Health vs. Ethics: Two Different Paths, One Goal

The adjustment could feel more fluid if your goal is wellness. You want to cut back on saturated fats, eat healthier, or maybe lose a few pounds. That is also true. However, it also implies that you will probably approach the change in phases, which is totally OK.

According to a professor of nutrition, "there is no vegan police." The good you are doing the rest of the time is not negated if you choose to add feta to your salad only once a week. Your diet may be referred to as plant-forward, plant-based, or something else entirely.

 Take Your Time and Make It Sense for You

For some people, going vegan completely works. However, a gradual change feels more sustainable for most people.

Try this:

Two or three days a week, just eat vegan breakfast.

Remove each animal product one at a time. Red meat could be a good place to start. Next, take on chicken. The last frontier may be cheese, but that is good.

Decide on a realistic timeframe, such as a year or six months to complete the transformation.

Perfection is not the aim. Momentum is the aim. You will eventually leave behind a lifestyle that feels inflexible and punitive. A forgiving, adaptable one? There is nothing wrong with that.

 Replace Instead of Cut (Wisely)

Let us face it, not all vegan cuisine is healthy. In theory, soda and french fries are vegan. Ultra-processed meat alternatives are also high in salt.

You still need to make wise eating choices even if you are vegan. Whole grains, leafy greens, legumes, and healthy fats are still necessary for balance. Your attitude, energy, and blood sugar will all appreciate it.

Consume this instead of that (vegan version):

Instead of white bread and spaghetti, choose for nutritious grains like quinoa, brown rice, and farro.

Accept the healthy fats. Consider olive oil, avocados, almonds, and seeds. They fuel your brain and keep you full.

Be wary of "healthy" vegan snacks that include a lot of sugar. A cupcake should have less sugar than a granola bar.