November 1 is a World Vegan Day and thanks to the awareness being created against animal cruelty, the idea of indulging in a totally animal-free diet has found a place in the bucket list of many.

Veganism has come a long way in recent years, with more and more celebrities like Mallika Sherawat, Kangana Ranaut, Neha Dhupia, Kiran Rao, Sonam Kapoor vouching for its health benefits. 

And if you are thinking of joining the Vegan bandwagon, there are many things you should know before indulging in a fully vegan diet.

Being vegan means abstaining from all animal-based food products be it meat, eggs or even dairy products. This means you are not only compromising on your favourite tastes but also be giving up on several other animal and dairy sources of food that would provide your body with necessary protein, vitamins like B6, B12, iron and minerals.

Learn More What Vegan Diet Is All About:

Make A Slow Transition:

Like any other habit in life, it’s not easy to become a vegan overnight. Try and make the transition very slowly, as several studies reveal that only a gradual transition to veganism will help you stick to your diet plan. Abstaining from non-vegetarian food may be easy but giving up on dairy products could be tough. Try slowly substituting dairy products to soy, almond and nut-based foods even if it takes few months.

Step-By-Step:

Take each step very cautiously before turning vegan. Don’t make a big change like completely abstaining from milk or eggs from day one. Do it one at a time, stick to the plan, be determined and continue it only if you feel comfortable.

Find Alternate Sources:

Vegan food may not provide you with enough amounts of B12 and iron. B12 and iron are imperative in keeping your nerves and blood cells healthy and lack of these vitamins will lead to tiredness, constipation, nerve problems and depression. Go for legumes, sunflower seeds, raisins, green leafy vegetables, red peppers, citrus fruits and broccoli to aid in B12 and iron absorption. Similarly, choose soy, lentils, beans, quinoa for protein.

Don’t Lose Heart:

It’s alright to have few lapses and to occasionally go back to your favourite cheese sticks. Remember that the aim is to go slow and steady and ultimately stick to a vegan diet. Understand that you must move forward and do not let mistakes bog you down.

Find A Support Group:

Being vegan is still a surprise to many, so be prepared to face a lot of questions like what it is all about, why you chose to become a vegan and if it really helps you improve health etc., Finds a support group and try having a better understanding about vegan food. Lookout for restaurants that can serve a vegan diet while on travel.

Enjoy the enormous health benefits of being a Happy Vegan!