A Guide To Going Vegan And Loving It
Try to think of vegans, and you’ll most probably picture an animal-life activist or a granola-obsessed gym-freak or even that ‘Wellness Influencer’ on Instagram.
Yes, going vegan-friendly isn’t easy. But, it also doesn’t have to be a terrifying task.
Maybe you’ve always been vegetarian and want to move on to something better or maybe it’s your health that is a concern. Regardless of the reason, going vegan doesn't have to be as difficult as other people tell you it is. With a rise in alternative lifestyles, veganism has flourished all over the country. Here are a few quick tips before you take the plunge into the vegan lifestyle!
What Does It Mean?
According to The Vegan Society who coined the term in 1944, veganism can be defined as:
"A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."
In simpler words, it means trying to live as kindly as possible by excluding all meat, fish, eggs, dairy and other animal-derived ingredients and products. It also involves preventing the exploitation of animals and in turn, doing the environment a favour.
Take It Slow
If Brad Pitt can, so can you, right? Going on a vegan diet will make you feel fuller from the fibre-rich fruit and vegetable-based meals while lowering the numbers on your scale. Try going meatless until dinner, as it’s much easier to eat plant-based food for breakfast and lunch. Make the transition easier by removing dairy from your diet for one day a week, while slowly increasing the number of days. Don’t be shy to ask a restaurant if they serve vegan-friendly food or vegan versions of dishes; they won’t think you’re weird.
How Tough Is It To Go Vegan In India?
It’s difficult to imagine even a vegetarian Indian meal without dairy in it. You will find everything from paneer to raita to even a milk-based dessert. Excluding these from your meal, apart from meat could mean missing out on a large source of Protein, Calcium, Iodine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Hence, it is important to consult with a dietician and have a proper plan before hopping on the vegan diet. Just remember to make sure you eat a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, pulses, grains and nuts, including a daily intake of these nutrients with every meal.
In The Mood For A Swap?
Maybe it’s a meaty, grilled burger, oozing with cheese or some juicy sausages that your breakfast is incomplete without? Whatever your comfort food of choice is, replace it with a vegan version. There’s a plant-based and gluten-free alternative available for almost any kind of food – be it a pizza or a burger. Make the transition easier by finding vegan-friendly ways to recreate your favourite dishes at home! Do your research and start eating well.
Experimenting For A Better Experience
Plant-based foods and ingredients are not just available, but also growing in popularity in every corner of the world. Leave your food comfort-zone and train your taste buds to try new recipes and flavours. Look up amazing new vegan dishes or learn to make new ones – the internet is indeed a treasure trove when it comes to veganism. You might not like everything you try, but you’ll certainly end up discovering new favourites!
Being vegan doesn’t mean it can’t be fun
Embracing a vegan lifestyle and opting for healthy food doesn't mean it has to be boring. You can still enjoy all kinds of vegan snacks. Check out these vegan diet snacks that will impress everyone. Did you know you can also bake your own vegan cake? All you have to do is use plant-based and gluten-free ingredients to make your food. Consider using non dairy creamers instead of milk and cream for desserts. And that's not all you can make your own vegan cocktails too, like a vegan White Russian made with cashew milk. Read all about it here: Vegan Party Snack Recipes That Are The Ultimate Crowd Pleasers
Whether you’re just curious or whether it’s your cholesterol count that’s concerning, consider giving veganism a try and do your bit for yourself and the planet. Start with an open mind, learn to cook better, experience the taste of something new and end up saving money by skipping fast-food.
It’s a win-win situation after all!
*Drink Responsibly!
