Remember your reasons. Never forget why you decided to become vegan in the first place – whether it was for health or the animals or the environment. This will help you keep your resolve.
Be positive. Instead of focusing on what you’re giving up, think about all the new, exciting foods you are discovering. A whole new world is out there ready to be explored!
Eat what you love. Think about your favourite meals and see how you can veganise them. Replace milk with soya or rice milk, and paneer with tofu, for example. Cakes and cookies can be made without eggs. You may be surprised to learn that some of your favourites are already vegan! Learn new recipes. For some great ideas, look at our ‘Recipes’ section.
Speak your truth. Do not be afraid of what people may say about your dietary restrictions. Be true to yourself and explain patiently the reasons that you are vegan. When you sincerely speak your truth, people will be inclined to follow your example.
Hold your ground. You will be challenged. Do not get confused. Just because the whole world is doing something does not mean it’s the right thing to do, especially when it is causes suffering to other beings. Remember that biggest epidemics are heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and cancer and all of these are related to diet.
Be well read. When people question your actions, you should know the answers to “where do you get your proteins?” and “where do you get your calcium?” If you know enough you will be able to challenge them too with, “where do you get your antioxidants?”.
Be aware of your resistance to change. You may fool yourself into believing something that is not true. The world will try to throw completely hypothetical scenarios at you – recognise them for what they are. Be real and catch your own resistance.
Do as much as you can. Just because you can’t go all the way, don’t do nothing! Some people say, “I could never leave cheese.” Leave everything but cheese and minimise that. You will see that it’s easier to let go after some time. If you still have trouble, please watch videos on what is being done to farm animals or better still visit a commercial poultry or a slaughterhouse.
But don’t do too little. When you follow the healthy vegan diet only partially, be aware that you cannot expect the same results. Someone told us that he stopped dairy and noticed no health improvements. But he had not stopped or reduced meat, chicken, fish or eggs, nor had he stopped eating refined foods! Dairy is similar in composition to meat – high protein and fat and no fibre. So, stopping dairy alone will not help.
Learn to listen to your body. Once you start eating the food nature meant for you, your body will talk to you and tell you what it needs. Listen! If you inadvertently or willingly eat non-vegan food, then too, listen to your body. After a period of being vegan you will be able to notice what is better for your body.
Sanctuary for Health And Reconnection to Animals and Nature
