5 Tips to Make Your Transition to Veganism A Breeze – Wholesome Culture
New Year, New Vegan! From our predictions, 2018 will be the year of Veganism. Thousands and thousands of people will decide to transition to veganism this year including this month, considering it’s #Veganuary!
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to transition over to veganism because ’tis the season for New Year’s Resolutions. It can be one of the many goals you begin to work on this year and we are here to make it easier than ever. Here are 5 tips that will make your transition into veganism a breeze.
1. HAVE A VEGAN DOCUMENTARY MOVIE NIGHT
(Image Source: Pinterest)
Educating yourself is key to having a smooth transition into veganism. The easiest way to learn facts on how becoming vegan will help better you, the planet and the animals, is to watch some of the best vegan docs and movies on Netflix and YouTube.
Some of our favorites are Earthlings, What The Health, Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, Vegucated, and Food Matters. Pop some vegan popcorn and grab some vegan candies to snack on while you have a movie night and educate yourself at the same time. Even invite your friends over to spice up the night a bit and help spread some knowledge.
2. WATCH “WHAT I EAT IN A DAY” VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE
(Image Source: FabLunch)
“What I Eat In A Day” videos are very helpful in terms of getting an idea on what you can eat when creating vegan meals. YouTubers display their meals throughout the day while sharing recipes and easy cooking hacks in videos as well.
These videos will show that you can easily veganize your meals and snacks so you will not be missing out on anything. Some of our favorite YouTube channels are: High Carb Hannah, Sweet Potato Soul, Caitlin Shoemaker, Cheap Lazy Vegan, Edyn Jacks, Hot For Food and Liv B. Watch one of these videos and I guarantee your mouth will water from all the vegan food deliciousness!
3. SWITCH OUT ONE NON-CRUELTY FREE ITEM WITH A CRUELTY-FREE ITEM
(Image Source: PETA)
Veganism is not a diet: it is a lifestyle. With that, vegans only use products from cruelty-free brands that do not test on animals. It can seem timely at first, however, Logical Harmony (logicalharmony.net) create lists of cruelty free brands in terms of beauty, skincare, haircare and household items.
Switching out one product for another at a time or when you run out is easier to transition without breaking the bank. Also, slowly switching out your leather items with vegan leather items is key as well. We understand that investing in new pieces is costly so take your time.
4. CREATE A LIST OF VEGAN SUBSTITUTES ON YOUR PHONE
(Image Source: Schmuck & Co)
Having a list of vegan substitutes for your favorite non-vegan items like butter, burgers, and cheeses, will help you to not scour the internet searching for answers while grocery shopping.
For example: Earth Balance for butter, Kite Hill for cream cheese, Daiya for frozen pizza, Tofurky for veggie slices, Chao and Follow Your Heart for sliced cheese, So Delicious for vegan ice cream and Beyond Meat for burgers and meat crumbles.
Write out the list and put it in the notes on your phone so you can be at ease while roaming the aisles of the grocery store. Trust me, it will save you time and energy! Now you can spend the time you saved at the grocery store and use it on eating vegan food and binge watching vegan documentaries on Netflix. Just kidding or maybe not……
5. BE EASY ON YOURSELF
Everyone who is vegan knows that we have made a mistake, or many mistakes, when we transitioned. Yes, you most likely will make mistakes too, and it is perfectly fine. Do not beat yourself up about it. You are doing your best to live the most compassionate and peaceful lifestyle you can.
Mistakes will happen and you will get better with time. When you make a mistake, dust yourself off and try again (cue Aaliyah- Try Again). All jokes aside, be easy on yourself and know there is an entire online community of vegans on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr who is always here to help you.
Search #vegan on these sites and you will find a variety of vegans who are more than willing to answer any of your questions. You can message us any questions you have as well. We are all here for you. You got this!
We hope that this list help make your transition to veganism easier than you imagined! Happy transitioning and Happy Veganuary!
