The Basics of a Vegan Lifestyle (How To Start)

Each one of us wanted to do some changes to the way we live our life. And most people are becoming more aware of the vegan lifestyle. In this article let’s talk about the basics of a vegan lifestyle and how to start.

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Not too long ago I wrote an article about the Key Differences between Plantbased, Vegetarian, and Vegan. While making that article it has been an eye-opener for me and for the readers about how they differ and the different classifications of a vegetarian diet. 

A Vegan Lifestyle

 A kind of lifestyle or practice where a person does not eat or consume any animal products like meat, milk, and eggs and does not find any issue enjoying mock meat like impossible burgers, beyond meat and nut source kinds of milk.

A practice where someone does not use leather products such as shoes, bags, wallets, and clothing. As much as possible materials used for these are sourced ethically and sustainably.

People who practice veganism use their voices to talk about and create awareness about how animals should not be consumed. They are open to protests to fight for animal rights. They use their social media accounts to create awareness and educate people.

The same thing goes when it comes to personal care such as hair care, makeup, and skincare products. Some companies are coming up providing options for vegans. It would be better if all will transition to cruelty-free products and not just provide an option for profit gains. 

I myself have been transitioning into using vegan products such as shampoo, conditioner, and skincare products like The Ordinary, a budget-friendly, cruelty-free skincare product.

If you are looking for cruelty-free and vegan skincare products recommendations or makeup reviews, check  Ethics and Aesthetics by Kirsty to learn more about it and check my little interview about her below.

Basics of a Vegan Lifestyle

The basics of a vegan lifestyle evolve in what you should know before transitioning or adapting, how you should be mentally and physically prepared about it including interactions with other people.

The benefits of practicing a vegan lifestyle and eating plant-based meals can be overwhelming because it has so many advantages that can make our body, mood, and skin look better.

Do not forget that maybe somehow you might forget that there are areas you will lack like some nutrients or minerals and vitamins where we have been taught we can only get from animals.

Watch Documentaries and Research

Believe me, first thing first you wouldn’t be aware of veganism if you have not seen and documentary this works and that’s how I started being more consistent with eating plant-based meals. After watching many documentaries and how horrible the animal industry is, it makes me answer the question of why I should eat more vegetables.

Aside from the fact that many athletes are into plant-based meals as well so I feel more hardcore running an ultra or marathons with just that and no meat.

There are so much information and awareness available especially online, filter what you need to absorb, follow and adapt.

Learn Meal Preparations

Study your routine and schedule to work with cooking in bulks as part of your meal preparation. List all your favorite foods on one side of the paper and write on the other side how you can make it vegan.

Download my free pantry checklist. 

Get your free grocery and meal planner, subscribe via email.

Worrying about protein? Check this article for your Plant Protein Sources.

It is okay to still eat and follow your regular diet while slowly adjusting and adopting a vegan lifestyle rather than doing one big shot and eventually lose the momentum. Remember you are doing the basics of a vegan lifestyle it’s not a sprint but a marathon.

Buy that vegan junk food or bread if you have to or even that impossible meat in the grocery if needed too. But lessen patronizing fast-food chains or cooking meat at home.

A vegan lifestyle is not expensive

I repeat vegan lifestyle is not expensive unless you fall into the trap of relying on processed plant-based food instead of cooking real food or eating in a vegan restaurant most of the time. Visit your local grocery section and check the vegetables and fruits available.

You won’t spend much if you do your research and meal planning ahead prior to transitioning. I have easy vegan recipes and desserts you can look into and try just like this Mango chia pudding.

Ask A Nutritionist

Do not start off right away, have yourself check and discuss with your nutritionist or doctor about the changes in the lifestyle especially the eating habits you want to change.

Start small but consistent like having meatless Mondays and adding more vegetables during the rest of the week.

Find A Community

You don’t need to feel alone in your journey of eating better, healthier, and being vegan. There are a lot of individuals who are also like you doing the same thing and it’s nice that social media platforms are created. 

On Facebook and Instagram, you can find groups that actively promote veganism and you can join them, ask for help about how they started how no to fall short into eating meat again. 

Although there will still be people who will judge you and it’s ok. This is your journey, not theirs so enjoy, learn and be better.

Interview with Kirsty of Ethics and Aesthetics

• When did you start with veganism and what made you adapt to the lifestyle?

I started my journey with veganism about five years ago. I first started because I care a lot about animal welfare but now that I know more information I would like to say that my number one reason for being vegan is for the environment.

• How did you come up with your blog?

I started my blog because I was at such a loss when it came to finding vegan makeup. Everywhere I went, I got different answers, and there was hardly any information online about it. So I decided to start putting some information out there.

• Advice for others who want to adopt to veganism.

They just have to start small and don’t kick themselves if they can’t do it perfectly straight away.

Final Words

I hope this article about the basics of a vegan lifestyle will help you with your journey to start embracing more sustainable living, being more compassionate with animals and trying more plant-based meals.

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