of non-vegan fare, take some time to clean up your pantry and fridge by getting rid of all animal-based foods. While you are at it, also eliminate highly processed products that contain added oils and refined sugars, as well as sodas (full of empty calories).

2. Go step by step
For most of us, going vegan will be a radical change from our current diets, and change requires time. People need around 21 days to form a new habit, so take it step by step: Start by progressively adding more fruit and veggies, as well as grains, legumes, and nuts, to your menu, while cutting out meat, eggs, and dairy. Next, do one vegan day per week, then two, then three until you are all the way there.

3. Prep ahead
We get distracted from our good habits when we are weak, which is mainly when we're tired or stressed and just want a quick something to eat. So make sure to prepare your meals in advance by taking a couple hours on the weekend to get your menu ready for the week. Grains, beans, roasted veggies, and dressings can all be prepped in advance. Simple snack option: Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies.

4. Do your research when eating out
Eating vegan can be challenging in social settings at first if you’re not prepared, but it's an easy thing to fix. Most restaurants have online menus, so you can always check them out in advance and make sure there's a vegan option. If you're in doubt, call ahead; believe us, most chefs love being a little creative and coming up with a delicious and unique vegan dish for you. Also, a lot of dishes can be veganized easily by asking to leave off the animal products, especially if they are just added on top (like for salads, pasta and pizza).

5. Make a list of your favourite comfort foods and find vegan recipes
Becoming vegan is not about restriction, it's about expanding your horizon and discovering new, healthier, and more sustainable ways to eat your favourite dishes. Vegan mac and cheese, pizza, and burgers? Yes, that all exists. So make a list of your favourites and find blogs with vegan versions of them, and look for local restaurants that offer them on their menus. It’s easier than you think!