Eating a plant-based diet is not easy, I am just going to be honest, it is hard work in my opinion. But, I love it and will probably never go back to an animal based diet. There have been times in my two years of being vegan that I do think about going back to an animal-based diet but then I remind myself of the reason WHY I went vegan.
I absolutely love the way I feel when I do feed my body yummy nutritious whole plant-based foods. My skin is clearer, my stomach doesn’t get as upset anymore, I have more energy throughout the day and I overall just feel healthier all around. The vegan community is expanding! More and more people are learning what vegan is and the benefits of eating a plant-based diet. Well-known chain restaurants are also adding vegan options to their menus. Eating out as a vegan is slowly becoming more accessible which is great especially if you are a new vegan and haven't familiarized yourself with plant-based protein alternatives. It is also without a doubt significantly better and more sustainable for our environment.
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Here are some tips to stay motivated on a plant-based diet!
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Remind Yourself Why You Went Vegan, Your Reason.
Everyone has a different reason and purpose on why they switched over to a plant-based diet. It can be ethics, health, religious beliefs, etc., whatever the reason is, remind yourself of it. For me personally my main reason was my health. I will constantly remind myself when I get off track why I went vegan.
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Read Books
I’ve talked about this on a blog post before but the book that really encouraged me to make the switch to a plant-based diet was, How Not to Die by Michael Greger M.D. & Gene Stone. This is one of many plant-based books that I recommend to read. Expand your knowledge on the great benefits the plant-based lifestyle offers. Reading plant-based books will also remind you of how unethical the meat and dairy industry are.
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Watch Documentaries
Netflix has many films on the dairy and meat industry along with other food documentary films. Some of the well known documentaries are What the Health and Cowspiracy, two super great films if you want to learn what goes on behind the scenes of these two unethical industries and more!
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Follow Vegan Accounts
There are a variety of informative Instagram and Facebook accounts that share and post on all things vegan. Some accounts share recipes, transformation pictures, their vegan lifestyle and more about the vegan community. This can be another way to be inspired and continue your plant-based diet.
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It is NOT a Diet
Veganism shouldn’t be seen as a diet and you shouldn’t feel restricted. Veganism is most definitely a lifestyle especially if you are a cruelty free household. It's a lifestyle you choose for your own personal reasons. I feel that some “diets'' have a bad reputation including veganism. Everyone's body reacts to certain changes differently and some may need more time to get accustomed to the new change compared to others. There are many benefits to being vegan and it should be something someone decides to do with a purpose! If you see it as a diet, I highly recommend to find a purpose or reason on why you went vegan. This will help you stay motivated and may even inspire you in your plant-based journey.
I hope these tips help and keep you motivated through your plant-based journey! You might just be starting your plant-based diet and it is totally okay if you are stumbling, it happened to me too! Just think and remind yourself of your purpose, Tip #1 is crucial to remember.
Anyways, Happy New Year! I hope this year brings you so much joy, happiness, success, love and everything else you desire in life! Stay safe!