Where do I begin?

Making decisions to transition to a vegan plant-based diet for a healthier you can be challenging at times and even overwhelming if you aren't fully equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to sustain you on your journey. We have some tips below that will help you get started and build a solid foundation.

First tip would be to know your why. It is important for you to have a clear understanding of the reason or reasons you are making this decision. Is it because you want to improve your health? Is it because you wish to help do your part in the fight against climate change and care about the environment? Is it because you love and care about all living animal and creatures of both the land and sea? It is also a great idea to write out your reasons why, as it will become a helpful reminder when you are experiencing challenges, cravings, or just having a tough day.

Second tip is to gain support. Sharing your decision with those you can trust who you know would love, support, and encourage you on your journey would be ideal as everyone may not understand, or agree, or even could present as judgmental. Be clear on how or in what ways you would want others to support you. It's okay to set some boundaries for yourself. Consider joining vegan and plant-based groups on Facebook and Meetup. You will find love, support, encouragement, recipes, and answers to questions you may have once you join. They are both available online and have apps that are free to download on your cell phone. Meetup is great for linking up virtual or most likely in person to visit fun places, dining out, and other social interests. Below is our Meetup link. We host virtual and in person events.

https://www.meetup.com/plant-based-planet/

Our third tip would be to visit vegan or vegan friendly restaurants near you. Exploring vegan plant-based cuisine is fun and exciting to do. It opens you up to trying new foods and should inspire you to go home and try out new recipes. You will be amazed of how many ways you can prepare and cook plant-based foods manipulating the texture, taste, and appearance to create whole new exciting dishes! Visiting vegan restaurants and bakeries brings a sense of joy and hope that helps keep you going strong on your newfound journey for sure. Check out these links below.

https://www.afrovegansociety.org/vegan-restaurants

Download Happy Cow's app or visit https://www.happycow.net/

Fourth tip would be to begin "veganizing" the foods you love and already make at home. Visiting your local grocery stores to shop for vegan and plant-based replacements for meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and honey is a great start. You can also visit local produce farms, farmers markets, and Indian and Asian markets. You may find some great money saving deals on grains, legumes, and seasonings too. A Google or YouTube search for vegan plant-based recipes are also ideal. Below are a few popular brands, but you can also see if your current brand offers vegan or plant-based versions. Hellman's offers a vegan mayonnaise, Chobani offers dairy free yogurt, and many ice cream brands now offer some dairy free options. Your plate matters and from the truth of how food affects our health and environment this lifestyle change continues to gain popularity even with major brands.  Have fun in the kitchen!

Meats:

https://impossiblefoods.com/

https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-US/

https://lightlife.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg_zB7-259gIVD6jICh12HwxtEAAYASAAEgL6OfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Eggs:

https://www.ju.st/plant-based-eggs?utm_source=google_ads&utm_medium=search_cpc&utm_campaign=JE-US-Branded-Google-Search-Exact-%5BKNOWN%5D&utm_content=Just_Egg&utm_term=just%20egg&creative=543156369521&matchtype=e&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlv7-mu659gIVmv6zCh02WAKWEAAYASAAEgL4uPD_BwE

Dairy:

https://www.kite-hill.com/

https://daiyafoods.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhsjf5e659gIVUsyzCh03Ig33EAAYASAAEgLtK_D_BwE

https://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/

Condiments:

https://www.hellmanns.com/us/en/products/organic-vegan/vegan-dressing-spread.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7tG1-_C59gIVhs3ICh25cwljEAAYASAAEgLpe_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Seafood:

https://www.sophieskitchen.com/crab-cakes

Fifth tip would be to consider investing in a high-speed blender, food processor (large size is best), tofu presser, lemon/lime squeezer, and a juicer.  These are items most used in plant-based kitchens.

Sixth tip when attending social events would be to look online to view the restaurant's menu and calling them ahead of time to let them know that your vegan and ask what all could they prepare for you. You could also suggest a vegan spot or vegan friendly spot that would serve both vegan and non-vegan dishes. You can eat before you attend or bring your own vegan dish or dishes to share with everyone. Remember, it's not a big deal and that the most important thing is that you are attending for social reasons.

Our last tip would be to remember that this is a lifestyle change and it will take time to transition. You may need to eliminate and replace one thing at a time, that is perfectly fine. Show love, patience, and most importantly grace for yourself if you began your journey and have slipped up and ate animal or animal by products. It's okay there is no such thing as the vegan police. We encourage you to get back on track the next meal or even the next day and keep going! You got this! As mentioned in our first tip, writing out your reasons why you are making this transition will help you to keep going. You may also want to consider writing a journal of how you are feeling prior to beginning and each day thereafter noting what positive things you have noticed since eating healthier. It's important listen to your body. You may notice that you are sleeping better, have more energy, haven't had the need to reach for your asthma inhaler, no longer having migraines, arthritis has improved, or are losing weight and keeping it off.  Whatever it is write it down and each month reflect back. We encourage you to celebrate even the smallest wins as you progress along your journey.