Thinking about a vegan diet? Great choice — it’s a great way to prioritize your health and the planet. But making the switch from omnivore to total vegan all at once is a lot to take on. We’re here to tell you that you don’t need to jump in all at once with no questions asked. These practical tips can help you make the transition to a vegan diet, whether you just want to honor Meatless Mondays or want to go all in.

Veganism 101: what it is and why it matters

If you’re vegan, that means you’ve committed to a diet free from animal products, including dairy or eggs. Many vegans also avoid other animal products outside of their diet. For instance, you’re unlikely to see vegans wearing leather or using cosmetics that were tested on animals.

Vegan vs. plant-based: explaining the difference

Generally, a vegan diet means avoiding any foods that contain products that come from animals. Meanwhile, some people consider the definition of plant-based to be a bit looser, and may or may not choose to still consume limited animal products. While the differences between “vegan” and “plant-based” can be subjective, at Purple Carrot, we use the terms interchangeably to describe our menu — 100% free of any animal products, all the time.

5 questions to answer before you go vegan

If you think a vegan lifestyle might be a good fit for you, these are some things to consider before going all in.

Question 1: What’s the motivation behind your decision to go vegan?

Are you considering becoming vegan because of ethical reasons, whether that be treatment of animals or reducing your environmental impact? Or, are you more concerned with making dietary changes for the sake of your health? There’s no wrong answer, but pondering these questions will help you clarify the right pace for you to start making changes.

Question 2: Can you get proper nutrition on a vegan diet?

Plant-based eating can be a great way to easily cut back on cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. And just like with any diet, it’s important to be mindful that you’re prioritizing nutritious foods to get all the nutrients your body needs. Incorporating plenty of fiber and plant-based protein is essential.

It’s also important to prioritize whole foods over highly processed foods, as processed food has high amounts of sodium. If you’re considering a vegan lifestyle, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor to ensure you’re meeting all of your nutritional needs.

Question 3: How easy will it be for you to give up animal products?

Think about your very favorite foods. Are most of them plant-based, or do animal products make up the majority of your favorite foods? If that’s the case, many plant-based swaps are just as satisfying! For example, the cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast scratches that itch while aligning with your plant-based goals.

Question 4: Are vegan foods easily available in your area?

Does your grocery store have lots of plant-based foods in stock? Can you easily order vegan entrees off the menu of your favorite restaurant? It doesn’t mean you can’t go vegan if the answer is no, but it might take a little bit of extra planning.

Question 5: Do you have to make the switch all at once?

If going totally vegan doesn’t fit into your current lifestyle, can you make a more gradual transition to eating plant-based? Going vegan for just one or two meals a week in the beginning can make a big difference.

6 tips to get you started on a vegan diet

Going vegan doesn’t require an overhaul of your entire lifestyle. We’re here to remind you that it’s OK to make small, gradual changes. Here’s how to make the switch without getting overwhelmed.

1. Start with the foods you already eat

Start simple: make a list. Take inventory of your current diet and consider what’s already in your kitchen before you go shopping. Do you already love naturally plant-based falafel? Great — you don’t need to give that up. If your dinners are mostly chicken breasts and your breakfasts mostly bacon, though, there are two areas to focus on as you make the switch to a plant-based or vegan diet.

2. Cut out the stuff you don’t care about

Think about the foods you’re not that crazy about. That’s where you can start reducing your intake, or you can exchange that item for a vegan alternative. For example, try swapping your morning coffee creamer for a plant-based milk.

3. Focus on what you’re gaining

If you only think about what you’re removing, it’s harder to stay consistent. It’s so important to maintain an abundance mindset when making the plant-based switch. Think about all the great foods and recipes you’re including in your everyday routine. Getting excited about what’s to come is what’s going to keep you on track.

4. Learn what to look for

Going vegan takes a little extra effort when it comes to selecting your meals and snacks. Get into the habit of looking at nutrition labels and seek out products that happily display that they’re certified plant based or vegan friendly. Not all vegan products will have these certifications, but it’s an easy place to start. If your local grocery store has a specialized health food section, you’re also more likely to find your favorite vegan products in that aisle.

5. Have a backup plan

It’s harder to stay on track when you’re at your hungriest. Planning ahead means you’ve always got options. This can involve batch cooking at the beginning of the week, building a library of go-to recipes, or picking a few days a week to get a plant-based meal delivery box dropped at your door.

6. Make room for flexibility

Remember, going vegan doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing task. A slow and steady approach makes it easier to focus on small changes you can actually stick to. Just take your new vegan lifestyle one meal at a time, and don’t be too hard on yourself if it’s not perfect. If you ate plant-based meals for 95% of the week, but decided to enjoy a non-vegan cupcake at a friend’s birthday party, you’re still doing great.

Navigating restaurants and parties as a vegan

Planning ahead makes a big difference in plant-based success both at home and when you’re out and about. If you’re scheduling dinner out with friends who aren’t plant-based, suggest a few restaurants that offer options for everyone. The great thing about living in the digital age is that most places have their menu readily available online, so you can look at your choices long before you arrive.

As you adjust to your new plant-based lifestyle, you’ll get a general idea of which foods are vegan-friendly. For instance, many Asian cuisines offer plant-based meals that are free from eggs or dairy, and it’s common to find veggie burgers on the menu at many American food establishments. If you’re not sure about a particular item, it’s okay to ask the restaurant if it’s vegan-friendly. Even if you can’t call ahead, you can always ask the staff when you’re placing your order.

On that note, communication is also key to navigating group meals as a new vegan. Most party hosts are happy to accommodate dietary needs, so if you ask ahead of time, there will likely be some vegan options on the table when you arrive. If it’s a potluck, you can also bring your own plant-based dish. That way, you’ve got safe food for yourself and something tasty to share with the group. If it’s a hit, you might even get the opportunity to share how great you’re feeling since transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. Even if you can’t prepare a full entree, make a habit of carrying plant-based snacks with you so you don’t have to make last-minute compromises.

Go vegan with Purple Carrot’s help

Becoming vegan isn’t a journey you have to take alone. Purple Carrot’s plant-based meal kits are 100% vegan friendly, super delicious, and easy to make on a busy night. All of our meals are crafted with the help of trained dieticians, so you get all of your essential macro and micro nutrients. Whether you’re going vegan full or part time, Purple Carrot’s plant-based recipes make it easier.