HOW GOING VEGAN HAS CHANGED MY LIFE

September 10, 2021

I have been vegan for just a little under 9 months now, and I must say it has been quite a journey!

As for someone who grew up eating and loving meat and dairy products, I still find it shocking that I shifted from my “normal” eating habits. It wasn’t until my golden birthday (the year I decided to add more structure to my life) that going vegan ever crossed my mind, and that has been one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far.

So my husband and I decided that we would start our vegan journey on December 26th, 2020, to enjoy one last holiday dinner. I wanted to transition into this lifestyle because I wanted to improve my eating habits and overall quality of life. Whether you’re already vegan or considering making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle in this post I’ll share with you 6 ways going vegan has made a positive impact in my life!

HOW BEING VEGAN HAS CHANGED MY LIFE

READING FOOD LABELS

Before going vegan, I didn’t really pay attention to food labels, and I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit it! However, that has changed, and it gets easier the more you shop for your vegan goods. In the earlier months of this journey, I did tons of research, so I became familiar with vegan brands.

Preparing yourself for this lifestyle change makes all the difference and reading food labels helps you become more health-conscious about the foods you are consuming. When shopping for your grocery items be sure to read through the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain any foods made from animals. The best way to determine if something is vegan is to look for a certified vegan label which also saves you time!

DIVERSE COOKING PALLET

Since becoming vegan, I’ve learned how to cook new foods and enjoy more delicious meals at home. Cooking has become a hobby that I love, and I can say that my husband has been enjoying trying new home-cooked meals throughout the week. There isn’t any meal you can’t veganize; if love pizza, make yourself a vegan pizza if you love pasta, make a pasta dish using plant-based alternatives. Veganism is far from boring and is a great way to prepare your favorite dishes more healthily and live a happier life!

RELATED: 11 BEST HOBBIES FOR WOMEN

WEIGHTLOSS

When I started my wellness journey two years ago, it only consisted of me being more active. Then, I slowly started being more conscious of the foods I consumed daily. I noticed how certain foods made me feel, and the weight I gained over the past few years somewhat became comfortable to me. I wanted to change, and going plant-based was the start I needed!

Fast forward to 9 months later, and I’m 20lbs down! I didn’t restrict myself, I ate whatever I wanted, and it’s something that happened gradually and I have no complaints! Although I’ve enjoyed all the vegan junk food, I have been focusing on becoming a healthier vegan. Like any other diet, you need balance to ensure that you’re getting the recommended nutrients when transitioning to the vegan lifestyle.

MENTAL CLARITY

When you eat good, you feel good!

Going plant-based has improved my overall health; because of this lifestyle change, I am happier, more energized, and more confident in the decisions that I make in all aspects of my life.

EATING HEALTHIER FOODS

Going vegan was like entering a new world, and it introduced me to vegan foods I didn’t even know existed. The thing I love most is that you can make any veggie enjoyable and delicious. There are tons of vegan foods that I would never have tried had I not gone to go vegan.

RELATIONSHIP GROWTH

As I mentioned earlier, my husband and I started this journey together. This made it easier to adjust to this change and was a great way to improve our eating habits. Going vegan as a couple creates many bonding moments, ongoing learning opportunities, and new adventures, but it allowed us to become a positive influence on each other and hold each other accountable. Making healthy changes contributes to your overall health and will ultimately improve your relationship in many ways!