Essential Tips for New Vegans

Congratulations, you made the leap! (or you are on the edge). Has it been all that you dreamed? Sometimes, the high of finally committing to being vegan is followed by a few “shit, this sucks” moments. As a new vegan, you have probably have encountered obstacles you weren’t expecting, or you are one of those people who likes to research all the potential problems before you even dive in (I see you). Here are some tips to help prepare yourself for your new plant-based life.

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Hungry, Hungry hippo

You are going to feel hungry more often. Fruits and vegetables have a low-calorie density: your body burns through them quickly. New vegans quickly discover that their portion sizes need to double in order for them to feel satiated. Welcome to one of the best perks of being vegan! You get to eat massive piles of delicious food without feeling guilty (content depending). Eat more often, and to make meals more filling, bulk up with these foods: potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, squash, pasta, and legumes.

Veg out

Research your restaurant options. You are bound to have non-vegan friends who think they cannot go out with you anymore now that you are vegan. Do the research to find restaurants that will make everyone happy so your social life doesn’t have to be sacrificed. A great app to help you is Happy Cow. For $3.99 it flags the near-by vegan options for you.

Spice up your life

Your spice rack is going to become your best friend. You will discover that you can recreate almost any flavor you want with the right spices. They will also have the potential to change your mind about vegetables you did not like before. If you season them right, they might become your new favorite. Don’t be shy to try new things.

Get ready to make reading food labels your hobby

Sometimes the most innocent items are hiding unsuspecting animal products. Here are the sneaky ones: milk powder, honey, gelatin (found in many sweets), casein and whey (milk proteins), and isinglass (found in beer & wine). You will have many moments silently cursing to yourself in the snack aisle. But, you will begin to treasure the precious joy of finding something tasty and vegan too.

vegan label

vegan label

EU vegan label

Cook smart to save your wallet

The first time shopping as a new vegan, you will be tempted to just replace all your usual meat purchases with a vegan alternative. There are wonderful items like vegan chicken, vegan sausage, vegan fish patties, and so much more! But, don’t rely completely on vegan meat substitutes to be a staple in all of your meals. They are nice but usually quite expensive. These are the main culprits when people complain that veganism is too expensive to follow. Challenge yourself to create well-rounded meals without these substitutes.

B aware

Supplement. Everyone ought to be taking supplements, but for vegans, there is an extra incentive: B12. This essential vitamin you do not want to be deficient in. B12 is not naturally found in fruits or vegetables or naturally created in your body, but you need a daily dose for proper bodily function. Some vegan foods are fortified with it to help, but a daily supplement is your best assurance. Regular blood tests with your doctor can help understand exactly how much you should be supplementing.

Study up

Be prepared for the onslaught of questions explaining why you’re now vegan. Whether you have chosen it for health, environmental, or animal welfare reasons, you ought to know the facts that support your decision. Because, believe me, you will be barraged. All those close to you will be curious, so get your facts straight.

Step off the soap box

Every new vegan struggles with this one at some point. Your eyes have been opened to the atrocities of the meat and dairy industry, and it is inconceivable that anyone else who knows what you do would still choose to eat animal products… Well… *defeated sigh* You will have to accept that no matter what you tell them they will still choose the bliss of ignorance. I am sorry to say that the best thing to do is say nothing (unless asked.) Let your example silently lead those who are watching. People you wouldn’t expect may be observing your new way of life and taking notes.

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Lastly, be confident in your decision. You will encounter ridiculers, impossible restaurant menus, and many many bad avocados, but don’t be dismayed; remember why you made the decision. What obstacles did you encounter as a fresh vegan? What tip would you add to this list?