Five Keys To Enjoying Your Plant-Based Journey
Setting yourself up for success is critical
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When embarking on a plant-based journey, setting yourself up for success is critical. A well-planned plant-based diet, with clear goals, can be delicious, healthy, and deeply rewarding. A less thoughtful approach, with unrealistic expectations, can lead you to become a frustrated “ex-vegan”.
Before we dive in, let’s get our definitions straight.
A plant-based diet excludes all foods derived in whole or in part from animal sources. This means no meat (red, white, game, fish), dairy, eggs, or other animal-derived products (like honey, and gelatin / collagen).
Veganism is not a diet per se. It’s a philosophy and a way of living. One can think about a vegan food label like a Halal or Kosher label — it reflects alignment with beliefs and practices.
Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.” The Vegan Society
If you’re ready to try a plant-based diet, a vegan lifestyle, or both, these tips will help you enjoy the ride.
1. Know your why and plan accordingly
What do you hope to achieve? Weight loss? A lower environmental impact? Less animal suffering? More energy? Resolution of a health issue? Chronic disease prevention?
Knowing your “why” is vital. It will help you stay the course when old habits are calling, and steer you towards a plan that supports your goals.
If environmental impact is your priority, do some homework on how different foods compare. While eating lower on the food chain is almost always a win for eco-footprint, there is a lot of variation among…
