Experienced vegans gave readers of the British newspaper “The Guardian” tips to help them on their way to a healthy lifestyle. They talked about the difficulties that beginner vegans face in life without animal protein. We have chosen two points that surprised us and seem to us the most important. And they are not at all about where to get the vitamins and minerals that the body lacks.
1. ARE YOU READY TO BE BULLIED BY YOUR FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES WHO EAT MEAT?
According to statistics, this is what breaks beginner vegans – constant criticism and pricks from relatives and friends who do not share your path. Vegans are often described as irritable and attributed to the lack of meat in their diet and the eternal feeling of hunger. But try to answer the same question dozens of times every day – do you really not want to eat a piece of steak at all? Or all the time to refuse the offer of colleagues to have a bite to eat in the nearest fast food with fried chicken wings. This is where everyone gets bored. The ability to respect the choice of your friend is a complex science, which many still have to learn. Not all friends, when inviting you to visit, make sure that the menu at the table is suitable for everyone.
Experienced vegans advise to “kill spiteful critics with kindness” and even respond to evil jokes in a positive and kind way, be empathetic to those who are joking with you, or treat them to vegan chocolate. In the end, you can tell them something interesting about veganism. After all, once you were the same – you did not know anything about this experience. Just never argue.
Life hack: When visiting, bring homemade vegan pie or any other dish to show your loved ones how delicious healthy food can be.
2. DO YOU WANT TO GO VEGAN QUICKLY AND COMPLETELY OR GRADUALLY?
The answer to this question will go a long way in helping you understand yourself. But it depends only on you. If you prefer to start everything immediately, then feel free to run to the market with a list of vegetables, herbs and fruits. If you are prone to reflection and are not confident in yourself, it is easier to do everything gradually, in small steps.
Life hack: first, replace the usual sauces with vegan ones, then add more greens to your diet, then start buying only vegan sweets. And do not reproach yourself for accidentally eating a piece of fish or meat – we are all people, and we tend to make mistakes. Just do not be afraid that you will have to bother with recipes, on the contrary, veganism is not about haute cuisine, it is more about returning to your roots – very simple and understandable food.
