Veganism does not have to be a mystery. Here is the definitive guide on how to make the transition to a plant-based diet easier and more accessible.

Veganism is on the rise! Whether motivated by health, concerns about the environment or the desire to reduce the pain and suffering of animals and people alike, it is increasingly clear that we need to take another look at our diets and make some changes. While veganism is to completely refrain from animal products, not everyone is ready for that big decision and I believe that any step towards reducing animal consumption and increasing plant-based foods in the diet is a Step in the right direction.

I want to share today 8 tips and tricks which I have collected along the way that will help anyone in their transition to a plant-based diet. Want to know how to be vegan in 8 simple steps?

1 Veganize your favorite food.

Do you think of a meal you love and can’t imagine life without it? Is it french toast? Or maybe your favorite pasta dish? Maybe it’s the creamy decay of créme brulée. For me, the tacos and Mexican fajitas that I have learned to prepare without meat. Whatever your comfort food of choice, there is a satisfactory way to organize it. Because once you have a good veganized version of your favorite food, veganism begins to feel much more feasible.

2 Do not eat meat until dinner time.

This is a common approach adopted by people who are trying to reduce animal consumption. It can be very easy to eat plant-based foods for breakfast and lunch – you probably almost already do it. And it makes the transition easier when you allow yourself something familiar at dinner time.

3 Add a vegan dinner a week.

Vegan dinners are not that hard either! Start with a simple plant-based meal to add to your dinner. Make sure it is abundant, full of flavor, whole foods (instead of processed foods) and easy to make. You want an appetizing meal that highlights vegetables, satisfies your taste buds and does not require much preparation work.

4 Find the best resources.

Better yet, make a vegan meal plan !! Try out resources on the internet where you can download recipes. There are tons of them. Follow videos, start a group of becoming part of one.

5 Try something new.

When you start eating plant-based, everything feels new. Do not feel overwhelmed by that. Make it an adventure. Have you tried Roasted Tofu? How about Cauliflower Cheese? Or, my favorite, ice cream based on cashews. These foods may sound strange, but try them. Do not think of them as an exact replacement, but a vegetable-based alternative to the foods you know and love. You may find a whole world of plant-based foods open to you. When that happens, veganism is the opposite of deprivation, expanding your food choices beyond expectations!

6 Organize a snack with vegan friends.

Sharing food with friends is one of the best ways to grow in your vegan culinary skills. Encourage them to try new recipes, think outside of what is familiar, and share your creations with friends and family. These meetings in which each guest brings their star dish, are also an opportunity to branch out and learn about new foods, since your guests will bring their own resources and flavors to the table (literally). In addition, it is a great way to generate excitement around veganism within your community of friends.

7 Remember that being vegan does not mean deprivation.

As I said before, veganism can open you up to a whole world of food that you didn’t know existed. And most of your favorite foods can be veganized. People are always impressed with vegan desserts, unable to imagine how desserts can be made without eggs, butter or cream. It’s so easy, folks! There is a simple guide to replace the eggs of most desserts. In well-stocked grocery stores, you can find excellent alternatives to milk, cream and butter. And as a result, you can make desserts like chocolate chip cookies or strawberry cakes or a classic carrot cake.

8 Go slow.

Veganism has to do with compassion and must begin within. To make a change as significant as veganism, you must have compassion for yourself and for the people around you. The transition can be rugged, not always easy, and they come with unexpected challenges. While in transition, don’t think of it as all or nothing, but as an opportunity to learn new ways of doing good with the foods you choose to eat. As I said at the beginning, any step forward is a step forward that is worth celebrating. Celebrate your little victories. Release your mistakes. And always move on with compassion and gratitude for the food that grows from this land.

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