London Living with an Alternative Twist!

Making the Change to a Vegan Lifestyle *

*This is a collaborative post.

Going vegan is a lifestyle choice that many people are beginning to grow more open too. Something that once seemed extreme or difficult is becoming increasingly easy and more of us are growing to learn the reasons that you might want to go vegan. Compassion for animals is growing. There’s now more information out there on how veganism is better for the environment. Many people are learning how veganism can be much more beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing. So, if you’re considering becoming vegan, here’s some advice that can help you along the way!

Check Labels on Everything

When you go vegan, you’ll find yourself routinely checking ingredients lists as you head around the supermarket and pick up different items. Not only are you going to be looking out for clear animal-derived ingredients, such as egg, milk, milk powder and more, but you may need to be wary of more obscure ingredients. Cochineal may not be something you’re immediately familiar with, but you’ll learn to look out for it, as it’s a crushed bug used for food colouring. Vitamin D on cereal packets may seem innocent enough, but you may need to research the brand to determine whether their vitamin D is derived from sheep’s wool. Then, you need to check labels and ingredients beyond food. You may want to check supplements for fish oil or gelatine. You may want to check whether a supplier of CBD oil uses a vegan ingredients list. You may want to check cosmetics to ensure they’re cruelty-free and not tested on animals. This may all feel time-consuming and tiring as you start out, but you’ll eventually grow to know what products you can and can’t use and it will become a habit and routine!

Remember You Don’t Have to Switch All at Once

Going vegan is a big lifestyle change. So you don’t need to go entirely vegan all at once. Sure, this is an approach that works for many people. But if you find it daunting or overwhelming, remember that you can make gradual changes and become vegan over a longer period of time. This can help you to adapt. Why not go pescatarian first? You could then go vegetarian. You could then slowly cut out all other animal products. Perhaps you’ll stop eating cheese, then cut out yoghurt, then go without eggs. Slow and steady is just as good an approach as any other!

Follow Your Own Heart

Of course, there are always going to be people who are critical of veganism or use it as the butt of a poor joke. This can make people feel awkward or ashamed of making the change, when really, it’s in everyone’s best interests! Just remember to follow your own heart through this journey. Chances are you want to go vegan for a reason, so keep that reason in the back of your mind at all times. It will give you strength and encourage you to persevere.

As you can see, there are a few steps you may need to take to convert to a vegan diet or lifestyle. But this is a hugely positive journey you’re taking and, hopefully, some of the above information and advice can help you along the way!

Hey,
I'm Squibb Vicious, better known as Haydy!
Happiest with a craft beer in hand, eating til my heart is content or exploring somewhere new.
Here you can read about my adventures!

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