Introduction

Living a vegan lifestyle isn’t just about what you don’t eat. It’s also a lifestyle choice that involves changing the way you view food and ingredients to live a more sustainable, healthy and ethical life. Additionally, transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can have positive impacts on your health such as increasing energy levels, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and aiding weight loss by cutting out unhealthy processed foods. Eating a plant-based diet is also known to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. All of these are compelling reasons why you should consider living a vegan lifestyle. In any case, ensure you consult with your primary care manager to discuss if this is the right choice for you. In this blog post, we will explore 7 tips to help you on your journey towards embracing the vegan lifestyle.

First Tip: Have clarity on why you are choosing the vegan lifestyle.

The vegan lifestyle is based on values such as health, sustainability, and compassion for animals. It involves eliminating animal products from your diet and lifestyle choices, including food, clothing, toiletries, household items and more. By living a vegan lifestyle, you can help reduce animal suffering and create a more sustainable world. Additionally, people often adopt the vegan lifestyle to reap the benefits of improved health such as increased energy levels and lower cholesterol levels. Regardless of why you are considering veganism, the better clarity you have on your why, the better your success.

Second Tip: Be creative when shopping and cooking meals at home for a vegan diet.

Shopping for vegan food on a budget can be tricky, but it's certainly possible with some planning and creativity. To make the most of your money, stock up on items such as buying frozen vegetables and pantry staples when they are on sale. Making meals in bulk and freezing leftovers is also a great way to cut costs. Additionally, buying canned (no or reduced sodium) beans, grains, and legumes in bulk is an inexpensive way to stock up on nutritional staples. Other tips include using coupons and checking out discount bins for items like nuts, seeds and dried fruit that are often less expensive than their pre-packaged counterparts. With a little bit of resourcefulness, you can find vegan food options that fit within any budget.

Cooking vegan meals at home can be a great way to save money, eat healthier and experiment with new flavors. Start by stocking your pantry, freezer and refrigerator with basic ingredients like grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Preparing simple dishes such as salads and One-Pot Meals can be a great way to save time in the kitchen. Experimenting with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh and seitan is also a delicious way to add flavor and texture to your meals. You can create delicious, nutritious vegan meals that will satisfy both your taste buds and budget.

Third Tip: Plan ahead when eating out.

Eating out as a vegan can be challenging at times, but researching restaurants in advance is key so that you know which places offer vegan-friendly options. Looking up menus online and reading reviews from other vegans can help you decide where to go. It also helps to let the restaurant staff know of your dietary needs beforehand or when ordering to avoid any confusion. When dining out, look for menu items such as salads, vegetable sandwiches, pastas with marinara sauce and dishes made with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. With proper planning and the right attitude finding delicious vegan-friendly food when eating out is possible.

Tip Four: Understand the nutritional considerations when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.

When transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, there are some important nutritional considerations to keep in mind. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins B12 and D, as well as iron, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids is essential for maintaining good health. It is also important to ensure you are eating a variety of plant-based foods like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits to get enough essential vitamins and minerals. Eating fortified foods such as soy milk or cereals can also help fill in any nutritional gaps that may be missing from your diet. Finally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep the body hydrated and healthy.

Tip 5: Become a part of a vegan community (online AND local)

Starting any new lifestyle change can be daunting, but going vegan doesn't have to be a solo journey. There are countless resources available to help you make the transition, from vegan cookbooks and recipes to online forums and communities. Joining a local veggie meetup or joining an online vegan support group can provide valuable insight and practical tips for navigating your way through different dietary restrictions. Building relationships with like-minded people is also a great way to find even more encouragement and motivation on your vegan journey!

Conclusion

Living a vegan lifestyle doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With some commitment and creativity, anyone can transition to a plant-based diet without breaking the bank or sacrificing taste. Start by experimenting with new ingredients, learning how to make meals like salads and One-Pot Meals, and stocking up on bulk items like beans and grains. By continuing to educate yourself on the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, you can make more informed decisions about your food choices and live with confidence knowing that you are making the best decisions for both yourself and the planet.

What are lentils and where do they come from

Lentils are a type of legume that is commonly used in soups and stews. They are small, round, and typically brown or green in color. Lentils are native to Asia and the Mediterranean and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, they are grown in many different parts of the world, including Canada, India, and Turkey. Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they can be cooked quickly and easily. When cooked, lentils tend to absorb the flavors of other ingredients, making them a versatile and popular ingredient in many different cuisines.

Nutritional benefits of lentils

Lentils are low in calories and high in nutrients. Research has shown that lentils can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control. They may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Lentils are a versatile food that can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be cooked and used as a side dish or added to soups, stews, and salads. For people looking to improve their health, adding lentils to their diet is a simple and delicious way to do so.

Common Types of Lentils

· Brown – most likely to hold their shape during the cooking process. Use as a meat substitute due to the firm texture.

· Red – Used in baking goods due to the taste

· Green – Included in sauces and curries due to the sharp peppery taste

· Yellow - As a side dish, with a neutral taste

No matter the type of lentil you will be cooking, your preference and recipe will determine the texture and cooking time.

How to cook Lentils

Unlike other legumes, lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking. Lentils can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be simmered in water or broth, pureed into a soup or dip, or used as a filling for tacos or burritos. When cooked on the stove brown and green Lentils may be cooked in about 30 minutes, while red and yellow lentils may only take 15 minutes. Using a pressure cooker would significantly speed up cooking time.

Conclusion

Lentils are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Costing about 8 cents per serving, lentils cheaper than buying meats and can be used as a meat replacement in recipes such as tacos or burritos. They can also be used as a base for soup or stew. Sprouted, they can be added to salads or sandwiches. Whatever way you choose to enjoy them, lentils are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. So next time you're looking for something new to try in the kitchen, don't forget about lentils!