Have you started considering a vegan diet? You may have been a meat lover all your life, making this decision for health reasons, ethical grounds, or to try something new. Whatever your motivation, transitioning into veganism can get overwhelming if you do not know how to do it correctly. 

If you are unsure how to start a vegan diet, we can help you! This article will give you a basic idea about vegan food and how to create a vegan-friendly lifestyle. So read on to begin your journey of veganism!

What is a Vegan Diet?

Veganism is a lifestyle that forbids any form of animal exploitation, be it for food, clothing or any other needs. Consuming a Vegan Diet is part of veganism, and any person who follows such a diet lives only on plants or plant-based meals.

You should transition into a vegan life for several reasons, like environmental concerns and your love for animals. But these days, vegan meal plans are popular due to their health benefits. Consuming vegan food can help you lose weight and protect you from certain diseases. 

So if you are thinking of starting vegan diet, you should know what you cannot eat. The food you need to exclude from your vegan diet plan include:

• Poultry including chicken, turkey, goose, duck, quail, etc.
• Any form of red meat 
• Eggs
• Seafood such as fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, etc.
• Milk and other dairy products, which include ice creams as well
• Honey. Yes, you read it right. Since honey comes from bees, it is also excluded from a vegan diet.

How to Embark on a Journey With Vegan Diet?

Since you have decided to start a vegan lifestyle, it is essential to understand the correct way to undergo this transition. We suggest taking baby steps until you are confident enough to transform completely. 

You don’t want to do it because everyone is doing it. Ask yourself why you want to start a vegan diet. Once you realise your true motivation, you will be more committed. Let us see how you can initiate this transition with a little effort each day.

Incorporate More Plant-Based Food

Being vegan means you can only have plant-based meals, and this might seem a little daunting initially. To reduce this anxiety and make this journey easier, start including more vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and tofu into your diet. Learn about their preparation, benefits, and uses. 

Eat more raw food in salads or replace a meal with a bowl of fruits. It will help you and your taste buds habituate to eating more veggies and fruits. 

Learn New Vegan Recipes

Consuming vegan food does not mean living only on salads or boiled veggies. Find ways to make your vegan meal plans more appealing. You can add a lot of herbs, spices and other flavouring. Invest in a vegan cookbook or look up vegan recipes for beginners on Youtube.

Come up with your vegan diet plan with simple recipes you are comfortable preparing. Once you start preparing delicious meals, it makes it easier for you to continue it.

Cut Down on Animal Products

Pulling away animal products from your diet is a significant aspect of veganism. However, as discussed earlier, take it slow. Instead of removing all meat products and eggs from your diet, start by cutting down on meat, leaving the eggs. 

Having said that, do not increase eggs or milk in your diet to replace meat. Instead, start looking for vegan protein sources to fulfil your protein needs. Gradually exclude the eggs as well. 

Additionally, start paying more attention to the ingredient list of any food product you buy. Avoid products with gelatin, rennet and other animal products apart from dairy and eggs.

Avoid Consuming Dairy in Any Form

Quitting dairy products is easier than quitting meat, as you can find numerous alternatives to milk and other products. Swap cow milk with almond or soy milk, which you can easily find in your local grocery stores. Start experimenting and choose what works best for you.

Research for Vegan Meat Alternatives

Quitting animal products can be challenging if you are not used to having a lot of plant-based food. You will find it difficult to let go of ice creams, burgers, and the like. 

However, many brands manufacture vegan-friendly icecreams, vegan cheese, and even vegan meat. Yes! Vegan meat is a good alternative if you were a non-vegetarian initially. 

Incorporating these products into your vegan diet plan will gradually help you wean off animal products. Once you get accustomed to your new vegan diet, you will eventually lose the craving for meat, cheese and other animal products.

How to Stay Healthy on a Vegan Diet?

A vegan diet can help you maintain a healthy weight effortlessly if you know what to eat and how much. Researchers have proven the effectiveness of a vegan diet for weight loss. According to a study, people who follow a vegan diet tend to lose weight faster. Eating plant-based meals can improve your metabolism, give you a feeling of fullness, and help you lose fat rapidly. To stay healthy with a vegan diet plan:

• Eat more fibre to feel full for a longer time and avoid overeating.
• Monitor calorie intake
• Focus on more nutrient-rich food. They are abundant in vitamins and minerals, which help you manage your weight and protect you from several diseases. 
• Reduce your intake of sugar, sodium and bad fats.
• Avoid processed food like french fries and chips. Although vegan, they are high in trans fats and carbs, which makes them extremely unhealthy.

Wrapping Up

If you choose to follow a vegan diet, find your motivation to do it and stay committed to your decision. Do not rush things, and try to turn vegan overnight. Start cutting down on animal products gradually and simultaneously adopt more plant-based meals before you transition entirely. 

As you start, understand the benefits of veganism through books, online forums and more. Start exploring vegan recipes for beginners and cook your delicious vegan meals at home to stick to your new diet.

Additionally, make sure to add a lot of nutrients and vegan proteins to your diet in the form of fruits, leafy veggies, seeds, nuts, beans, tofu, etc. Finally, consult your doctor or a nutrition expert before starting your vegan journey.