I first became vegan in the fall of 2016 after spending that summer in bed from debilitating stomach pain. Though it was mainly due to stress, I decided that it was also time to eliminate the foods that made me feel horrible: animal products. I was only thirteen, but knew that I wanted to live a plant based lifestyle for two main reasons: for my health, and for the animals.
However, I failed miserably. I was constantly eating processed substitutes full of chemicals and preservatives that still produced the same, gross feeling I got when I ate dairy. I knew something had to change, so I began experimenting more in the kitchen to come up with recipes that not only tasted good, but were also minimally processed and nutritious. Soon, it became a hobby for me, and I haven’t stopped creating deliciously nutritious plant-based recipes. However, I do wish I had taken my time in the beginning to look up how to make the transition into veganism easier.
Though I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my journey, I’ve also learned a lot and want to help other people make that life-altering transition into a vegan lifestyle. Wanting to save the animals and environment and eating more vegetables are all admirable reasons to go vegan, but don’t just jump in head first. Take your time, and thoroughly research. After all, veganism isn’t just a diet, it’s a lifestyle, so you want to make sure you can last. It makes me sad when I see a die-hard animal lover quit veganism because they can’t figure out how to navigate a plant-based diet. I’m here to help guide you. If you’re flirting with transitioning into a vegan lifestyle or a plant-based diet, keep reading on for some tips and life hacks that will make your journey way easier.
Seasoning
I cannot stress this enough. You need to season EVERYTHING. Just like meat, vegan proteins don’t come pre seasoned (unless it’s a highly processed meat substitute, which I don’t recommend). You need to do it yourself. Most new vegans (and just people in general) complain that plant based substitutes like tofu are boring, but the truth is, most meats are also bland; it’s all about how you season it. You can use your favorite spice blend on meat substitutes such as seitan and tofu. Speaking of tofu…
Buy extra firm tofu
I’ve heard a lot of people say that they don’t like the slimy texture of tofu. However, you can combat that texture by buying extra firm tofu, which also packs in more protein (a plant based win!).When becoming vegan, tofu quickly becomes your new best friend, and for a good reason. A great thing about tofu is that it’s so diverse. I’ve eaten it as taco meat, in paninis, on pizza, in sandwiches, scrambled, and even as a cheesecake.
Seitan
Another one of my favorite protein sources. Made up of vital wheat gluten that is kneaded, steamed, and seasoned, seitan has a whopping 75 grams of protein per 100 grams, making it a great source of protein for us plant based folks. You can even season it to taste like beef or chicken. I like to shred it and add barbecue sauce for a pulled pork substitute.
Nutritional Yeast
If you miss cheese, then you’ve got to try nutritional yeast. Also known as “nooch,” nutritional yeast is high in protein and Vitamin B12. With its cheesy, earthy flavor and yellow appearance, nutritional yeast makes a great plant based substitute for cheese. Don’t know how to eat it? Try sprinkling it on popcorn, scrambling it with tofu, or even in this barbecue mac and cheese recipe.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds were used by ancient Aztec warriors as a source of energy. Today, chia seeds are an incredible superfood for both vegans and non-vegans alike. Chia seeds are a good source of Vitamin B and other nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which can sometimes be difficult to obtain when you are just starting your plant based journey. Here are some more benefits of chia seeds. I like to add them into my oatmeal, smoothies, and of course, mix it with some almond milk and maple syrup to create a delicious chia seed pudding.
Flax Eggs
Flax eggs are a great egg substitute when baking. All you need to do is combine 1 tbsp of ground flax seed with 2 tbsp of water, mix, and let it sit for five minutes. It’s super easy, and they bind just as well as a chicken egg. You can substitute one flax egg for one egg in pretty much all of your favorite baked treats, such as brownies, blondies, cakes, cookies, and muffins. If you don’t have ground flax, you can get them at your local grocery store or online. In the meantime, try out these ginger molasses cookies that don’t even need an egg substitute.
Vitamin B12 supplements
Vitamin B12 is an incredibly important nutrient, and yet most vegans do lack it. It is possible to obtain it from a plant based diet, but it can be tricky, especially when you are first starting out. I recommend adding a Vitamin B12 supplement into your diet. Most vegans feel sluggish because they are lacking this vital nutrient. B12 helps combat the brain fog and lethargy. However, make sure to consult your physician before adding in any new supplement.
Maple Syrup
A great substitute for honey. Besides the obvious addition to pancakes and waffles, maple syrup can be used as a sweetener in granola and pretty much any other baked treat. I also like it in my coffee and matcha lattes.
Social Media for recipes
Gone are the days where you have to leaf through your grandma’s stack of cookbooks to find what you want to make for dinner. Modern technology allows us to search for anything in seconds, including delicious plant based recipes. Blogs, Pinterest, and even Instagram are all great resources to find easy and delicious plant based recipes.
Soaked cashews for a creamy texture
Cashews are an incredible cream substitute that doesn’t add the gas and bloating. You can make cheesecakes, nacho sauce, soups, and my favorite barbecue mac and cheese. All you need to do is soak the cashews overnight in cold water, or in hot water for twenty minutes. It’s really simple, and the possibilities for their use are endless.
Choosing a vegan lifestyle is admirable, no matter what your reason for it may be. It will be tricky, especially in the beginning. With time (and hopefully these tips), you will become a pro at navigating the vegan lifestyle.
