How to Get Started Living as a Vegan

The choice to go vegan is a personal one that only you can make. Although it will take you a while to fully adjust to a vegan lifestyle, you should start with the basics and work your way into this new way of living.

• Clear your refrigerator, freezer and cabinets of all foods containing animal products. This includes eggs, meat, dairy, cheese and products with gelatin and animal oils.


• Stock up on grains, vegetables, soy products and faux meats like tofu. Read the labels on each item to ensure it does not contain any of the items forbidden on a vegan diet.


• Read books or turn to online resources to fully educate yourself on veganism. Although the basic principal of not eating animal products seems easy to understand, many vegan resources exist to further help you adapt to the lifestyle. Since becoming a vegan is a large lifestyle change, you will need support from fellow vegans.


• Visit specialty food stores to stock up on vegan foods. Until you learn how to make vegan dishes out of traditional foods, you can take advantage of pre-made vegan food items from these specialty stores.


• Buy a vegan cookbook or look up recipes online. Pre-existing recipes are a great way for new vegans to learn how to cook delicious meals free of animal products.


• Get rid of any of your personal belongings that contain animal products. Although veganism is generally classified as a lifestyle that revolves around a diet change, it also emphasizes the importance of avoiding belongings that are made from animals. This includes leather, fur and even some beauty care items.