5 Tips for Going Vegan in the New Year

Explore lots of different recipes

Common misconception: vegans eat salad every day. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many Facebook groups, Instagram pages and blogs dedicated to sharing delicious plant-based recipes, tutorials, tips and hacks. Check out the Academy of Culinary Nutrition’s top 50 vegan blogs for more ideas and inspiration.

Try plant-based alternatives for your “old” favorite foods

When first going vegan you might miss your favorite foods or find the transition intimidating. Luckily, there are so many amazing meat, dairy and egg alternatives out there that you’ll quickly realize you’re not giving up a thing – in fact, you’re gaining a healthier diet. From Ben & Jerry’s vegan ice cream to Burger King’s Impossible Whopper, and from Miyoko’s vegan cheeses to Gardein’s chick’n, the ever-growing selection of vegan products on the market definitely makes the transition as easy as 1-2-3. 

Be open to trying new things

The more you explore different cuisines, recipes and foods, the more you’ll find yourself falling in love with meals you never tried or even knew existed. Many cuisines like Indian, Thai, Lebanese, Vietnamese, and Ethiopian have lots of delicious naturally vegan dishes. You never know what could be your next favorite go-to meal.

Take it slow and don’t strive for perfection

You know your body best. If you try to go vegan faster than you’re comfortable with, your journey may not be sustainable in the long run. It’s important that you go at your own pace and take the steps that feel the most natural to you. If that means starting by cutting out meat or dairy once a week, for example, that’s a great way to start – even small steps make a huge difference. And don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up — it’s all part of the process.

Expect some pushback, and try not to let it get you down

After going vegan, you’ll likely encounter people who won’t be shy about sharing their opinions about your diet. To save yourself some frustration, try to empathize with where they’re coming from (after all, most of us weren’t born knowing what we know now), and most importantly, stick to your guns. Don’t lose sight of your reason for going vegan, whether for the animals, the planet or your health. By going vegan you are making a difference for others and yourself, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.