So… you’ve decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Fantastic! But now what? The realization of just how many animal products the average person consumes is enough to turn your stomach. The challenge before you is the same that many of us have faced: what CAN I eat now?

The good news: it’s easier than you realize. It’s just about learning about all the options out there.

To start, we must define “veganism”. It is a lifestyle change that omits all foods and products created with animals. This includes all meats, dairy products, eggs, leather products, fur products, and even honey. While omitting these may sound overwhelming, the ideal method for full transition is to start slowly.

Begin by having one fully vegan meal a week. Then have two. Increase the frequency over time. Changing slowly will keep you from shocking your body. Plants contain an abundance of fiber and lower calories than meat diets, so this can take some adjusting! Craving that burger? Try a Beyond or Impossible patty instead. Cheese? Try Follow your Heart brand slices found at many common grocery stores. Look for swaps of your favorite foods (plant milk options alone are tremendous!). This is the ideal time to be vegan with all the options available to us!

The best part about veganism is discovering the vast new foods you’ve been missing while eating meat. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, jackfruit, nutritional yeast, nuts – the options are endless! There are countless recipes online as well (check out my previous posts for a few ideas!). Even if you only eat vegan for one day a week, you are making a difference. Now go out and enjoy some new plant foods!

Next post: a list of vegan swap ideas!