#1 Question I Get Is…

When people find out that I don’t consume meat or dairy products, they usually wrinkle their nose up and express how they could never give up meats or cheeses. Then as the conversation progresses, the first thing they ask me is, “How do I go vegan?”

My answer is pretty simple, you have to have a made up mind. Everything we do in life, starts with a decision. The body only follows the information that is input into the mind. Once you make the decision to start eliminating dairy and meat, think about some of your favorite foods and how you can create them. There are a plethora of Pinterest recipes, YouTube videos, and vegan cookbooks. Oh, did I tell you that you’ll have to cook? Unless you live in a city that has vegan options readily available, you’re going to rattle those pots and pans.

Another option that may help you with making the decision to embrace a vegan lifestyle are documentaries. Set aside some time to have a “movie” night and spend the evening watching “What The Health”, “Cowspiracy”, “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 1 & 2”, “Forks Over Knives”, are just a few to get you started.

Finally, start your journey privately. Unless you have a positive friend or family member that you can share your lifestyle changes with, keep your lips sealed. Change is uncomfortable and people will throw their opinion in the ring of your life and before you know it, you’ll be discouraged. In the beginning, either avoid or eat before events that will include food. I personally always have some fruit or a Tupperware container of food with me. Also, be patient with yourself. It may not come overnight for you. You may slip up at the family reunion, where Uncle Bubba makes the best ribs this side of heaven. That’s why staying private in the beginning is key, because trust me, people are watching you and waiting for you to slip up. You’ve got this…keep going; before long you’ll look up and your plate will look like mine.