What to Know Before Going Vegan

Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that has come a long way recently. Today there is more and more interest in a diet that is completely animal-free, with lots of celebrities leading the way. But before you jump onto the bandwagon of eating a diet that is completely free of all animal products, it’s important to know what you are getting into. Here are some of the main things to expect when you decide to switch to a vegan diet.

Get a B12 Supplement

B12 is a vitamin that occurs naturally only in animal foods. Since switching to a vegan diet means that you will not be consuming any animal products whatsoever, it’s important to stock up on B12 supplements along with a range of B12-fortified foods. B12 is an essential vitamin for humans. It improves the nerve and blood cell health of the body and helps with the production of DNA. A B12 deficiency can lead to increased weakness, tiredness, loss of appetite, unhealthy weight loss, depression, constipation, and nerve problems.

Find New Protein Sources:

Every meal should contain protein, according to nutrition experts. Proteins are the building blocks of life; they are broken down into amino acids that promote the growth and repair of cells. It is recommended that adults get at least 0.8g of protein in their diet on a daily basis per every kilogram of body mass. For a woman weighing around 150 pounds, that’s around 54g of protein. The good news is that there are lots of protein sources for vegans to consider including beans, tofu, natural soy, lentils, and quinoa.

Find Local Vegan Places:

When you know where you can easily go and eat without having to ask the staff to change lots of things about your meal, it can be easier to enjoy going out and getting food with family and friends while sticking to a vegan diet. You can find vegan food Chicago at Native Foods, for example. And, look out for any supermarkets in your area that stock a wide range of vegan products.

Read the Food Labels:

If you are serious about switching to a vegan diet, checking food labels is something that you are going to have to get into the habit of. Sometimes, food products that might appear to be vegan will have hidden ingredients and traces of ingredients that make them unsuitable. While more and more products are now displaying a label to demonstrate that they are suitable for vegans, it’s good to get into the habit of reading labels when shopping.

You Can Go Vegan Gradually:

Lots of people will struggle with the transition from eating meat and animal products to a vegan diet, so it’s important to remember that you are not going to wake up one morning and magically find yourself vegan. Sticking to a vegan diet and lifestyle can take some time and work, and there is nothing wrong with making the switch gradually. In fact, doing this can make it easier for you to get used to it, and help you stick at it for longer.