5 ways to make your vegan diet stick

Veganism has boomed in popularity within the last couple of years with more and more people choosing to change their lifestyle. This emerging trend certainly begs the question of why people find this diet to be so desirable.

The vegan style of living has been proven to help the environment, not only helping to save our furry friends who share this planet with us, but researchers have found that it could reduce our carbon footprint by nearly three-quarters.

As well as the environment, veganism can help to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. This is because a diet which includes a greater number of fruit and vegetables provides us with phytonutrients, which are very good for us. Indeed, this particular substance has many health benefits and provides us all with the health kick we need.

Whatever the reason, you need to ensure that your vegan diet is not only healthy but also satisfying. Giving your body all the supplements it needs, as well as satisfying the cravings it most desires.

So, you've decided to take the plunge but how can you make your vegan diet last?

Health is key

First and foremost, your health must come first. Think about what your body needs most. More specifically, you need to consider how you’ll replace the nutrients which are found in non-vegan food. To do this, make sure to research the benefits and side effects of veganism to gain greater knowledge on the matter.

Veganism isn't about just vegetables and although they are good for us, they can lack the nutrients the body needs most. Adding protein into your diet alongside your favourite veggies can help to keep hunger at bay. Add in more beans and whole grains alongside your greens. 

Transition 

Following on from the above, transitioning into a vegan diet can help to keep you on track and your health in place. Taking it one small change at a time could be less of a shock for your body, making the process easier.

Going cold turkey could leave you with cravings, however, transitioning and swapping your favourite foods items around, finding alternatives can help to ease you into things.

• Try adding to your diet in the first weeks. By doing this you’ll get used to vegan ingredients, making it seem less of a change.
• Become a vegetarian before leaping to vegan. Making this change will help you adapt more to different substitutes.
• Slowly cut down on your dairy; swap milk for almond milk, use fewer eggs in your diet and try adding vegan-based cheese into meals that require cheese.  

Substitution 

Finding a substitute for your favourite food is crucial to helping you stick to a particular lifestyle. Whether your favourite food is cheese, eat your way through vegan cheeses until you find your perfect match.

If you have a sweet tooth, being vegan doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself. With veganism becoming increasingly popular, restaurants and supermarket brands are beginning to cater to this lifestyle a lot more.

Wanting to keep it clean? There are quite a few healthy vegan options out there such as vegan cookies and protein snacks. However, make sure to take a look at the ingredients as some of these products can be packed with sugar. 

Prep and plan

Although there are many options for vegan lunches and on the go snacks now, you want to ensure that you’re prepared. If you know you have a busy week ahead, prep your food and snacks so that you’re not only saving money but also not being tempted by other offers.

Awareness

If you work in a team, it can be hard to escape the birthday treats that are often bought in. However, making your team aware of your new lifestyle can help to keep you on track. With your veganism in mind, your colleagues may bring in treats that you can also enjoy. Along with this, you can generate greater awareness for the vegan way of life and maybe your colleagues will be a renowned vegan by their next birthday…

With veganism becoming more accepted, many people are taking on the lifestyle. With over 3 million Brits turning to veganism, this could be the way of living for the future and with more support around the lifestyle, it could be easier than ever.

The Health Kitchen supplies tasty and delicious protein cookies that are perfect for on the go snacking. These vegan friendly snacks are rich in antioxidants, made from absolutely no additives and lacking in refined sugar. The vegan protein cookies are ideal for a healthy, balanced lifestyle.