It’s been over a year and a half since I changed my diet. I do not eat meat/fish, eggs, milk or other animal products.
For beginners especially, the path to a purely vegetable diet can often be confusing.
Meanwhile, whilst there is a lot of information, sometimes you just do not know where to start.
To make it a little easier for you to get started, I have summarized some tips that would have helped me a lot bearlier.
After all, you should have fun with your choice and approach the whole process with a positive attitude.
And so, here we go.
Slow down
Everyone who decides for a vegan way of life should take their time at the beginning and not put themself under too much pressure. The first step has already been taken. You don’t have to change everything immediately and become the perfect role model vegan. Small steps toward your goal. For example, just replace your lunch for now. Little by little, you can veganize the other meals.
Your life – your decision
It may happen that your personal environment reacts negatively to this change or makes inappropriate comments. But choosing this diet is entirely up to you. So: listen away and go your chosen way.
Inform yourself
He who relies on the fact that vegan products are purely just vegetables (e.g. chips) is unfortunately wrong. Any animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products should be removed from your diet. The same with gelatine.
Be open to new ideas
Try new products and creations. This can range from a vegetable that has not yet been tasted to drinks and spices. No matter what others say, be creative and get totally involved. Believe me, you’ll be surprised what’s possible without animal products.
Look for alternatives
You don’t have to do without anything. Everything you love comes in a vegan version. Cheese, milk, eggs, meat, .. Vegan yoghurt, for example, is usually made on the basis of soy, but coconuts, rice, almonds or hemp are also suitable. The substitute is available in all flavours and is really as good as normal yoghurt. You should have fun with your new way of eating and not get the feeling that you are forbidding yourself from eating everything.
Keep it easy
There are many exciting recipes to try. You will discover new foods and test your way through some new products. Try, especially at the beginning, to keep things a little easier. You don’t need expensive superfoods to enjoy a healthy diet. You don’t have to shop at the organic market. Just pick up some tasty staple foods and build a good base.
Lifestyle connects
Find friends and acquaintances who live the same lifestyle as you. Food connects and it is a lot of fun to cook together and be creative. There are also countless Facebook groups that often organize weekly vegan ‘picnics’ in big cities.
Prepare for more difficult situations
Meanwhile there are more and more tasty vegan alternatives on the way, but it doesn’t hurt to prepare for the worst case. Before you run from hunger to the next fast food stall, you should have some fruit, vegetables or vegan bars in your pocket. This not only saves your nerves, but also your wallet 
I hope my tips have helped you, even if just a little.
If you have lived vegan for a long time, what problems did you encounter in the beginning? Share some tips and experiences.
Love, Nathalie.
