So you’ve watched Game Changer? Or maybe you’ve read some books or watched other documentaries that are starting to sway you? You really want to stop consuming animal products and pursue the vegan lifestyle? You know deep down it’s best for your health, better for the planet and of course much kinder to the beautiful animals. But you have no idea where to start?
Let me help you with that, I’ve been there and done it the long way and the hard way too! I’ve spent years reading books, watching documentaries, spent fortunes on cookbooks and hours in the kitchen trying recipes. So hopefully I can provide you with a short cut.
First of all - I’d recommend giving yourself time with this, at least 12 weeks. Let’s face it you’ve eaten meat your whole life and really want to avoid it now for the rest of your life so spending a few months transitioning is reasonable.
Weeks 1 and 2 – quit dairy.
So we need to gradually over the two weeks swap your cows milk for plant based. There are loads out there so buy one carton of each and try them. You might like for example coconut in your coffee and soya in your tea.
Get rid of cheese and cheese products plus butter and products containing butter. Vegan spreads are quite nice or if you’re feeling adventurous google a recipe and make your own. Vegan cheeses aren’t that nice in my opinion but try them you may enjoy them, also you can make your own.
Swap your usual ice cream for vegan ice cream there are lots of nice varieties widely available in supermarkets or make your own quite easily. Sorbet is usually vegan too.
Swap your usual chocolate and biscuits etc for vegan ones. Again most supermarkets have lots of choice these days.
Yogurt needs to be swapped for dairy free varieties, again really easy as most supermarkets have a stock. Try a few different ones but try to choose one that contains live cultures.
Weeks 3-4 – snack like a vegan.
This is the time to start looking at foods you snack on regularly and finding vegan alternatives or options. Eg look at the ingredients list of your usual crisps and if they don’t contain animal produce, you’re good to go. Try healthier options too eg veg sticks and hummus, edamame beans, fruit!!!
Weeks 5-6 – Start your day vegan.
What to eat if you don’t have eggs for breakfast? This is a problem I faced. Therefore, a gradual approach is better as you’ve got 2 weeks to figure out some tasty, convenient breakfast options that will keep you fuelled all morning. My go to is overnight oats or smashed avocado on toast. Try as many as you can in the two weeks so you know you have plenty of options and won’t get stuck in a rut and get bored. You’ll see me post breakfast ideas regularly on my Facebook and Instagram.
Weeks 7-8 – lets do lunch.
Now we have sorted snacks and breakfast, ditched the dairy too we can look at what to have for lunch. The world is your oyster really. If you’re used to buying something on the go, then most establishments do vegan options these days. Gregg’s do a vegan sausage roll ffs!!! And the top 5 vegans google searches in the UK currently are related to Gregg’s vegan sausage rolls!!
Or if you’re a packed lunch kind of person like me then soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches or even last night’s leftovers are always a win.
Weeks 9-10 – evening meals.
This is often a biggy to overcome and a hurdle for most people, we are after all a meat and two veg nation. The best place to start is think family classics don’t try the mega fancy stuff straight away. In my experience simple is best when trying to please the whole family fussy kids included. Think chilli and rice just minus the meat with more beans. Spaghetti Bolognese again no meat maybe lentils or fake meat if you’re that way inclined. Pizza either make your own or most supermarket do them. My all-time crowd pleaser chickpea curry and rice!!
Weeks 11-12 – lets go out!
So you’ve got the hang of things at home now then holy crap you’re invited to a meal out for a friends birthday and they’ve chosen the venue. What do you do? Here are a few tactics – google the place and look at their menu. If there’s vegan options panic over. If they don’t have vegan options call or email the venue and ask in advance if something can be prepared for you, less fuss the better don’t take the shine off the birthday boy or girl. If nothing vegan available for you make the choice to eat some animal produce as a one off or make your excuses and cancel, it’s your call.
Other tactics that have helped me eat out all over the world:
Always contact the venue in advance, this works extremely well with hotels
Use trip advisor to find recommended vegan options, we have had some fantastic vegan meals this way
A google search if you fancy some vegan junk food the most common searches in the USA currently are –
slutty vegan restaurant, slutty vegan menu, slutty vegan, slutty vegan restaurant menu, slutty vegan food truck and slutty vegan locations…I kid you not! Go on try it I dare you.
Have an open mind and don’t be that awkward vegan that puts everyone’s backs up perhaps be prepared to compromise, don’t be a knob lol
If going to a friend or relatives home take some vegan offerings with you, I feel the food speaks for itself you may just have some converts on your hands!
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