Ten Tips for going Vegan

Making the change to become vegan can be daunting and difficult at first. Although it doesn't have to be. Here are the top ten tips for becoming vegan: 

1) Do you research- Perhaps the most important piece of advice. If you simply cut out all meat and diary products but don't replace them you'll probably start your vegan journey tired and hungry. Just know there is a vegan replacement for everything and you can have the same meals in a different version. It's also important to research where to get your essential nutrients from such as your protein and calcium, that way when worried meat eaters ask you, you can answer back with a list of alternatives. 

2) Experiment- So you don't have to become a crazy scientist but do try out different recipes, foods and products. It can take time to get used to new foods and develop your taste buds, you never know what foods you will love so give everything a go and expand your horizons. 

3) Go to Vegan restaurants- If you are lucky enough to live near an all vegan restaurant go there for a meal, if not try the vegan options at a vegetarian place. There will be more variety and thought put into the food. Other restaurants may have one option on the menu that can leave you bored and uninspired. Totally vegan places will mean you don't have to worry about how the foods been cooked, you will be spoilt for choice and the staff will have a wealth of knowledge about vegan food. 

4) Support Vegan businesses- from fashion to food, shop anywhere that supports the vegan lifestyle. The only way to make veganism more mainstream and accepted is to show a demand for the products. 

5) Pack a snack- There's nothing worse than being somewhere and feeling hungry and not being able to find any vegan food. Always keep a protein bar or vegan snack with you to avoid this major crisis. 

6) Share your passion- Judging others for their meat and dairy eating lifestyle isn't likely to change them and it gives vegans a bad reputation. Simply share what you love with others, teach rather than lecture and tell people why you are vegan rather than telling them why they should go vegan. At the end of the day everyone has to make their own decisions in life, you can't force people to see the world like you do but you can show them what you believe in the hope that it will educate them. 

7) Use social media- Facebook, instagram, blogs and twitter are all useful tools. Vegans share recipes, products, ideas and their journeys. So use your social media for more than just stalking your friends and learn from other vegans. 

8) Start a vegan notebook- This is a handy tool for jotting down all your vegan tips. If you notice places that have a vegan option, a new vegan brand or a place that sells your favourite products cheaper you can write it down so you don't forget. 

9) Ask questions- E-mail companies about whether they have vegan options and ask restaurants if they can adapt a meal to be vegan, This again shows a demand for vegan products. 

10) Stay strong- It can be difficult and daunting at first but stay strong and remember why you made the change in the first place. Remember it is a journey and you will constantly be learning about new foods and finding products you love. More and more vegan items are appearing on the market and veganism is increasing in popularity everyday so stick at it, stay motivated and remember that even one person going vegan makes a different to animals lives, the environment and your own health.