How to go vegan (simplified)

Hey there! Are you thinking about going vegan, but maybe need some guidance and tips for how best to make the transition? Maybe I can help you! Although I am currently working on an extensive page with much more information and multiple resources, I thought it’d be nice to put out a condensed version for those who like to consume information in smaller instalments. I still highly encourage you to read or watch pieces from multiple sources and perhaps check out my more detailed page once I’ve published it. But this is a good starting point. So without further ado, let’s get into it: how to go vegan, the simplified version.

Know your WHY

The first thing you’ll want to do before you make the change to veganism, is know your why. This might not seem like much, but it is important to have a footing, something to fall back on when others start to question you and you are being made to feel that it is stupid. Perhaps you’re the outlier, but a lot of people will want to give up if they don’t have a good enough reason to do something and will ultimately quit, instead of keep going. So find your reason — it doesn’t have to be one single thing, there can be multiples — but ponder what you find most important and it will help you stick to your guns. Unpacking the lies fed to us by the animal agriculture industry and changing the way you view animals from product to person might take a while. But a changed mindset and strong values are very powerful.

Do your research

A big help in figuring out your why, is to do your research. Find out about the horrors behind factory farming, its environmental impact, the ways it ties into human rights issues and the way a plant based diet may benefit your health.

Furthermore… there are many things that factor into a vegan lifestyle. Of course your diet is the most obvious change. But things like switching shampoo brands, not going to zoos, and many more, mightn’t be the very first things on your mind. So research what the vegan philosophy is actually about and figure out ways to make those changes. Also, don’t forget to research important dietary requirements such as vitamins B12, D, omega-3 and the like.

I get it if that is a lot to go on at first. If so, it might be nice to join a Facebook group for new vegans. Or reach out to others on different platforms such as Instagram or Twitter. There are so many amazing people out there that’ll cheer you on. Which can be especially helpful if you have no, or not many, vegans in your corner irl. Signing up for a ‘Vegan Challenge’, such as Veganuary or Challenge22, could also be of major help. Or maybe you have a friend or family member who is also interested in making the change. You could cheer each other on throughout the process and exchange helpful tips and recipes. Perhaps you’ll even go to a protest (together), who knows…?

Veganise your favourite recipes/find alternatives

Before you make the dietary change, make sure you have some easy recipes and ingredients to fall back on. Write down a list of your favourite foods/meals/drinks and try to find ways to make them vegan. For example: taste test different plant milks to take in your coffee. Try out different meat substitutes to add to your burgers, butter chicken or spaghetti bolognaise. Try different tofu scramble recipes to see if you can narrow it down to your preferred taste and texture. And learn how to prepare things like tofu, tempeh and seitan — if you like. If you don’t want to eat mock meats, you can of course dive into the world of delicious WFPB (whole food plant based) recipes. Veggies, fungi, nuts and legumes are so incredibly versatile, perhaps you won’t need anything else!

When it comes to things such as clothing, shoes and personal hygiene products, there are many helpful lists and guides to be found online, which will nudge you in the right direction.

And remember: google is your best friend, you’ll find new recipes and other alternatives in no time! There are also many content creators on YouTube, Instagram and other platforms. And they put out amazing recipes and give many helpful tips on vitamin supplements, sustainable clothing brands and other stuff. Just have a look around 🙂

Decide on gradual v overnight

Now, to be fair, this is slightly more nuanced than the title might suggest. Much more likely, you’ll fall somewhere in between, but I still wanted to mention it and explain it further. (If you’re starting with a challenge, you’ll figure most of this out along the way. That might be a good way to ‘ease into it’.)

Once you’ve decided to go vegan, done your research to make sure you’re properly prepared and ready to make the change, there comes a point where you have to decide whether you are going to make a gradual transition or if you’re going to attempt to make the change overnight. There are pros and cons to both and I don’t necessarily prefer one over the other. Like I said: I think most people will fall somewhere in between.

Most of it will initially come down to dietary changes — which is the most clear cut. Though there are some considerations to be made. Are you slowly reducing your intake of animal products, or are you finishing up/giving away what’s left in your fridge and only buying plant based foods from then on? (I’m not a fan of throwing away, thus wasting, what you have left). Are you starting at home and then slowly easing into it when out the door, such as when going to restaurants and visiting with family, or will you make it clear to friends and family that you’re only willing to go to places and have dinner with them, when and where vegan options are available?

When it comes to clothes and personal hygiene products, I’m not expecting you to immediately get a whole new wardrobe/shoe collection and replace any and every item that is not cruelty free. Use up what you have left, wear stuff out! If something is still in perfect condition and you’d rather not wear it, consider donating it, or giving it away to a friend. Afterwards, you can focus on swapping out everything for vegan/cruelty free options.

One thing that you can immediately do, is to not buy pets from breeders. And to stop visiting zoos and circuses. Put your money where your mouth is and perhaps adopt a (furry) friend from a shelter and/or support a local animal sanctuary.

Don’t get discouraged

I understand, this load of information can get overwhelming. There are so many things to consider when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, but don’t let that discourage you! Take the time to learn and be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up when you accidentally buy or consume something non vegan. Rather take it as a learning opportunity — something to keep in mind for next time.

Trust me, as a six (almost seven) year vegan I still have plenty of learning moments. And I think that’s a good thing. To be open to new perspectives, reevaluate my stances and perhaps come to a different conclusion than before. There’ll always be room for improvement, so be open to learning about new factors you mightn’t have even considered and don’t let it get you down because you didn’t know about it earlier.

10 people doing it imperfectly will have so much more impact than one person doing it perfectly. If we criticised every single person trying to make a positive change for every small ‘mistake’, then less and less people would be open to try to make said change in the first place. Focus on what you can do, what you have accomplished, and don’t listen to the naysayers. You’ll be much happier for it.

Be prepared to have people question your choices, but don’t be afraid to walk away when they’re intent on misunderstanding the things you say. I think that this is a good rule in general, and is applicable to multiple situations.

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So there you have it. I hope you find this information useful, and perhaps it’ll help you start your own journey into veganism. In any case, thanks for reading and good luck!