Just gone vegan? – Here is what you need to know
If you have made the decision to go vegan then you already know the numerous benefits.
No diet can guarantee a longer and healthy life, however leading a vegan diet that eliminates a number of unhealthy foods like cured/red meat or sugary snacks and instead eat more vegetables and fruits can improve your odds. The following are just some of the health benefits associated with a vegan diet
- Reducing obesity- several studies show that a plant based diet can help shed excess weight.
- It is also linked to lowering risks of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
- Can help control type 2 diabetes
- Help with hypertension- high blood pressure
Some people first decide to go on a vegetarian diet and then move onto veganism either in one step or by cutting out dairy and eggs one at a time.
- Begin incorporating more whole grain, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu into your diet. Familiarise yourself with their preparation, storage, and uses.
- Take B12 supplements
- Start collecting and experimenting with vegan recipes that appeal to you.
- Find a few different quick and easy vegan meals that you enjoy and get comfortable preparing them.
- Switch out milk for a non-dairy alternative such as almond or soy. This is an easy switch for most people but there's a lot of options, so experiment to find which you like best.
Feelings new vegans may experience could be constantly feeling hungry and never feel satisfied with their food options. However, try to eat more filling, rich in fibre foods which if combined with creamy sauce and complex carbs to feel fuller for longer.
A vegan diet consist of many lower calorie foods, therefore it is not uncommon for new vegans to unintentionally eat too few calories and feeling fatigue. Try to track your food intake and incorporate high calorie food options.
Eating out can cause issues sometimes, it is always advised to research prior to going out, but due to the increase in demand most restaurants now can provide a vegan menu. When going to a friend or family’s place then always try to take something with you just in case they have nothing available.
You might miss some of your favourite meals but you can always swap certain ingredients in your favourite recipes and still have them so you don’t feel as if you are missing out on your favourite dishes prior to the transition.
New vegans can find it difficult knowing which snacks are vegan friendly and if you like snacking as much as we do then not being able to eat your favourite snack can be very discouraging. Thankfully these days there are is a wide range of vegan snacks options.
At Snack Packs we research and try all new products and select only the highest quality snacks to be added to our boxes each month.
Think of all the new and delicious foods there are to try rather than thinking about the foods you’re giving up. You may find yourself surprised at how many options there really are. Some of your favourite foods are probably vegan to begin with, there's loads of international dishes that are suitable for vegans, it can be so easy it is to veganize your old favourite meals and recipes. Don't worry about the changes you're making, get excited about them!