Hey earth muffins! January is here, which means Veganuary starts! What is Veganuary, you might ask? It is a month-long challenge to push yourself to try a plant-based diet. If you aren’t sure what I mean by “plant-based”, check out this full guide on the different plant-based diets. š As a vegetarian, I love the idea of this challengeā¦ But I also know that starting a plant-based diet can be overwhelming at first. To make it easier for any of you interested in participating in this challenge, here are my top 10 tips on how to start a plant-based diet this January. I adapted this list from the official Veganuary guide, so sign up to participate in the challenge to get even more helpful hints!
1. Focus on planning before you start!
Changing your diet is going to take some preparation. You canāt just decide that you are going to be vegan one day and expect to be successful. It is going to take some planning! Iām a huge fan of journaling, so I suggest writing out a plan for yourself. Make lists for the grocery store (bonus, this prevents food waste too!), ideas for meals, and set goals to help ease yourself in. If you have a plan before you start, you increase the likelihood that you will stick to your new plant-based diet!
2. Accidentally vegan food is your friend
In the planning stages, I suggest also doing some research on āaccidentallyā vegan foods. I have a ton of favorite plant-based snacks ā youād be surprised how many you probably already buy! Especially when you are just starting out with a new plant-based diet, it can be super helpful to have these foods within reach.
3. Don’t go all in at once
Like I said in the first tip of this how to start a plant-based diet guide, it is helpful to set goals to help ease yourself into a new diet. You are more likely to fail if you go completely cold turkey in a single day. If your desired end goal is vegan, maybe try being pescatarian for a few daysā¦ Then vegetarianā¦ And, once you are comfortable, make the full switch! This is also helpful to your body, as you donāt want to drastically change your diet too much all at once. This can lead to not getting the vitamins and nutrients that your body is used to. Slow and steady wins the race!
4. Create plant-based versions of your favorite dishes!
When people learn that I am a vegetarian, they often ask how I survive without “X” dish. If I really loved a meat dish, I can guarantee that I have learned how to create a plant-based version by now! Just because you are starting a new diet does not mean you have to give up all of your favorite foods. Sure, they might be slightly different now but who knows ā they might actually be better!
5. Don’t be afraid to try new foods.
One of my favorite parts of being on a plant-based diet is getting to try new things at the grocery store. There are so many different products available to us, so donāt be scared to try something new! You will most likely enjoy it. I saw jackfruit at a local grocery store last year. Had I ever tried it before? No. Did I know how to cut it up/cook it? That is what YouTube and Pinterest is for. Now I love making pulled āporkā from jackfruit!
6. Always keep snacks with you.
Especially at the start of your plant-based journey, your body might need more food throughout the day to keep your nutrients at the same levels as before. I personally never go anywhere without some sort of snack (nuts, crackers, fruit, etc.). My stomach is pretty small in general, so Iāve always eaten smaller amounts at meals and then snack every few hours as well. You never want to get hangry when you are out and about, so be prepared!
7. Keep trying out vegan products until you find the right one!
You might have to try multiple vegan products before you find one that you like; donāt get discouraged if one vegan āeggā doesnāt taste good or isnāt a pleasurable texture. We have all been there! Just because one product isnāt the vibe doesnāt mean they all will taste like dirt. Again (see bullet point 5), donāt be afraid to try new foods!
8. Try out HappyCow
Looking for a plant-based restaurant near your house? Try out HappyCow! This app is awesome for finding places to eat with options other than salad. (Not that salads are bad, but I sometimes want a little more than that haha) This is a great app to have on your phone especially when you are traveling and are exploring a new place, so I just had to include it in this how to start a plant-based diet guide. š®
9. Find other plant-based people
Having a tribe of similar people is a great help when starting a plant-based diet! This is similar to making friends with other earth muffins; it is easier to stick to your values and goals when surrounded by people who support you and have similar ideals. If your friends are always pushing you to eat a burger it is obviously harder to stick to your new diet. Avoid that by finding other plant-based friends to hang out with!
10. Don’t beat yourself up if you make a mistake!
Be kind to yourself. Switching to a new diet is hard ā so you are awesome for even trying! Mother Earth (and me!) thanks you. If you make a mistake, just acknowledge it and move on. Donāt dwell on it too much or think that your journey towards plant-based living is over. You are doing a hard thing, so donāt beat yourself up when you mess up.
Final Thoughts on How to Start a Plant-Based Diet
This Veganuary I challenge you all to try a plant-based dietā¦ Even if it is only for a few days! It can be challenging, so I hope these how to start a plant-based diet tips are helpful. Remember, planning before you start is a HUGE help. This will ensure that you have the best chance for success as well. Donāt go all in at once and donāt like mistakes hinder the rest of your progress. I believe that you can do this! Will you be participating in Veganuary this year? Comment below and let me know your tips for starting a new diet.
Love,
Jenna ā„
