6 minute read
Transitioning to veganism
Blogs & Lifestyle transitioning to veganism: how to hack it and love it! Welcome to the world of veganism. Whether you’re just dipping your toes in or want to make a change for the long term, here are some tips to help you get the
most out of it.
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- Dani Abrams
What to expect
I can’t stress enough that the hardest part is adjusting. Transitioning your lifestyle dramatically is sure to create noticeable changes in your body at the start, but you soon won’t notice a difference; it gets easier as your mind and body adjust, I promise! It is normal to expect A LOT more bowel movements at the start of your transition as your body detoxes and as you feed it more fibre. Ultimately a healthy and positive change, although one to get used to. If you have acne/spots, your skin may clear up noticeably once removing dairy from your diet – (those hormones really were meant for the baby calves, not you). You may feel hungry significantly more… make sure you are eating enough protein and increasing portions sizes of veggies and make sure to listen to your body. When I went vegan, I often ended up eating an extra meal when my body asked for it. Craving non-vegan food. It is totally normal to crave what you are used to, especially products you love. Many people have cheese withdrawals, as cheese contains a high concentration of casomorphins, an addictive protein. I would recommend finding alternatives to your favourite products to make the transition easier. Relief knowing your diet is not exploiting animals and you have now taken the single biggest step to lower your impact on the planet. An increased consciousness and understanding of your body, health and habits. A new awareness of what is inside things and where they come from, food and non-food (get ready to become a label-checker). A paradigm shift and a new alignment of your values with your lifestyle, which will extend into other areas in your life.
• Vegans get no protein: no meat, no problem. Did you know that the stalk of a broccoli actually contains more protein than chicken? Green vegetables including broccoli, spinach and peas are very protein rich, as are nuts, seeds and legumes. Some staples are black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils which contain 9g of protein per 100g. These are all delicious in salads, curries or pasta or rice dishes. • Cost: veganism has somehow got a reputation of being expensive… this is mainly due to the prevalence of influencers promoting perfect, organic, superfood-filled lifestyles with luxury products. In reality, like any diet, the cost depends on what foods you eat, and not what you rule out, although cutting out meat will save you a lot of money. Branded alternatives and products are the most expensive, but if you mainly buy whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, you will find this to be much more cost-effective. • Veganism isn’t better for the environment: Avoiding meat and dairy is the single biggest way to lower your impact on the planet, according to landmark documentary The Game Changers. By going vegan, you are no longer supporting food production that amplifies climate change, pushes wild animals towards extinction, promotes deforestation and pollutes rivers and oceans. If you want to make your diet even more sustainable, try to buy locally grown food instead of imported products which have a large carbon footprint. Also try to shop waste-free where you can; I would recommend shopping for whole grains, legumes and dried fruits at Green Action Co-Op in the student union for zero waste and amazing value products!
Misconceptions
Remember that it’s ok to not be perfect. Try your best - follow your gut, listen to your body, eat intuitively. Don’t get down if you no-
tice yourself eating a block of Cadbury’s in a moment of seducti readily-available snacks: on. Keep on going and keep your mind and body open; keep lear ning and try to incorporate it into your lifestyle as much as you can. Welcome to the community! You’re now part of the change. • Sweets: Starbursts, Skittles
Branded Alternatives
resembles the taste of plastic, here are some of my favourite alternatives to animal products, trialled and tested: atm) out!
Image: Rachel Ama
In The Middle transitioning to veganism: how to
Immerse Yourself in Vegan Culture!
As you plunge yourself into the world of veganism, why not veganise your online presence It’s sure to make the transition easier and more fun!
Image Credit: Dani Abrams
Vegan Ingredients
These ingredients may sound foreign to you now, but you will swear by them as you become an elite vegan! Once you have hacked cooking with these, you won’t be splurging so much on branded alternatives… for cheesy recipes. Very high in vitamin B12, which is vital for vegans as your body cannot is much easier to cook with. Always press the water out before cooking and scrambled tofu in place of scrambled egg. • Seitan: another meat alternative made from gluten, compared to chicken and often used in Asian cooking parts of Brazil and South East Asia but most easily and is amazing in curries tree, easiest to buy in a can. You can use it to chips. www.theedgyveg.com/2019/10/08/best high in Omega-3. Use it in baking in place of an egg to bind mixture and make things rise. spoons of water, adding and mixing the water Can be used in place of egg. You can get it from draining a can of chickpeas. Save the chickpeas for a Vegan Tuna recipe at www.rachelama.com
Documentaries
• Cowspiracy – explores the environmental impact of animal culture and offers a path to sustainability • Earthlings – reveals our total economic dependence on and exploitation of animals for not only • The Game Changers the optimal diet for human performance’, featuring elite athletes, soldiers and scientists
Instagram: Who to Follow
• Gaz Oakley @avantgardevegan – vegan chef. There are links to his recipes online and on Youtube • Rachel Ama @_rachelama – Vegan chef and Youtuber. Expect a bubbly personality, delicious meals and immaculate vibes. Also, check out her blog rachelama.com on sizes and delectable Korean recipes • Radhi Devlukia @radhidevlukia – The woman for fresh ayurvedic and plant-based recipes • Earthling Ed @earthlinged – He is gentle vegan and animal activist and a beacon of compassion • @accidentallyveganuk – An account that features new/accidentally vegan products
Apps
• Is it Vegan? - A search engine which tells you if any branded product is vegan (gamechanger if • Happy Cow – It shows you restaurants/cafes with vegan options near you
Vegan in Leeds
If you want to treat yourself to a lockdown takeaway… • Humpit – head to the union on Wednesdays for 2 for 1 lush pitas with salad, humous, falafel! • Punk Vegan – coffee, toasties, wraps, burgers, fries in Hyde Park • MOG’s – burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, dirty fries in Kirkstall • Grove Cafe – Cardigan Road, amazing vegan Indian menu, also pizza + greasy food • Wawin – fully vegan Chinese in Woodhouse
Image: Dani Abrams Image: Dani Abrams
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In the Middle
