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Thinking of becoming a Vegan? Here are the top 7 things to consider before going Vegan

In simple words, veganism is the abstinence from consuming animal products. Interestingly, veganism is not only limited to one’s diet. It also includes not using animal-derived products and clothing.

Today, it is estimated that around 88 million people worldwide are vegans, with 5.5 million people adopting veganism in India.

Veganism is much more than a mere dietary lifestyle. It also has ethical connotations attached to it, with the main principle being “not causing harm to other living beings.”

Recent data shows a rising trend in veganism. Going vegan isn’t rocket science, and you might be surprised how easy it is.

You too might have come across the term vegan or plant-based diet in recent years. If you have been influenced by the vegan lifestyle and are deciding to adopt it, here are the top 5 things you should consider before going vegan.

7 THINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE GOING VEGAN

1. KNOW ‘WHY’ YOU WANT TO GO VEGAN

Reasons for adopting veganism vary from person to person. Some do it solely for health purposes, while others include the element of the environment as well.

Knowing ‘why’ you want to go vegan will help you in the long run as you will find the journey of transitioning from being a meat-eater (and possibly a meat lover) to a plant-based dietary lifestyle much easier.

It’s easier to stick to something when you have a solid reason behind it.

2. SOME PEOPLE MIGHT BE JUDGEMENTAL

Some people around you might come off as judgmental when they first hear about your diet change. It might be unintentional or intentional, and it is hard to keep on track when you face pressure and judgment left and right.

This is where your ‘why’ will come in handy. Veganism is something you are doing for yourself and your benefit, so it’s better to not pay any heed to the judgments.

3. MAKE SURE YOU GET ENOUGH PROTEIN

When you turn vegan, this is the most common question you will be bombarded with. In short, it is easy to get your required protein intake, even when you are vegan.

Aside from optional supplements (taken by a doctor’s prescription), soy, nuts, oats, chia seeds, beans, chickpeas, legumes, etc are all rich in protein.

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4. VEGANISM DOESN’T EQUAL MORE EXPENSIVE

Ah yes! This is one of the most common questions people wonder before transitioning to veganism. It is a common myth, catered by misinformation that spreads like wildfire on social media platforms.

While certain alternative products (like vegan cheese, vegan chocolate, etc) are comparatively more expensive, they aren’t the essential food items that you have to buy frequently.

Instead, fruit, bread, rice, canned beans, chickpeas, etc are all vegan and a few of the cheapest in the market.

5. IT’S OKAY TO SLIP UP

Just like any other change in life, a change in diet can be hard to deal with sometimes and it’s okay to slip up. Accidental or not, slipping up is not the end of the world and will not make you any less vegan.

Try to indulge gradually in veganism, rather than making a grand sudden change, due to which it can be difficult to stick to.

6. YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD

This might be the hardest out of all! If your favourite foods, especially those you have consumed since childhood, are not vegan, you will have to give them up once you become strictly vegan.

But hey! There are a lot of appealing alternative options out there that can become your next favourite food.

7. STANDING FOR TOO LONG IN THE GROCERY AISLE

Reading labels on the back of different food packets takes time. Once you are vegan, you must prepare yourself to stand for a long time in the grocery aisle, reading labels at the back of the boxes, to make sure they are vegan.

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CONCLUSION

A change in one’s diet does not happen overnight. The pressure to change instantly will be somewhat like this- “Today I am full vegan,” “Today, I will eat meat.” Understand the importance of gradual change when it comes to implementing veganism in your diet.

Try experimenting with different meals and find the ones that you love. Keep yourself motivated- and social media is a great place to find encouraging people (when used correctly, of course).

At the end of the day, allow yourself to enjoy the process.