Whether you just started thinking about it or you’ve been contemplating it for awhile now, making the switch to a vegan lifestyle can be daunting. But I’m here to give you some tips to help you go vegan and make this transition a little easier.

Make it a gradual change, rather than overnight.

By slowly leaning into a vegan lifestyle, you have more time to learn what your body likes and how it will react to certain changes. I stopped drinking animal milk several years ago, ate a pescatarian diet for several months, and went vegetarian for a few months prior to the full plunge into veganism. Even with this gradual shift, it still wasn’t easy, but it definitely made it feel more realistic.

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.

I’m going to be brutally honest: I cook/bake so much more now that I’m vegan. If I want brownies or cake or cookies, I have to bake them myself. Vegan options are nonvegan restaurants are generally bland and boring. If you do not have access to vegan restaurants, you may want to get used to the kitchen. In addition to this, though, there are SO many DELICIOUS vegan recipes out there! Check out my vegan recipe board on pinterest. I also have some recipes here on Life of Lizzi May, under the “Vegan” tab! Click here for my vegan creamy taco soup recipe!

TRY NEW FOODS!

Prior to going vegan, I had never tried hummus, falafel, tempeh, any type of vegan cheese, and so many other foods that I LOVE now. When you cut out foods, you have to be open to trying new ones to fill the gaps. There are so many yummy foods that I never would have even thought of trying before becoming a vegan, but I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried them!

Focus on what you CAN rather than CAN’T eat.

To go along with trying new foods, try your best to focus on the foods you can eat rather than those that you can’t. Thinking about the laundry list of things that aren’t vegan friendly will drive you crazy. Instead, focus on the wonderful foods that you can eat without harming a single animal! The majority of boxed pastas, oreos, SMOOTHIES, black bean burritos, the list goes on. There are lots of yummy vegan foods, you might just have to search a little harder sometimes.

Have a good support system.

Having a group of people who support your lifestyle choice is key to making a drastic change like this. There are perks to having other vegan friends, like being able to ask for their recommendations, but it is not a make or break circumstance. However, it is important to surround yourself with people who support you and will be there for you when things get hard.

So there are some tips to help you make the transition into a vegan diet. Keep in mind that sometimes you might accidentally eat something you thought was vegan, or you’ll have cravings. This is totally normal and it doesn’t make you a bad vegan. We’re all trying our best to do what we can and that’s what matters!