Going Vegan: Expectation vs. Reality
Anytime you are trying something new, it is easy to go into it with expectations. Whether they are positive or negative, we all have assumptions we form based on other people’s experiences, things we’ve read, or personal experiences we may have had in similar situations.
January is the most popular month for veganism - whether people are going vegan or just talking about it I want to help you make the most out of this time.
Today I want to break down common ideas and expectations around veganism and offer another point of view and some helpful tips!
expectation: I’m Going to Lose Weight By Going Vegan
Reality: This is not a give in and is entirely circumstantial. I’ve seen people go vegan and go both ways. Most junk foods are vegan, so it is important to be mindful of what you are eating, and if your eating habits need to be changed beyond giving up meat and dairy. If weight loss is a reason behind you going vegan then it is critical to adopt a whole food plant based diet. If you rely on packaged and processed foods it will be hard to get vital nutrients needed to support your body, and lose weight. Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and real foods.
expectation: I’m not going to be able to eat out with friends
Reality: Eating out with friends at a non-vegan restaurant is possible, but it will take some creativity. I’ve been able to eat out at a steak house and while it isn’t always the most exciting meal, it does help me feel included and enjoy quality time with friends. Here are some tips for navigating:
Put more emphasis on the people you are eating with than the food. I used to get really bratty about not having “good enough” options on certain menus when out with family or friends, but it always ruined the experience. When I am going out now I always make sure that the company I’m with is my first priority.
Check the menu in advance. I always check the menu so I know what my options are and if I should have a snack before I go. You can even call the restaurant if you don’t see anything on the menu or want to make sure that revision are allowed.
Check the side dishes. I often create full meals out of side dishes. Lots of vegetables are often found here and can be ordered with a baked potato, side salad, or other grain.
Ask the waiter if the chef can make something vegan. Often times restaurants might not have a vegan option on the menu but they are willing to work with you. Scan the specials and mains for vegetables that the kitchen will have and offer up suggestions for dishes that you would enjoy eating using these ingredients!
Pick a culinary type that appeals to both vegans and meat eaters. Indian food, sushi or Japanese restaurants, and Chinese food often have options that work for all diet types !
expectation: All those vegetables will give me gas
Reality: This might be a reality, but there are ways to potentially avoid this. Vegetables are higher in fiber which could give you gas, so as you increase your fiber make sure you are also increasing your water intake. You can also use digestive enzymes during the transition, and take a probiotic daily to help your gut bacteria break down the fiber to reduce the side effects of all of the new roughage.
expectation: vegan diet is very boring
Reality: You will be surprised at how versatile the vegan diet can be. To avoid getting stuck you can join a meal delivery service ( like The Hungry Hippie!), find a few vegan blogs that offer recipes that are on par with your culinary skills, or invest in a few cookbooks. This will help give you different ideas, and teach you different cooking techniques for vegetables.
expectation: I won’t be able to get all the nutrients i need to be healthy
Reality: When you eat a balanced and whole food plant based vegan diet you will be able to get most of the nutrients that you need to be healthy. There are a few supplements that you should review with your doctor (since they are hard or impossible to get without eating animal products) like Vitamin D, B12, and the Omega’s. In addition to eating vegetable and fruit include: chia seeds, flax seeds, nutritional yeast, spirulina, nuts, and seeds into your diet.
What other expectations or misconceptions do you have around the vegan diet?