I've heard from a lot of you that in this beautiful new year of 2014, many plan to go vegan, or part vegan, or just give more veggies a whirl. I want to help. Having gone straight from rare steak eater, to vegan in one night, I assure you, I made many mistakes right off the bat. Hopefully, if I share some of mine, I can help you avoid these deadly sins...ok, they aren't deadly at all, but I think it will make things a little smoother.
Sometimes people are completely baffled as to what I live off of. Others think it must be sooo much work. Once you get used to being vegan, it's really easy. I often compare it to walking. You spend your whole life learning how to walk forwards. If you decide all of a sudden you want to walk sideways, it will be awkward, and you will probably trip a few times, but if you keep doing it, eventually walking sideways will be second nature.....I don't recommend learning to walk sideways and going vegan at the same time. That would really freak your friends out! So anyways, here we go. What NOT to do when going Vegan.
1. Don't throw out all your kitchen gadgets.
Steak knifes, fondu pots, cheese graters, a barbecue, meat slicer, grill pan, you name it! Although a good kitchen cleaning is a great way to start a vegan diet, don't throw out tools! Tools are tools, regardless of their original purpose, they are designed to be useful. They make life easier and, ehem, shall I say "fuss free". They can let you create and explore, and even though some tools intended use is for meat or dairy, you can find many new interesting ways to use them. Barbecue up some mixed veggies, use a meat slicer to evenly slice bananas lengthwise, dehydrate them, and hello banana candy! Before you know it "steak knife" will become tofu package opener, and "cheese grater" will be vegetable shredder.
2. Try not to talk about it too much.
You're excited about your new food adventures. Trust me, I get it! But don't go bragging to your meat eater friends about it... too much. I have noticed that people take food very personally. This is something they enjoy several times daily, so when someone waves their new food morals into your face, it can be annoying. Just wait for the "where do you get your protein questions". See, annoying. You can talk about it, sure, you will probably have to at some point, but just try to keep it simple. Chances are people will be interested anyways, so let them ask the questions. Itching with excitement and just want to tell people? Leave a comment here! The vegan community is very supportive.
3. Don't rudely turn down food.
You ate it a month ago, so when your friend offers you a cheese plate, don't scoff and be disgusted. Just politely say no thank you. Did someone plop down a piece of meat on your plate? Just return the meat to the serving plate. No need to make a big fussy deal. It's new to you. It will take your friends and family a while to get used to it too. To soften the blow, just say that you are currently experimenting with a vegan diet. Friends serving you food aren't trying to be jerks, infact, just the opposite, they are trying to be friends. It's not their job to cook for your diet.
4. Don't live off of salad.
I've gotten questions from new vegans wondering how they could possibly live off of this diet, and when I ask what they are eating, they tell me salad, hummus, and that's about it. Agh! I would be starving! Not to mention bored beyond belief. There are so many delightful things to eat and no need to be that limiting. Dive into vegan pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, soups. Asian food is a great option when on the run, just get the veggie options, and maybe check that there is no egg. Feast yourself galore! Don't deprive yourself. Meat and dairy are much more calorically dense than most vegan foods, so let yourself eat big bowls and plates of food. I almost always go for seconds. You are changing to an all new diet, so let yourself breathe a little. If you come across a vegan cupcake, go for it, want another slice of bread, do it. You are already eating healthier so get comfortable in this diet before considering limiting it even more. Don't forget to check out all my recipes here and give them a go.
5. Don't forget to cook!
Maybe you don't cook a lot, but if vegan is your goal, you will end up cooking often. This doesn't have to be a lot of work. Some people take a couple of hours on a Sunday and prepare large portions of food to last them throughout the week. Others, (like me) tend to cook on the fly. Whatever your style, make sure your kitchen gets some action. Even if you have great options at restaurants around you, nothing beats the price, the taste, and the comfort of a homemade meal. Cooking is even a little less frightening now. No worrying about meat being undercooked or raw eggs in batter. Vegan foods can be eaten at any stage of the cooking process. Pass the cookie dough!
6. Don't be afraid to try new things.
Going vegan is trying a new thing. Many of the dishes that used to be my faves don't even interest me anymore, and instead I have racked up a list of yummy new foods I like to munch on. There are so many awesome fresh fruits and veggies available, don't be afraid to venture away from the basics. If you see someone eating seasoned hemp seeds, have a taste, never heard of seitan? Try that. Seaweed chips? Sure thing. Dragonfuit? In the basket. You probably won't like everything, but you may come across your new favourite.
7. Don't leave the house without snacks.
In the beginning it is tough to know how to find vegan food on the go. Your old snack spots or restaurants may not have a lot of options, so don't get stuck somewhere, starving without anything to eat. Â I like to always have some fruit, a granola bar or some nuts on hand just in case I get hungry. Prepare some snack bags, and don't leave house without them!
8. Don't be so hard on yourself.
So you had something with cheese, or you ate meat or fish... yeah that isn't what your striving for, but what you are striving for is completely new. It's not about perfection. Your taste buds are learning, old habits are being broken, and that isn't always easy. Do you know that you can literally be addicted to cheese!? It takes about 3 months for your body to completely rid itself of these addictions. I used to be obsessed with cheese, now I don't miss it at all. It will happen! Give yourself some time, and before you know it, you won't even be interested in your old favourites.
I hope these tips have been helpful! I would love to know, what mistakes you made when going vegan? If you are in the process, what are you finding hard? Leave a comment, question, or just say hello!
Bon Appetegan!
Karen says
Really enjoyed reading your blog . I've been vegan now for 3 weeks and I can say it's had its ups and downs . Fortunately it improving daily , really feel healthier and enjoying cooking more . The friends thing is going quite well too . As when I offer a friend , cake whilst having tea , then tell them after a bite its vegan , it's complete shock . ( gosh that's really nice ! ) they say .
Looking forward to a longer healthier life and being completely detached from the cruelty that goes on within the meat trade .
Sam Turnbull says
Welcome Karen, and congrats on your new veganism!! Haha, I always love when people are surprised that vegan cake actually tastes good. I always say, yeah, I guess most people like their cake to taste like eggs. Haha! So happy it seems to be going well for you so far. It will continue to get easier as you go! Let me know if you ever have any questions or need any support 🙂
Sam
Kathleen says
Hi Sam! I came across this article when I was searching "beginner vegan" on Pinterest. I'm considering it and really like your advice about not beating yourself up if you're not perfect. It's scary!! My Husband is supportive but won't be joining me. So it will be a challenge cooking two ways. But I was encouraged by a Doctor I just had a consultation with. He gave me a lot of information and resource suggestions. Yesterday I watched Forks Over Knives. Today I watched Vegucated. That one pretty much made up my mind for me! Anyway, I'm looking forward to weaving my way through your blog and trying out some of your recipes. Thanks for helping out us newbies!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Kathleen,
Welcome!! Congrats on your new vegan adventure! My best friend has been vegan for over a year, and her husband and kid are not. I also hear from many vegans who are in similar situations, it can be done! People often ask me if going vegan is difficult and I say, it's just replacing old habits with new habits. Once you get the swing of things you don't even really have to think about it anymore. Let me know if you ever have any questions or need any support 🙂
Laury says
Hi Samantha, I found your blog while looking for recipe for vegans. After watching a few documentaries and due to health and weight problems, I decided to make a change for myself and for the poor animals. Is incredibly difficult to transition when you live in a household of full meat lovers, although I was never a huge meat person I am a person that loves sweet and cheese. It will take time but I'm determine to change.
Absolutely love your blog. Blessings
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Laury,
Welcome!! Congrats on your transitioning to veganism! It's for sure a challenge at first, but I really think it's just replacing old habits with new ones. You kind of have to relearn how to eat and cook, but once you get that covered, you won't even really need to think about it anymore. Before you know it, it will be easy and (like almost all vegans I know), you will soon say it was one of the best decisions you ever made! Just remember, don't beat yourself up if you make mistakes along the way. It isn't about perfectionism, it's about doing the best you can. So happy you love my blog, please let me know if you ever have any questions or need any support. 🙂
Susan says
I just began a vegan diet yesterday...I live in a tiny town in the West. I purchased a lot of fruit and veggies and the few vegan items I could find. Meat isn't hard to avoid, not even in cattle country, but milk and egg products are. We have a small, family run market and a WalMart grocery. Almost every bread type item had milk or eggs in it.
I've decided to cut out all meat for now - so far so good - and to cut out all milk and eggs as much as possible until I make my monthly shopping trip in a bigger city in September. I don't eat very much sugar (I never buy white, refined sugar) but I do eat white flour. White flour is going to be difficult to remove from my diet. I want to cut out all refined sugar and flour eventually in order to truly test how a vegan diet makes me feel as at 48 I have been extremely tired lately.
I laughed: having been vegan for about 36 hours I didn't make any of these 'mistakes'.
Can't wait to experience my taste buds waking up.
Sam Turnbull says
Congrats Susan!!! That's so awesome. I grew up in the country so I know what you mean. Even in the city they seem to use milk in EVERYTHING! So annoying. Your approach is perfect. Doing the best you can is all you can do! As you learn more of the products around you and get more comfortable, you will find your way and it will become much easier. All of the recipes on my site don't use any meat alternatives or anything like that, so you shouldn't have a problem making the majority of them. Congrats again, and let me know if you ever have any questions or need any support 🙂
Naiomi says
I had tried going plant-based earlier this year but then a family member died and we were constantly going to meetings for it where they made nothing but non-vegan foods. Especially since my culture revolves around using food as a social thing, so I ended up straying away for a bit. Now I have a clearer mind finally and I think I'm ready to try a plant based diet out again and I'm so happy after finding your blog and I'm so ready to try some recipes. I'll have to slowly get back into it though because I live with my parents so I might start with a vegan meal once a week to get them used to it also? My dad also has diabetes so I'm hoping I can get him on a plant based diet to help with his health. Could you possibly recommend some recipes my meat-loving family would like?
Sam Turnbull says
Congrats Naiomi! So happy you are making the move towards a plant based diet. If you haven't seen the documentary Forks Over Knives, I highly recommend it, it's on Netflix. Maybe you and your dad can watch it together. It looks at the health benefits of a plant based diet, and you are totally correct, it will help your dad's diabetes. You can check out all of my recipe here, and easily browse through them to see which ones you think your family may like. Enjoy!
Laurence Burris says
Excellent advice!
Sam Turnbull says
Glad you like it Laurence!
Elizabeth says
My father cannot have gluten, and I am sort of interested in a vegan diet. My mother says that most vegan foods are grain based. Is that true?
Sam Turnbull says
Good news! You can totally be a gluten-free vegan, my best friend is one! I think what your mother is referring to is mock meats. Some of those are made by using vital wheat gluten, which is wheat protein. Obviously that isn't gluten free. There are mock meats that are gluten free so you can just opt for those for your dad. However, you don't need to eat any mock meats at all. You will find all the recipes on my blog don't use any, and I even have a whole section for gluten-free recipes. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions or need any support 🙂
GIGI says
Hi Sam, I just found this site. I don't know if you can help me, I am trying to go vegan, have been for a while back and forth with it and vegetarian. I have thalassemia abua,vehwre I can't make enough red cells so I end up in the hospital if I don't eat meat once in a while. I do have to eat ham, eggs once in a while. I have to even if I dont want to, eat very small, once every 2 months roast beef, steak. any kind of meat or chicken Or cheese, or fish, I don't ever eat again..I also have life threatening food allergies to chicken, msg, marinated food, onions, Chinese food, wines, or spices, soy, gluten, soybean oil products, peanut butter, some peanuts, and anything seasoned, bread crumbs, or in a bag sauces, or stewed tomatoes, can only have fresh, no spices, no garlic bread either. I Can eat pizza, no cheese no ice cream, had it once a year, no milk, lactose intolerant. I can have salt or pepper, garlic powder and parsley only sugar top in my sauce when I make it for pasta, no cheese if any kind, no whip cream, no wheat allergic so white bread only. I have IBSC too Hiatal Hernia and 5 small gall stones. I watch everything I eat or in a restaurant, too bland always. I do use my butter, only when I make a egg, very little. I tried others threw up, so Lando lakes is ok. I can eat hit cereal sometimes, have granola bars, snack on cranberries dried bananas cashews sometimes, but can get a bad stomach ache and the runs from it too. Have cinnamon raisin muffins or bread, plain, with the scrambled egg or poached, oj too and cranberry Juice, water only are my drinks. I have hit water or hot cocoa no milk once a year. I am very limited it is so hard, I am 69 look 38, thin fit and family or friends are eating healthy but not like you or me, they look at me like are you crazy you need meat for protein for the anemia. It is under control only because I have small piece of steak tip or a RB tiny junior sandwich if I quit altogether which I just did again a few months ago I will get sick weak blurry vision, and end up in the ER again!!! I feel so alone and hopeless as my sisters eat fish some meat everything I can't..Thank you for listening to me God Bless You, wish I could go vegan all the way but I hope I am already helping the animals not eating these foods for years now. Ginger
Sam Turnbull says
Hi GIGI,
Don't let your family and friends get you down. There are so many awesome place to meet like-minded people. Try searching for a "vegan meet ups" in your area, or finding a local vegan Facebook page. It can be such a relief to have even just one friend who has a similar mindset to you. Of course you're always welcome here 🙂
As for your diet issues, I'm not a Dr. so I can't give you any medical advice, but I recommend seeking out an expert in that area. Try plantbaseddoctors.org to find a Dr who already believes in the power of plants! I'm sorry I couldn't be more help!
Tai says
Hi GIGI,
Sorry to interrput....but some information.
I have a friend who owns his own chain of health-supplement stores and has gone to school for naturopathy. He's a wealth of knowledge and introduced me to the two links below.
This healthy eating process has been created to help those heal their gut and has been known to free people of IBS and Crohns. My friend has atypical Crohns and this is the only way he can deal with it. Once he goes for about a year or so, he has no symptoms for years following. Healing the gut can really help with food allergies, too.
Only thing is you have to commit 100% for it to work well, no cheating. 🙂
http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/
A vegan iron supplement that I know really works is this one: http://www.huebner-vital.de/en/prod-eisenmangel-eisenvital-f.html
I have issues with iron as well and find red meat the best option for a quick fix when I'm low. But consistently using Vital F keeps me good and is a lot easier on your insides than the doctor-prescribed iron. My sister is on it permanently due to other health issues and it's keeping her iron levels quite stable.
Sam --> This page is so much fun, I really like how light and open it feels. I will definitely being trying out your recipes. My mother and one sister are allergic to dairy, my other sister is lactose-intolerant. My BFF is GF and DF due to health issues and has opted to move towards a more vegan-based lifestyle already. I love that I can cater to their needs and the food still taste awesome! Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Thanks for the helpful tips, and thank you so much!! I hope you enjoy the recipes when you get to try them. I love that the world is going more vegan! Woot woot! 🙂
Mandy says
I have only been vegan for about 2 weeks now. I quit eating meat almost 3 months ago and after reading "Skinny Bitch," I decided that I needed to be a bad ass vegan. I feel like I was meant for this diet. Anyway, I haven't yet eliminated all of the products I use or wear, just the food. Is there a specific website or app you suggest for new vegans trying to avoid/eliminate animal products from their household items/clothes,etc?
Sam says
Hi Mandy,
Welcome, and congrats on your two weeks vegan!! High five my friend.
I still have some things in my house that aren't vegan from before I was vegan, but anything I buy is always vegan and cruelty-free. It does take a little while (or at least it did for me), to learn what products I liked and which ones are cruelty-free, and I definitely made mistakes and discoveries along the way.
I do recommend doing a bit of research before heading to the store, as it can be stressful to be in the store trying to figure out which shampoo is cruelty-free. The apps I recommend are Is It Vegan? which is great because you can scan barcodes, Bunny Free, you can search by brand name if they are cruelty-free, and Happy Cowwhich shows you all of the vegan friendly restaurants around you. Again, welcome, and please let me know if you have any more questions or need any support 🙂
Meredith says
That's the same book I read that convinced me to try going vegetarian, if not completely vegan. It hadn't occurred to me to think about products other than food though. Thanks for the app suggestions, I think those will really help me change my life style since I feel completely clueless about what's good and what's not sometimes. Thanks for your encouraging blog!
Sam says
You're very welcome Meredith! Please let me know if you have any more questions or need any support 🙂
Angie says
Hi Mandy!
I have heard that veganessentials.com has just about every product imaginable! Good luck!
Haleigh Ammon says
Sam,
Thank you so much for your amazing blog! I love your perspective and attitude about being vegan. I also LOVE your recipes. I am a vegetarian trying to go vegan, but I am currently studying in Buenos Aires, Argentina so it's pretty difficult. Not many vegan options in South America. However, I am already losing my love for cheese (FINALLY)! My Pinterest board is loaded with your recipes and I can't wait to get home and try them! Thank you so, so, so much!
Best,
Haleigh
Sam says
Hi Haleigh!
You make me blush! Thank you so much! I'm so very happy that you are loving my blog and recipes. Congrats on your adventure into veganism. Let me know if you ever have any questions or need any support. 🙂
Sam
Rosie says
I dont know why this big idea came up to go from vegetarian to vegan but it did and im thinking about it. Your tips help so much esp not telling family how to eat and what your doing is a great tip. Thanks so much!
Sam says
Aww glad you find my tips helpful Rosie! Let me know if you have any more questions or need any support 🙂
Jackie Fox says
I'm slowly making the transition to vegan. I'm mostly vegetarian at the moment. (I still have fish and cheese occasionally). My husband doesn't want to be a vegetarian, so I cook the things he likes. I've even tasted some of the meat things he likes and I find - to my surprise - I don't care for them anymore. He does like the vegetarian and vegan food I make, so by default he's getting a better diet. I'm 63, so friends and family think I'm a little nuts, but so be it. I'm trying not to over-explain my position, so I'm so glad I found your post. I don't know anyone else in my circle of friends that is vegetarian or vegan, so it's nice to hear from others. Thank you again.
Sam says
You're very welcome Jackie! A few months into when I first went vegan I was at a party standing around the appetizer table chatting and out of habit picked up a piece of turkey and shoved it into my mouth. I immediately gagged and had to spit it out. It was awful, and not just because I didn't want to eat animals, it just tasted really terrible. Isn't it so interesting how quickly our taste buds change? I had a few little hiccups like that in the beginning of my journey and it just confirmed for me that I absolutely do not miss meat. Congrats on your adventure into veganism!! I have some family friends that are your age who just made the switch. Does everyone think they are crazy? Probably. Do they care? Nope. They feel so great and are enjoying their food more that ever now. If you are interested in meeting vegans in your area, try going to vegan meet ups. It can be a great way to meet new friends. And of course you are always supported and welcome here 🙂
Jules says
Thank you for the article! Very helpful!!! My husband and I are very interested and have already started to change our lifestyle to vegan and article helped me to not be so scared.
Sam says
You're very welcome Jules! So happy you loved it. Congrats on our new change, let me know if you have any questions or need any support 🙂
Sara says
Hi Sam,
I found this article very helpful and actually comforting. I am looking forward to checking out the rest of your blog!
Sam says
Thanks Sara! Let me know if you have any questions or need any support 🙂
Donna says
I've been a vegetarian for 3.25 years. I could easily become vegan were it not for CHEESE! So, I'm mostly vegan since I only eat eggs and other dairy items in food not prepared by me. ::sigh:: I am very glad I found your site though.
Emily says
Hi Sam! This was such a great article to read. I am currently transitioning into a vegan lifestyle and with the help of my vegan friends it's been quite easy. Though I literally just started last week I have already seen the difference in my body as it is flushing away all the toxins in my body. I am feeling fantastic! However, the things I struggle most with are finding vegan-friendly dishes at restaurants and not wanting to cause an awkward scene by simply asking the waiter to check if there are any vegan dishes on the menu. I've already gotten a couple family relatives that have taken it personal that I've chosen this lifestyle. I'm still educating myself on veganism but sometimes I just don't know the answers. I'm still doing my research, but are there any tips you have to share? Also, I had a fail the other day. I had fish tacos. I've never been huge on red meat but fish and chicken I've always liked so those are my main struggles at the moment. Thank you for posting this awesome article!
Sam says
Hi Emily!
Congrats on your new vegan adventure!!!
For dining out at restaurants, check out my article on How to Eat Vegan at Any Restaurant (and not order salad) Speak up for yourself when you go out. The best way to do this and to not seem like a bother is to ask about vegan options ahead of time, either by calling ahead, or asking before you are seated. This way, if they don't have any, you can find somewhere else to eat, or if they do have options, you can relax and enjoy your meal without stressing.
I find with family, it just takes time. Many people think that you are just going through a phase, but once you prove that you are serious, and it's going to last, they will begin to ease up on you. It's frustrating, for sure. I come from a family of chefs, butchers, and hunters, so trust me, it wasn't easy at first. A few years later and several of my cousins have gone vegan! You might find my article 10 Things You Didn't Know About Vegans helpful as well.
Don't stress about the little stuff, keep an eye on the big picture. You are eating WAY less animal products, and it's all new for you. Being vegan isn't about being perfect, it's about doing the best that you can. It's whole a lot better to do something, than to do nothing at all!
Let me know if you have any more questions, I am always here and eager to help out!
Best,
Sam
M says
I've turned vegetarian 3 months ago, after more than a year wanting to do so. It was a bot complicated as I live with my boyfriend who is a meat addict but we've found a way. I cook meat once a month and freeze it and then, when he wants meat once in a while, he can go to the freezer and choose. Meanwhile he eats what I eat and it's great to see so many dishes he loves. I cook vegan many times but I'm still dealing with my passion for eggs and cheese. The other day I just had a fried egg.. oh well, I try not to think too much about it. I'm happy as a vegetarian and it jsut feels right for me. With time I hope to make the transition to vegan 🙂 Great blog btw*
Sam says
Keep up the great work M! You are totally heading in the right direction. Don't beat yourself up for the little hiccups here and there. It's a whole lot better to do something, than to do nothing at all. It's great that your boyfriend is eating more veg as a result too. So happy you like my blog, please let me know if you have any questions or if need support! 😀
Bianca says
Hi Sam
What a great article...right on time for me.
I have been vegetarian for 1 month and am preparing to go vegan from 1 July. Yes new goals, new health!
The only thing; eggs and cheese are my weakness. And when I read your post...I might me addicted! Well having a Dutch background, I was born with cheese in my mouth! 😉
The other thing I find is that I have seen a lot of recipes with bread, pasta etc. That makes me bloated and feel nausea. What could I use insread to still have substantial meals?
Sam says
Hi Bianca!
Welcome, and congrats on your new vegan adventure! I found that quitting cheese and eggs is way easier than you think. That was my experience, and I know lots of other people had similar experiences. I used to love cheese too, now it smells like feet to me! haha.
Are you gluten intolerant? If you are you could try rice noodles and gluten free breads instead. If it's just a general bloat thing, then you could try other starches like rice and potatoes. My guess is that once you go vegan for awhile your belly will calm down and you won't get bloated as much. When you switch to vegan your fiber intake goes way up, which means your body gets to flush out your system and get rid of all of the stuff that it doesn't like. I used to have a very sensitive belly and now I never get a belly ache!
Congrats again, and let me know if you have any more questions. 😀
Christina says
Wow, Thank you so much for this post! I have only recently started to change to a vegan diet and its really good to read other opinions, get some Tips or learn about their first steps.
Thank you!
Sam says
You are so very welcome Christina! Congrats on your new vegan adventure. Let me know if you have any questions or need any support. 😀
Kris Jackson says
Just went Vegan as of yesterday. I've done good all day but I just had to have cheese. I'm not too disappointed in myself considering this is my first day and I've avoided meat all day. Anyways I'm trying!!! Thanks for the tips!
Sam says
Congrats on your new vegan adventure Kris!!!
Good for you, and yes, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember that doing something is way better than doing nothing, and every small change is helping your health, the environment, and of course the animals. I find the best strategy is to replace old habits with new ones. So if you used to snack on cheese and crackers, perhaps try hummus and crackers, or another vegan alternative.
Let me know if you need any support or have any questions at all, I'm here to help 😀