If you’re like me, you watched What The Health on Netflix because everyone was talking about it on your timelines.
For those who haven’t seen it yet, What The Health is a documentary that explores the health impact of meat and dairy products consumption and questions the practices of leading health and pharmaceutical organizations.
After viewing the documentary, you most likely swore that you would never eat meat again and would try to give up your beloved dairy products. But, when it came time to deciding what to eat for lunch and dinner, you found yourself lost.
What The Health was very informative and prompts its viewers to make some changes in their diet, but it won’t happen overnight. If you feel a little lost on what you should do next, check out these tips to make your transition to a vegan/plant-based diet a bit easier…
Learn more.
So you’ve decided to make healthier food choices, which is amazing! Now is the time to learn as much as possible about eating a vegan diet. The African American Vegan Starter Guide suggests that if you want to go vegan, reach out to vegans you know and ask about how they transitioned, what challenges they had and how they overcame them. If you really want to engulf yourself in the vegan lifestyle, take classes from an expert in vegan cooking. It’s also important to educate yourself on how to optimally nourish your body on a plant-based diet.
Veganize your favorite meals.
The idea of having to cook various new meals that fit your new vegan diet can be daunting. Take small steps and veganize some of your favorite meals that you cook on a regular basis, which is relatively easy to do. Once you have a list of the animal ingredients that need to be replaced, think about what plant-based foods can be used in the dish. It also helps to replicate the flavor and texture of your favorite foods while cooking a vegan meal. For example, a hamburger can become a grilled or sautéed portobello mushroom smothered with sautéed tomatoes and onions. Or Contrary to popular belief, it’s not hard to veganize your favorite dishes.
Add to your diet before you subtract from it.
Before you get rid of everything you can’t eat anymore, try adding new food options to your daily routine. Incorporate more whole grain, beans, legumes, nuts seeds and tofu in your diet. When it comes to preparing meals, start collecting and experimenting with vegan recipes that you find appealing. Try a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk if you drink milk. One of the great things about transitioning to a vegan diet is that there’s a vegan way to substitute almost every food.
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the transition!
I still haven’t gotten over the fact that I have to give up bacon, but I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. I’ve been saying that I wanted to eat healthier, but I’ve put it off as something I’d get to “tomorrow.” It’s not going to be easy, but celebrate the fact that you’re doing something that you’re body will certainly thank you for later. Enjoy the process!
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