A lot of us might have considered going vegan at some point in our life. What exactly is a vegan diet? A vegan diet is free from all animal products. It’s often attributed to a lifestyle that is animal-friendly, as opposed to other diet forms that encourage animal exploitation. So, yes, a vegan diet is void of honey, eggs, milk, and cheese among others, anything at all that is derived from animals. If you’re planning to join the vegan force, here are a few tips you can consider:
Prepare yourself mentally
If you feed your mind with the thought that adopting a vegan diet will actually do good to animals, you’re pretty much half ready. A new pattern of eating requires a strong mindset more than anything else.
Learn about veganism
This one actually comes gradually, as you shift from your existing dietary pattern to veganism. Read up on what you should and what you shouldn’t eat as a vegan. Know which foods are rich in nutrients that your body needs.
Begin slowly
Your body needs time to get used to a new diet. If you’re planning to go vegan because you want to lose weight, don’t skip the carbs completely. It’ll probably be difficult in the beginning, but the more you discover and experiment, the more you learn.
Connect with other vegans
Two things most of the people consume daily are eggs and milk. It can be difficult to cope up with the absence of these. So, connecting with others might help you figure out how to go without these. Not just that, it gives people an opportunity to share recipes and view, and brings about a sense of community.
Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables in your meals. Make sure you meet your daily required intake levels. Eat small but frequent meals to stay full. That way, you won’t starve yourself and your metabolism will get better too. Whole grains can be taken in a variety of ways, so it’s all yours to experiment.
Supplements
According to NDTV, Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and ghee (clarified butter), so you might have to opt for supplements. Similarly, vitamin B is found in eggs, which a vegan diet strictly prohibits. Make sure you consider your nutritionist before going for any supplements.
These were just a tips on how to go about a vegan diet as a beginner. Everyone’s body is different and reacts differently to certain foods. But it’s still worth a shot. Consult a dietician for more.
