Transitioning into a Vegan Lifestyle
Transitioning into a vegan lifestyle might seem intimidating to many, especially if meat has always been a part of one’s diet. But we’re here to tell you that it actually isn’t as hard as you think, and it can indeed be a fun and exciting new experience.
Substitute your dairy
This is one of the most fun ways to kick off your journey into a vegan lifestyle. Most Malaysians would already be familiar with soy bean milk and coconut milk, but with the recent trends in dairy alternatives, the options are endless. Not to mention, each milk derived from a different nut or grain will have a different taste and texture, so prepare yourself for an exciting exploration of the vast empire of plant-based milk. You can start small by replacing your morning coffee or tea with a milk alternative instead of your usual animal dairy.
Not only is this vegan, it can also help if you’re lactose intolerant or have specific dairy-related dietary restrictions. Nut milk, compared to traditional milk, has similar amounts of calcium and vitamin D, while having higher percentages of fibre and lower amounts of calories overall.
We also stock a variety of plant-based dairy alternatives, including rice, almond, soy, hazelnut, oat, and macadamia milk here!
Consult the Internet
When in doubt, the easiest thing to do, of course, is to search for recipes online. There is a rich repository of vegan, vegetarian, and meat-free solutions right at your fingertips. Not only are most of these recipes super easy to make, many of them offer incredibly creative ways to substitute meat with vegetables and other plant-based alternatives.
Besides everyone’s friend Google, one of the best places to find recipes is on Instagram and TikTok. With all the food trends and accounts specializing in healthy, vegetarian, and vegan recipes, you’re all set.
Psst – we also post recipes our website, be sure to check them out!
Try before you buy
As with all transitions, slow and sustainable is the best way to go. Incorporating meatless meals into your day is a great introduction to a vegan diet. You might be surprised with how many meals you may already be eating that are vegetarian or vegan!
You could start off with one meal a day, either home-cooked or at your neighbourhood vegan-friendly restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. It could be something as simple as an avocado toast brunch, grilled vegetable skewers, or mushroom rendang. Most regular restaurants these days also carry meat-free options, so you’ll have plenty of choices.
And don’t forget, this isn’t a race, and practicing a flexitarian lifestyle will still have a more positive impact than none at all.
Becoming vegan can seem like a Herculean task, but by breaking it down into smaller, bite-sized chunks, you can definitely chart a clear path into this exciting new experience. We wish you the best on beginning your journey into a vegan lifestyle!