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Advice for becoming a Vegan.
Started
by Amber Kellogg
on December 26, 2009
I'm currently in the process of reading The Kind Diet and am loving every page of it. It is my hope to become a vegan and I plan to begin on New Years day, I know it's cliche but it seemed appropriate. I only just began the book and I'd obviously like to finish it before beginning my kind life transformation. Not to mention I'm a little strapped from Christmas, so waiting till New Years day is also easier on my budget than attempting to grocery shop now. I was also hoping to use this extra week to gain input and advice from people who have made the change themselves or are attempting to as well. For example, should I dive right in with both feet or "flirt" for awhile? Also, I don't have a stove at the moment, any suggestions other than purchasing one? What kind of multi-vitamin should I buy, if any? Obviously I'd appreciate any advice I could get but these were just a few specific questions I had in my head. Ooooh also, the weight loss tea in Alicia's book, I'm considering trying it to start my vegan transformation, any thoughts on that would be great as well. Thanks in advance. Peace
Hi Amber,
I am also in the process of reading The Kind Diet and it has truly given me the push I needed. I am anxious to hear some of the feedback from your question. At this time, I'm going to follow Alicia's advice and give it 4 weeks to see if I'm just going to be a flirt or a superhero. :-). My heart and spirit tell me I will end up a superhero, but I'm not going to pressure myself to make the lifestyle change overnight. Just know you're not alone.
Take care,
Tracy
I'm also about to embark on this lifestyle (still waiting for book to arrive though) My steps are to cut out dairy first, I'm going to start eating clean whole foods my basic shop will be fruit and veg (various) potatoes, grains and Pasta. Then as i evolve throughout the weeks i'll start making recipes and preparing in advance. One step at a time, if i go all out i'll prob get overwhelmed at fail.
So first no meat, no eggs, no fish no dairy the rest will follow naturally i hope
I agree with Emma... one step at a time. My vegan motto: one meal at a time... or even, one craving at a time. And learn to listen to your body. Really listen. I found that before following a vegan lifestyle, I was so bogged down and sluggish with meat, dairy and sugar... that I wasn't sure how to listen to what I was hungry for. Without sounding hokey, once I cut out those three (and eggs), I really understood what it was that I was either craving or wanting to eat. That probably took about three weeks... I guess the detox time.
One thing I've found, and maybe this will help, if I don't plan my meals I feel stuck, then cranky and hungry and more susceptible to falling into old habits of eating. I buy a few staples to always have on hand for when I get hungry but feel a bit lost as to what to have, for example hummus, guacamole, collard greens, brown rice... just things that will nourish and calm my appetite down so that I can think as to what my next meal will be. I know that sounds extreme, but it's more about being mindful about my eating instead of mindless.
Going one meal at a time helps to keep any pressure off (and sometimes it's there... from family & friends, even though they mean well).
There is a little bit of a cost with the initial shopping that I've done, but once you have the basics you won't notice that much of a difference with your shopping expenses. Just remember to listen to yourself... you're on a great path!
It is a one step at a time. My family has been trying new meat sub's, new veggie dishes, and less dairy every week. I didn't beat myself up during the holidays, and I also set a goal like yours! As of the first I will do 30 days at Super hero level. Even my husband says he will do it for 30 days! There are also alot of great Vehan cookbooks at our library for other recipies to help out for variety. I have found if I soak rice and beans Saturday night and cook them up on Sunday then I have a great base for my week! I also prep all my veggies and plan out my menu for the week. It saves time, money and energy. Good luck everyone!!
I had certain staples in my diet so yesterday I went to the store to get the vegan versions of those. Now I'm going to pick a few recipes to try. I hope everyone is doing well. :-)
We are new and taking it in steps, as well. It is easy to make the choice once you know it's the right thing to do...but implementing change in the kitchen, the grocery store, and socially...and with clothing and cosmetics...and omg it can seem so overwhelming.
So I stopped trying to be perfect at it. We are doing this one day at a time, one meal at a time, one purchase at a time.
This is our third week, and it is already getting easier and feeling less strange. I have a TON more confidence in the commissary already than I did when we started. I'm very excited to have found this group.
I'm also new to the vegan lifestyle! I was planning on taking it in steps, but I don't think I can because of my passion for animals (which is too great at times :/). I've been reading The Kind Life for a few days and after reading it, I don't think I could handle going back to eating meat, dairy, fish, or eggs.My only problem is recipes and grocery shopping! I'm a college student so I'm always budgeting. If anyone has any advice about items or basics I should keep in my pantry, along with simple recipes, it would mean the world to me!Thank you & I wish everyone the best of luck :)
Fo the buget conscious...first try looking for some of the more exotic stuff (sea veggies esp.) at the Asian markets...I went to a food co-op and paid around $5-$6 for them...found them much cheaper at the Asian market later....
Also look at grains and beans in bulk bins if possible...I've seen them much cheaper there than buying by the box/bag at the grocery store. I've been eating alot of stir fries and bean and rice dishes....I'm still looking for recipes as well. I'm used to cookng everything with meat in it, and this is a challenge.
I've been vegan for about six months now. I read the Kind Life and am now playing with the idea of following the Superhero diet. But I'm a college student too and that can make it a huge challenge sometimes. Not only due to budget reasons but convenience reasons. It takes a lot of planning ahead and organization if you really want to succeed at it. Not to mention that I live in an apartment with three other girls, none of which are vegeterian. But I've found what's easiest is just making time to go to the grocery store. I always buy whatever vegetables are on special that week, so it usually isn't too costly. Also, tofu is usually pretty affordable (and great for quick tofu scrambles in the morning!). Vegetable sandwhiches and salads are really easy and quick to throw together (and portable too if you need to pack your lunch). When I have a few hours free between work and class I make a big pot of stew or soup and freeze it so that it's ready when I'm in a bind. Also, I know that microwaving is bad in many ways, but if you do n't have a stove, almost any vegetables can be cooked in the microwave (It's faster and they don't turn out half bad). If you're really interested you should check out this cook book buy Peta... it's called "Peta's vegan college cookbook." It has a ton of recipes, all vegan, all easy, and all cooked without a stove :)
and p.s. a little tip that I've learned. When your friends want to go out to dinner suggest a chinese, indian, or japanese place. They usually have more options. Also I've found that quite a few college coffee shops have a tendency to offer really good vegan options!
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