Top 5 tips for newbie vegans

So you are totally convinced. You’ve seen people on the internet who have lost major weight. You’ve seen all the documentaries of people reversing and curing illnesses. You finally fully understand the power switching to a plant-based diet and want to go vegan, but you have no idea what it’s going to cost you or where your next date night will take place. You are not alone, there are plenty of people around the world who would love to go vegan, but have no idea what to eat or how to begin. Although there is so much information about vegan food and nutrition in general that you will eventually learn, start with my need to know advice for newbie vegans below.

TIPS

1.)    Stay away from Whole Foods (whole paychecks)

One of the biggest turnoffs people get is seeing their grocery bill skyrocket after going vegan. Vegan or raw vegan meals can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, but the  normal vegan grocery list averages about the same as S.A.D. (standard American diet) grocery list or even cheaper. Eating cruelty-free should NOT break your budget. Stay away from major health food stores like Whole Foods who tend to mark their products up drastically and start looking for cheaper alternatives like farmers’ markets, and CSA’S. You can even start a garden to help cut down on produce expenses.

2.)    Be prepared

Always be prepared, whether you are at date night or a family gathering. Eat something before you leave and if you are going to be gone for long periods of time always bring vegan snacks or fruit along with you. If you are going out with family, friends or a significant other make sure to look at the restaurant’s menu beforehand or call them and ask if they offer any vegan meals. They are usually happy to make something for you. If not then you can always order  a salad and bring your own dressing with you or choose a different place altogether.

3.)    Say no to vegan junk food

Please! I beg you all to understand that just because something says vegan or has the V label does not mean that it is healthy for your body. Although the product is cruelty free does not make it a food to eat if you are battling health issues such as diabetes, or cancer. Always remember to stick to mostly whole fruit and vegetables and stay away from super processed packaged vegan foods like cookies, faux meats, and microwaveable meals.

4.)    Eat enough throughout the day

The biggest mistake I see people making when trying to switch from a S.A.D. diet to a plant-based one is that they do not eat enough fruit. Fruit are perfect foods for your body. Not only are they cleansing and healing, but they also help with a lot of the cravings most new vegans experience. Also make sure to eat a big salad everyday and I am not talking about those small baby salads. Make sure it is enough to keep you satiated. I tell most transitioning vegans to aim for at least a ½ to a full pound a day in addition to your other meals.

5.)    Don’t Give up

Don’t ever give up on yourself. Even if you slipped up and ate some not so vegan ice-cream, don’t ever let that get you down. All mistakes are a learning experience and is a part of the whole learning process. Remember as long as you are moving forward and not backwards then that is something to proud about. Tomorrow is a new day on your journey!