Going vegan can involve a multitude of change, like losing weight and feeling happier. But there are many ways veganism changes you that you might not suspect.
Learn how to argue (nicely)
For a beginner, defending your beliefs can become rather overwhelming. Despite this, learning how to make an argument is an invaluable life skill. Veganism is still a foreign concept to some. People tend to not like things they don’t understand, so it’s easy for them to be defensive. In time, however, vegans find out that most verbal assaults are not meant to be personal attacks; they usually come from confusion or concern.
Tackling people’s questions can take practice, and you might not have all the answers, but you will have a better understanding of why going vegan was the right choice.
P.S. It’s true: the moment you tell people you’re vegan, their first question will most likely be about protein.
Crave knowledge
Along similar lines, going vegan usually means you become a more informed person. You start by watching one documentary about vegan diets and suddenly you become a nutritionist/animal rights activist/environmentalist extraordinaire!
How? Because you can’t just stop. Learning the truth will open your eyes to a world of truths and discoveries you never knew existed. There is a plethora of information out there and it is easier than ever to find it.
Care about food quality
Changing your diet takes some effort. Switching to a plant-based diet means eliminating quite a few foods but introducing new ones. However, it doesn’t stop with switching to almond milk. You start reading ingredient labels and noticing hidden ingredients in your once favorite food. You might start learning about GMOs and wondering if you should spend the extra dollar to buy organic.
When on the Standard American Diet, it is easy to lose sight of what one is eating. Becoming vegan often means becoming more health-conscious and caring about where and how your food is made.
Find a new community
Upon going vegan, you will discover there is an entire vegan community willing to accept you and show you the ropes. PETA offers shopping lists for the new vegan, and there are endless recipe blogs like Oh She Glows and Vegan Richa. Tips and tricks can be found at the click of a mouse, and there are thousands of us making sure you don’t fail.
Develop Pride
Congratulations! You’re making a change for the better! Not only will eliminating meat and dairy improve your health, but it will also save animals and help the environment. Be proud of yourself- you’re making a wonderful change in the right direction.
How has going vegan changed you? Any tips for newbies? Let us know in the comments. Let’s help each other be the best we can!
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