PART TWO: Logistics
Now for the big part, how do we make this change in our lives? Since the majority of individuals were brought up eating meat, eggs and dairy it is natural to wonder what we will miss when leaving these products behind – but going vegan doesn’t have to feel like a sacrifice.
Tip 1:
Some people find it easier to switch over one product at a time (although this may not apply to everyone). For instance, first switching from normal sausages to veggie sausages, or from regular mince to veggie mince. Many people already buy almond milk over cows milk and find this an easy transition to make. Start figuring out which switches you want to ease into first!
Tip 2:
Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. If you’re keen to try veganism but fall off the wagon, don’t assume veganism is not for you, just get back up and try again. When you’re first switching to this lifestyle, it can be easy to make mistakes – and that’s okay! You’re human. Just start again.
Step One: Stock Up
Don’t wake up on January 1st and think all you can have is black tea and dry cereal or toast with no spread. Whatever you eat now – you can still eat! Some of my favourite breakfasts are toast with vegan butter and vegemite, or porridge with bananas and cinnamon. There are also smoothies, fruit salads, or just regular cereals with almond milk. The only thing to watch out for with cereals is checking if they contain honey as a sweetener. You can still have so many delicious meals while vegan – don’t see it as a limitation 😊
The same applies for lunch and dinner – if you would normally have a sandwich for lunch, why not try making a BLT with veggie bacon? If you’re a big fan of burgers for dinner, try out veggie patties. BBC Good Food has a wonderful selection of easy, quick vegan recipes that you can try out.
Step Two: Learn to read labels
Here are some key hidden ingredients to look out for:
• Albumin• Aspic• Carmine• Casein• E numbers• Gelatine• Honey• Isinglass• Lactose• Lard• Propolis• Shellac• Vitamin D3• Whey
A top tip is also to download an app that you can enter your dietary requirements into and scan products with to check they’re right for you, such as Spoon Guru.
Step Three: Eating out
Chain restaurants:
1. Zizzi
2. Pizza Express
3. Wagamama
4. All bar one
5. Wetherspoon
6. Las Iguanas
7. Carluccio’s
8. Yo! Sushi
9. Pret a Manger
10. Ask
11. Leon
12. By Chloe
Even Nandos, Mcdonalds, Greggs, KFC and Starbucks now have vegan options available in stores! Aside from chain restaurants, using apps like HappyCow.net or Vanilla-Bean.com can help you locate the right eating options for you.