It has been awhile since I have posted on this blog. There is no other reason then, life gets in the way. Still practicing and following all things vegan and now ready to share again.
I thought I would start with talking to those interested in trying the vegan lifestyle and what that will entail. Here are a few thoughts and a little advice:
If you are currently a meat eater and you think you would like to be a vegan, I
strongly suggest that you start with being a vegetarian. Giving up meat can be a challenging and serious commitment. Depending on how much meat you currently eat, it might make sense to start with 3 days a week and work your way up to no meat at all. If you are someone who currently only eats chicken and fish, cut out one at a time. This will allow you to gradually add your vegetarian choices in as you weed the meat out. Remember that vegetables, fruits and beans should be your staples but there are excellent “meat alternatives” that will help you transition. Check out our “
Meatless Meats” section of our website for some good ideas.
If you are ready to go “full vegan” remember that you will need to bring your eye
glasses to the market. You will be reading many labels. You will be surprised at how many products have milk or eggs in them. Even many of your condiments, like garlic powder, can have milk in it. You will still have rice, potatoes, tortillas available but you will have to be watchful with breads and pastas. Again, look at our site under “
Carbs” for some good choices. Once your diet is fully vegan, you can then start working on products and clothing. There is a lot to consider in being vegan and it should be a process. This is why we call our site the Practicing Vegan. Each day we get better and better at our choices.
Don’t announce to the world that you are a vegan. I know you are excited and
proud of your choice but it will complicate your journey. Not that you shouldn’t be proud of your choice but I guarantee, you will get all kinds of crazy comments that can be discouraging. I use to tell people that I was vegan before attending a party and they would be all worried as to what they would feed me. Now, I just show up with a vegan dish, enough for all to try(Gardein Meatballs with red sauce with a loaf of French bread is a great choice here). This is a win/win as most people will LOVE the food and consider trying it themselves. I just added a “
Pot-Luck” section to the site and would love some ideas. Please add your ideas in the comments here or go to our site and share there.
Don’t become a Vegan Nazi. The reason vegans get a bad wrap is that many social
media and websites discuss non-vegans as if they are “lesser people”. Since most of us began as meat eaters and can understand why people like meat, it is unfair for us to act as if we are “better than”. You will get strong arguments from meat eaters. You are on your own journey and you will need all of your strength and positive mindfulness to keep you on your path.
So, there are a few of my suggestions. I would love to hear from other Vegetarians/Vegans on how we can help people with their transition. Please consider responding or commenting on these thoughts. Also, please follow this blog, check out our website and share your thoughts, challenges and ideas.
Thanks for reading!
Dr. Susan Cardillo
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