Whether you’re an avid meat lover or a dairy fanatic, veganism might feel like one jump just too big to make. The growing number of ‘hard line’ vegans may even be making it more difficult to transition to the community of veganism, especially when they are discussing the newest fad ‘food to avoid’. But if we’re ever going to reduce our meat and dairy consumption as a whole, and achieve all of the moral, environmental and health benefits it can offer, we need to change its exclusive reputation.I am one of the many people who have tried every diet in the book, having been a meat-eater, pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan at various times and with varying degrees of success. Sometimes these diets are in an attempt to lose weight, other times for ethical and environmental reasons. But, in my experience, these strict diets always seems to result boredom or financial strain.
The positive effects of a plant-based diet, when done correctly, are undeniable (give Cowspiracy on Netflix a watch), and people and businesses are slowly catching on. There is almost always a vegan option wherever you decide to eat out now and the free-from range in supermarkets has never been greater.The problem is, for most of us, it all seems too foreign. We haven’t been raised eating a plant-based diet; it is not common amongst modern western cultures. We favour rich, high calorie, meat-based meals instead. You only have to visit McDonalds after a night out at Sugar to see proof of that.
The key is slow and steady; small changes, often enough to make a difference, but avoiding altering your lifestyle altogether. Really, the trick is to find vegan alternatives that you actually like, that can become a part of your everyday diet, without being labelled ‘different’ or feeling temporary.
Swapping your milk is a great place to start. There are loads of delicious alternatives to cows’ milk: soya, almond, coconut and oat, just to name the most common. Meat substitutes are another great way of reducing your meat consumption; some are so close to the real thing you can barely notice a difference. Some even taste better – everyone loves a good Linda McCartney sausage.For meal inspo, head to Pinterest and Instagram, both of which have loads of accounts dedicated to vegan alternatives of your favourite meals. Instagram’s @AccidentallyVeganUK shows you just how many everyday choices you can make which don’t involve adopting a strict ‘vegan’ lifestyle at all!
You could even try one of the vegan challenges like Veganuary to kick start the new year. Just by setting yourself weekly goals, such as going meat and dairy-free three days a week, will make the process much more attainable.Crucially, don’t forget that veganism extends to the non-edible products you consume too. Animal exploitation and abuse in the testing industry is still rife. Checking the labels on the products you buy can be literally life-saving.
Becoming plant-based is a lifestyle change, but it doesn’t have to be drastic or unattainable. It is more important that the changes you make are sustainable. So, don’t be hard on yourself. Everyone is doing the best that they can, and every non-meat, non-dairy choice made by you does make a difference.