Veganism is not a diet. It's a life style. This article is aimed at those teenagers who have come to that moment when they feel the need for a change in their life!
Steps
Step 1. Try to understand what vegan means, in case your family asks you (see Tips for help on managing the people you live with)
A vegan is someone who refrains from harming all living creatures. To be one hundred percent vegan, technically you will need to avoid: meat (yes, even fish and chicken), dairy products (including butter), eggs, honey, leather, suede, pearls etc. etc. Basically, if before it was an animal or derived from an animal, it should be avoided.
Step 2. Take it easy
This is the most important thing to remember. Few people manage to go from omnivorous (or even vegetarian) to vegan overnight. Start with your diet. Eliminate foods that you are not particularly fond of or those that you do not like. Try one vegan meal a day, then two, then switch to three. Look for vegan snacks.
Step 3. Now that you've eliminated the ugly part, let's move on to the good one
Go to the organic food stores or the supermarket. Protein is INCREDIBLY important. Vegans eat a lot of soy! Try tofu or miso. Be open to trying new things! If you're always in a hurry, try a protein bar. Read the ingredients to make sure you stick to your diet. If you are in a 'vegan-friendly' place, the product should be labeled as vegan. If not, always read the ingredients. Organic is always better! Remember: just because it's "technically" vegan doesn't mean you necessarily have to eat it. It will take tons of vegetables that have a lot of vitamins.
Step 4. Once you get used to vegan nutrition, you can move on to work towards becoming a pure vegan
Go to the closet and (if you are a girl) to the jewelry box. Take everything you have that has been made from animals such as leather, suede, shells, bones, pearls, silk and more. And here comes the hard part. Some people, when they convert to veganism, decide to throw away all their disgusting clothes. Since waste is a big deal for a vegan however, some decide to keep them. You will have to choose by yourself. If you have a filigree necklace that has been passed down from generation to generation, you will probably want to keep it. However, if a couple of years ago you bought that leather belt that remained at the bottom of the drawer or the boots that are a little big for you, you can throw them away! When you go shopping, always look for stuff that is vegan.
Step 5. Examine the personal care products
Shampoos, conditioners, soap, hairbrushes, and cosmetics may include animal products or have been tested on animals. There are many major cosmetic brands that do not test on animals such as Revlon, Nivea, Barry M, Urban Decay, The Body Shop, Nexxus… the list is endless!
Advice
- Get some books from the library and search the internet. Meet other vegans in local co-ops or just talk to new people! We are everywhere, you just have to look for us!
- People can feel free to tease you when you tell them you're vegan or becoming vegan. The trick is to stay calm and have mercy on them. Some people aren't on your level. Explain the reasons for your choices in a calm tone and if they still make fun of you, leave.
- While for some there is no flexibility in veganism, others choose to only eliminate most animal products from their diet. Don't be absolutist when it comes to the definition of vegan. Some vegans follow a diet but use animal products, others accept refined sugar and others don't, some still consume human-certified products as well.
- When you visit a friend, they may realize they don't have vegan food. Usually you shouldn't have a problem finding some fruit, a salad, or a sandwich with fresh vegetables. Eventually you can take a vegan snack with you or search the websites to find out which fast food restaurants are vegan.
Warnings
- You can also make a vegan dessert. All you need is soy milk, no eggs, and carob (a vegan substitute for chocolate). For those who need coffee and milk, instead of adding sugar and other additives, make the coffee less strong and use soy, rice or hemp milk. There is also vegan chocolate, such as Lindt's 70% dark chocolate.
- Soy products are very important for the vegan lifestyle because they contain protein. However, the theory may be true that in large quantities they are harmful to health. Try to limit yourself and use other protein-rich variations like nuts (great snacks full of fats and saturated acids). Other good options are almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and cashews), whole wheat toast with jam (organic margarine and no butter!), Smoothies, salads, celery and peanut butter, peanut butter and jam, fruit juice, vegan pan-fried foods, grilled vegetables, beans and of course fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, pears, peaches, plums and mangoes.
- Remember: you need to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and grains.
- For those who need dessert, it is difficult to find vegan ones. You don't have to cut sugars so always look for vegan desserts in supermarkets, markets or organic restaurants.
- Going vegan takes time but pays off in the long run.
- Make sure you get all the vitamins you need! If you have to, take supplements.
- If people ask you over and over why you became vegan, simply reply, "I have my reasons that don't concern you. I just despise non-vegans, that's okay. This is my lifestyle and it's about me. "That way you will silence them.
- Losing weight is not a good reason to go vegan. Although many vegans lose a lot of weight, it is a side effect and not the general intention.
- Make sure your doctor knows your intentions.
- For many, becoming vegan is more than just eliminating animal products, it's taking a new perspective on the world. A perspective that many cannot even imagine. For most people, being vegan is next to impossible and appears to be a form of torture.
