In recent years, veganism has gone from a niche movement to a mainstream lifestyle. And it’s no surprise—between the health benefits, ethical concerns, and environmental impact, more people are choosing to cut down on animal products or go fully plant-based.
But if you’re sitting there thinking I want to try it… but how?, you’re not alone.
Going vegan doesn’t have to mean a drastic overnight change or tossing out everything in your fridge. It’s not about perfection—it’s about intention. Here’s a simple, honest, and supportive guide to help you explore veganism in a way that works for you.
1. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing
One of the biggest misconceptions about veganism is that you have to go all in or not at all. But that “all or nothing” mindset can be overwhelming—and often stops people before they even begin.
The truth? You can start small.
Try a “Meat-Free Monday.” Swap your usual breakfast for a plant-based smoothie. Choose oat milk in your coffee. Slowly increasing the amount of plant-based food you eat helps your palate adjust and makes the switch feel natural rather than forced.
Going vegan is a journey, not a test. Give yourself permission to transition at your own pace.
2. Know your why
Going vegan because it’s trendy might work for a few weeks. But when you’re tempted by cheese or wondering if it’s worth the effort, you’ll need a deeper reason to stay motivated.
Your “why” could be:
- Wanting to eat more healthily
- Feeling uncomfortable about animal welfare
- Worrying about climate change and the impact of animal agriculture
- Wanting to challenge yourself to eat more mindfully
Understanding your own values makes it easier to stick with the change—and more fulfilling too. Want to learn more? Watch some of the best vegan documentaries like The Game Changers, Cowspiracy, or Forks Over Knives to explore the deeper “why.”
3. Eat the rainbow
The biggest myth about veganism? That it’s “boring” or you’ll miss out on nutrients.
A well-planned vegan diet can be rich, varied, and deeply satisfying. The key is diversity—aim to eat as many colours as possible across your meals. That means:
- Leafy greens like kale, spinach, or chard
- Red, orange and yellow veggies like peppers, carrots, and tomatoes
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or oats
- Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds
- Protein-packed pulses like chickpeas, lentils, and black beans
Eating a wide variety helps ensure you get essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 (though you may want to supplement—talk to your doctor).
For a bit of kitchen inspo, explore our Zucchini Corn Pancake Recipe—completely plant-based and super easy to make.
4. Discover your go-to recipes
Going vegan doesn’t mean living off lettuce. It actually opens up a whole new world of flavours—and encourages you to get creative in the kitchen.
If you’re craving burgers, pasta, or even cake, you can find a vegan version online in seconds. From cauliflower wings to chickpea curry, there’s a plant-based twist for almost everything you already love.
Find a few “go-to” meals that are quick, easy, and satisfying. These will be your lifeline on tired nights or when cravings strike.
Explore recipes on vegan food blogs, Pinterest, or even TikTok—there are thousands of ideas to inspire you. And you might discover your new favourite dish along the way.
5. Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress
You’ll likely make a few mistakes or you’ll order something thinking it’s vegan, then discover it has dairy or you’ll crave chocolate or pizza and feel like giving up.
That’s completely normal.
The point isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be aware, to make conscious choices, and to treat yourself with kindness along the way. Every plant-based meal you choose makes a difference—to your body, to animals, and to the planet.
The goal isn’t to be the perfect vegan—just the realistic you making better choices.
Final thoughts: your vegan journey starts here
Thinking about going vegan is the first step. And whether you choose to go fully plant-based or just cut back on animal products, you’re already making a positive change.
Explore, experiment, and stay curious. And most importantly—enjoy the food. Because being vegan isn’t just about restrictions—it’s about discovering a new way to eat, cook, and live.
You’ve got this.
