Veganism For Beginners

Maybe you're interested in veganism, but you're not sure if you understand everything before trying/living this lifestyle.

Your head is full of questions:

What does veganism really mean?
Why becoming a vegan?
Where do you get your protein?
Where to start?

Those are all normal questions to have at the beginning, and we will be able to explore them together in this article.

Once these foundations are established, you'll see that veganism will already seem a little simpler to you.

What is veganism?

Veganism is a way to eat that does not include animal products. So that means: no meat, seafood, fish, honey, dairy products, gelatin, etc.

At first, it may seem restrictive, because it is very different from the diet that we are used to, from our childhood. You will see, however, that it is quite the opposite.

You may still be wondering: well…what can you eat when you're vegan? Only the salad? No!

There are many more options than that. There are, of course, fruits and vegetables, but also a large selection of recipes and proteins. We will talk a little bit more about proteins.

What is the difference between veganism and vegetarianism?

The difference is that a vegetarian will no longer eat meats, fish and seafood, but still eggs and dairy products.

Why become a vegan?

There are many different motivations for becoming a vegan. Thus, several people can be vegan but not have the same motives at all. And it's okay like that.

There are 3 main motivations :

• For the well-being of the planet. I invite you to do your research on the environmental impacts of animal husbandry. There are also several excellent documentaries on the subject.
• For animal ethics, to avoid animal suffering.
• For health. A very good book on the subject is "How not to die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease" by Dr. Michael Greger. I recommend it.

Learn about these three main motivations and see what resonates the most with your values. It's always just as interesting to be informed about how we consume. Then we can actually make informed and conscious choices.

Where to get your protein if you become a vegan?

There are many sources of vegetable protein. Once you start to discover this new world, you will realize that there are many more choices than you think. To find out more about vegan proteins and have several examples of meals, I advise you to read this article.

There are also other possible sources of protein: tempeh, the textured vegetable protein that comes very close to the texture of minced meat, the seitan that you can easily make homemade, and that offers several possibilities of recipes, etc.

Where to start?

It's simple: by exploring.
Try new foods, new proteins, new recipes, etc.
Dare to step out of your comfort zone.
It’s by experimenting, finding out what you like and dislike that you will be able to make a little more room for veganism in your life.

It's also better to go gradually, to go at your own pace. You’re much more likely to enjoy the process and make real, long-term changes.
I hope that with these answers to your questions veganism seems a little clearer to you.
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By Priscilia Vaillancourt
Writer at RAW Nutritional