So You Wanna Go Vegan? Keep These Tips In Mind…

Lounging in a comfy veg message T-shirt

I’ve been running this blog now for 4 1/2 months.  That’s not long.  It’s a hobby, what I love;  a chance for me to ramble on about things I feel are worth saying.  And hopefully a chance for others to enjoy what I write; a chance for people to network, cook recipes from the site and say “Mmmm, this is great, I love it” or even comment about ways a recipe may be improved so it’s better than before (hopefully if this is the case, you share!!!).

But until now, I never realized that I’ve neglected to post some basic pointers on how to go vegan successfully–things that I’ve  incorporated into my own life.   How have I posted for over 4 months and forgot to do this?  Probably because [being vegan] comes so natural to me, that I don’t know anything else by now…I post little pieces here and there, but never the full puzzle!  I know that a good percentage of my readers are not vegan.  In fact, I’d guess about 1/2 aren’t.  So for all of you out there who continue your curiosity about a vegan lifestyle, this post is for you.    I definitely realize how much this post is needed.   I came to this realization when I suggested my blog to someone last night.  She’d tried being vegan for 4 months and unfortunately became sickly and anemic (this should not happen!).   As a result, she predictably went back to eating meat and dairy. *NOTE: See post titled “Even If You Eat Meat”.

First thing, if you think you can go vegan overnight, dump that thought right now.  Yes, it’s possible, but not realistic for most people.  Unless you’re super dedicated and willing to completely makeover your pantry, fridge and freezer!  But there’s so much more to being a vegan than just food.  It’s knowing how to “survive” away from home as well.  Work, school, weddings, vacations, family parties, birthdays, restaurant dining, etc.

But for now, I am going to name the basic key things to keep in mind if you want to be a successful vegan:

• Count your protein-get at least 35%-40% of your total body weight in grams everyday (ex: I’m 105 pounds; I need 37-42 grams of protein per day.
• Little or no soy-One serving per day max!
• Little or no sugar-Less than 20 grams per day!  I know it’s hard at first.  But if you are craving sugar, try noshing on protein first…chances are it will GREATLY help!
• Eggs are an easy transition food-An easy way to phase out meat…use eggs until you are confident on how to obtain protein from non-animal sources. *NOTE: See post titled “Plant Proteins Rock!”
• No eating 2 hours before bed-We’re all guilty at sometime or another.  Just don’t do it more than a couple times per month.
• Flax, Flax, Flax!-Either freshly ground (uncooked) flaxseeds in either the brown or golden variety.  Or try the flax seed oil  (check out one of my fave books, Flax for Life!)
• Probiotics-One course three to four times per year…helps make B12 too!
• Food Journal-Write it all down, especially if you’re a newbie!
• Stock up on Salads-Eat a raw salad at least 5 times a week!  Try new things and don’t drown in dressing!
• Enzymes-Can be helpful with digesting new beans and such…
• Hemp protein-Complete amino acid profile for building quality proteins, improving brain function and substituting for soy.
• Sea Vegetables-Trace minerals, omega fats, delicious taste and great for skin.

Hope you enjoyed reading about how to become a successful vegan.  This is not everything you’ll ever need to know, but it’s a great start!  Don’t hesitate to send me a question, and if you want some fun reading material, check out the book Becoming Vegan by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina.  Bye for now!