When I first first decided to take this path I went out for a walk in my neighborhood and counted all of the places that I could purchase food within a few block radius. I counted something like 52 places between supermarkets, gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants. I started thinking about all of the animals that were slaughtered daily just to keep up with this demand and I was really blown away. This was just a few mile stretch near my home. It wasn’t the entire street, or city or state or country! It was really humbling to think about this. What was even sadder to me than all the death was the conditions that the animals were kept in while awaiting their fate. In order to keep up with the demand for us to have animal protein and have dairy products available 24/7 for the ever growing global demand, while animals are kept in absolutely deplorable conditions.
1. There are many reasons to go vegan; it’s non-exploitative, it’s a gift to the environment, and of course, plant-based foods are healthier. However, you must know your motivation. That particular reason that makes you want to become a vegan will be your personal motivation, his is what will keep you going.
2. Go slow, do not rush yourself. Always remember it is your personal journey. Don’t make it too hard on yourself; focus on yourself and whatever internal obstacles or resistance that pop up in response to your new dietary.
3. Stay true to yourself; there are times you will accidentally or intentionally eat some animal-based products, that doesn’t mean you should stop. Keep going, remember your motivation.
4. Some family members may not entirely understand your vegan lifestyle, some may even unknowingly offer you foods that are off your plan, it is left to you to explain to them and let them know.
5. As a new vegan, it is always advisable to be accountable to someone. This can be a family member, a friend, someone from same group, just anyone you are close to and trust will never judge you, and will always motivate you to keep going.
A fun fact to know; vegans tend to have a higher sperm count and are more fertile. Vegans get to have better health as they have less risk of developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
You will feel a sense of freedom, that comes with you no longer contributing to animal suffering and killing.
Vegans tend to take more vitamin C apparently because of the increase in their intake of fruits and vegetables.
Once you become a vegan, you become more compassionate and loving towards animals and people in general.
You may run deficient on iron. Most iron plants are are legumes and they have phatic acid that prevents mineral absorption.
You have a low risk of food poisoning that comes from rotten meats or poorly cooked meats.
A lot of people may not understand why you’ve decided to go vegan. You may experience negative stereotypes that come with being a vegan. You would constantly be seen as a hypocrite and self-righteous person.
Your dietary is mostly limited. You don’t get to have variety of options like you used to when you were non-vegan