Do your research – The best way to stay ready for any diet, but especially the change to veganism, is to study up before your transition. While many transitioning vegans worry about the effect of the loss of meat-based proteins, there is a good chance that you will see changes to your micronutrients as well. Understanding the changes to your body which are likely to happen can help you build more fortified diet plans, and the feeling of preparation makes the transition easier. Thankfully there is a plethora of online resources which can help get you started in the process of going vegan – the No Meat Athlete, for example, has a great starting-block podcast which hosts a list of resources for new vegans.

Stick to your favorites – You don’t need to eliminate your favorite meals after you go vegan! Most meals can be made vegan by rotating in vegetable alternatives to animal-based portions of the meal. Even meat-heavy meals such as pulled pork can be replaced with jackfruit and prepared in the same manner. The growing prevalence of meatless diets has also helped to saturate the market with plant-based alternatives such as oat milk, Beyond Meat, and vegan cheeses. This can make comfort foods like mac and cheese, fried chicken, and pizza accessible as a part of a vegan diet. Keep in mind that while there are vegan options for these classic comfort foods, most of the time the plant-based alternative is also unhealthy and should be consumed in moderation.

Find a support network – A key factor which dissuades people from sticking with a vegan diet is a lack of support immediately available to them – find people who will encourage you! While family and friends which you already know may not be the most reliable source of vegan encouragement, finding a network online or in your local community can make your venture into veganism leagues easier. Surrounding oneself with like minds can help spark new inspiration, provide you with resources of which you were previously unaware, and serve as a reminder that the change doesn’t need to be made alone. Everything, including veganism, is more fun with friends!

The vegan lifestyle looks like a steep hill to climb when you’re standing at the bottom, but you can take the hike at your own speed. There is no single correct way to go or stay vegan, so do your research, build your community, and remember that your existing favorites can be made vegan, too. You know your body will flourish – there’s no reason for your mind to suffer through the journey of veganism.

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