Tips For Staying Vegan

Different approaches 

I have found that there are varying opinions about how we tackle things generally. Thus it's refreshing to hear someone else's take on 'how to do it well' with regards to a topic, which is very close to my heart - being vegan!

So here's some tips, courtesy of Rebecca.

Be consistent to help you stay vegan

If you have decided to become a vegan, you may at times find that you have trouble sticking to your eating plan. With so many non-vegan options tempting you, it can be hard to stay focused and on track. However, as with any 'diet', the most effective way to see results is by being consistent. By following these simple guidelines for staying vegan, you might find that you have an easier time staying healthy.

Make 'feel good' vegan meals

One of the best ways to stay vegan is to ensure that you make the best food choices that you can. If your meals feel like “diet food,” you will be tempted to stray from it and eat something easily, which seems more indulgent.

Try searching for 'delicious vegan recipes' and look for healthy foods that can be bought in stores, so that meal times are enjoyable. It can be especially hard to have the right food available when eating at family get-togethers, or while on the road. If you have to stop for snacks somewhere, remember that there are often meat and animal product - free products, such as, nuts and nutrition bars available, as well as fresh fruit. At family gatherings, you may want to consider bringing along a vegan dish to share.

Know the health benefits of going plant-based

Be sure to become knowledgeable about the health benefits of staying vegan. You may find yourself up against criticism from others who follow mainstream diets, and this can really make it easy to slip back into old habits. Be sure to have information to hand about where to get healthy nutrients like protein and calcium, so that you can nip inaccurate, negative conversations in the bud.

Be kind to yourself

Finally, if you do make a mistake, do not beat yourself up over it. Gently remind yourself about why you made the choice in the first place, whether it is for environmental reasons, health reasons, or humane reasons, remember, you are only human, and you can always strive to do a better job next time. Staying vegan can certainly be hard, but the health and moral benefits are endless.

---

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
- J.K. Rowling

Can you eat a healthy plant-based diet whilst on a budget?

This video has a few comedy moments in it! Aside from those there are some huge positive, creative and realistic points to take away from it. It's 8 minutes long and the content shows us how we can eat really well without spending lots of money.

 “Every action has its pleasures and its price.” Socrates

Conclusion: The effects of soya on health and the environment

This post is the final part of a four part series of posts. You can find the introduction (part one) here, part two here and part three here. I've been asked many questions about soya and I've heard contradictory opinions too, so I asked Sagar Kirit Shah to write an article it. Here's his conclusion.

Conclusion - the effects of soya on health and the environment

In summary, my view is that soya not a health risk, but is certainly not a health panacea and is by no means necessary for good health on a vegan diet.

Buying power

I also believe it is relatively straight forward to avoid some of the adverse environmental effects by purchasing soya products made with non-GM beans from plantations not associated with rainforest destruction.

Lightly processed vs highly processed

I believe there is nothing wrong with enjoying the taste and convenience of soya products as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Just try and remember it is much better to go for lightly processed, whole bean, products (e.g. whole bean soya milk, tofu, tempeh, natto, miso, edamame) than for products which are highly processed (e.g. meat analogues made using texturised soya protein, soya alternatives to single cream and soya ice cream).

Previous articles in this series

Part 1 - Should we consume soya or not?

Part 2 - Does soya consumption have a negative impact on health?

Part 3 - Is soya good for the environment?

---

“I've been vegan for about 10 and a half years. It's been all good. I'm obviously much healthier.”
- Woody Harrelson