6 Tips for New Vegans
/Sometimes when you are making a big change, like going vegan, it can feel extremely overwhelming. Sometimes we just need a few basics to get going.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
🥑 Be sure to eat enough food! Whole plant foods contain fewer calories than animal products so you may need to eat more. If you become fatigued, are getting headaches, or become irritable, try increasing your food intake.
🌱 Go easy on the fiber. When you are first transitioning to a plant based diet, too much fiber may cause bloating and gas. Animal products contain 0g of fiber but plant sources are packed with it. Go slowly. Be sure to thoroughly chew each bite and drink plenty of water.
🥑 Stick to whole plant foods. If you want to experience all of the amazing health benefits of a plant based diet, stick to whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables and nuts/seeds. Try to limit processed, vegan food (although these are great transition items).
🍏 Supplementation! While a balanced plant based diet provides most vitamins and nutrients, you may want to consider supplementing with B12 and vitamin D. Please consider getting a blood test to check your levels.
❤️ Be kind to yourself. For those of us who have been eating animal products our entire lives, this is a big change. If you make a mistake, forgive yourself and get back on track with your next meal.
🎗️Get support! You can absolutely do this on your own but it may be a lot more fun with a friend. Join a Facebook group, attend a local meetup or hire a coach.
For even more tips, be sure to grab your very own Vegan 101 Guide or consider working with a coach (hmm….like me!). 😀