Transition to Vegan/Plant-Based

Question

Hi Everyone,

My name is Antonia and I'm an aspiring vegan and slowly transitioning to that lifestyle. I gave up red meat over 10 years ago and have minimized my consumption of chicken and fish over the last few years. That said I've had some difficulty with the transition, so I started Plantain (www.getplantain.com) to help people in a similar boat as me). Did anyone else have trouble transitioning? Would love to hear what the biggest obstacles you faced whether you're in the same transition boat as me or you're a fully-fledged vegan. Thank you!

Dandido · Answer

Awesome initiative! I went from meat-eater to vegan overnight and didn't have much trouble transitioning. The hardest thing for me in the beginning was learning new recipes. Another difficult thing was eating with friends, but that's more a general problem with being vegan, not really with transitioning. I hope it goes well for you!

Rybinseller · Answer

Hi Antonia!
My partner switched from meat eater to vegan over night after watching a documentary (The Game Changers). Me on the other hand knew if I wanted to make a lifestyle change it would be a more gradual approach. I started by only buying plant based groceries. That way at home everything was vegan. Over the next month I consumed all the non vegan products in my home and whenever I ran out I replaced them with the vegan alternative. It was an easy way to learn new recipes without changing my whole diet. When out with friends or families I allowed myself to eat whatever was being served (so if there was butter in the mashed potatoes I would say it was okay to eat) and eventually when everything in the household was vegan I set a date where I would be strict at friends or families. It gave myself and the people around me time to understand the change which I felt opened up more conversations and learning experiences. Also it is a lifestyle and no one is perfect ... if you consume something that was made with an animal by-product by accident it's not like you are no longer vegan, accept the mistake and learn from it the next time you are out or eating at that place just know to specify. Also following vegan people on social media (instagram and youtube were big help to me) made it a more normal transition knowing there were many other vegans out there when my friend and family circle are non vegan. Hope that helped a bit keep up the great work and hope your transition is a success.

KathyT-WFPB · Answer

Love that you are trying to connect others to help along their journey!  Here is another resource: Look up PlantLifeJourney.com in South Haven, MI on web, FB & Insta. Focus is on a healthy whole food plant based diet with minimal or no oil. It is all vegan but the immersive 4 and 6 day hands on cooking and wellness retreats focus on easy wfpb no oil recipes for optimal health. All meals and food education is included. Small group environment. Non-judgmental and welcoming. Great for people just starting their wfpb journey as well as those wanting a getaway that supports their lifestyle choices. Run by two loving instructors who practice what they Teach.

lis444 · Answer

im working on being 100% vegan too! I need to lose over 100 pounds! i love the idea of doing it together! i love food and am always looking for more yummy vegan food products and options at restaurants and recipes! we can do it!

leviWilliams93 · Answer

Hi, I'm Levi Williams. I'm an Environmentalist. I decided to start a journey to go vegan from a vegetarian because it would be helpful for environmental issues and animal agriculture. I would be glad if someone share their diet plan or favorite dishes which are vegan-based.

JonB52478 · Answer

There is really a great deal of comprehensive info about transitioning on vegan.com

(I am not associated with the website).

good info on transitioning, nutritional info, recipes, etc.

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