Congratulations on deciding to go vegan — that’s a wonderful choice for animals, the planet and your health. If you’re unsure where to start, take heart: it can feel overwhelming at first, but many people find the transition easier with a few practical strategies. Here are 12 helpful tips I learned after becoming vegan that will make the first weeks much smoother.
Changing to a vegan lifestyle won’t always be easy — you’re becoming a vegan in a largely non-vegan world, so some navigating is required. Support like Veganuary can be invaluable, and friendly advice from others who’ve done it helps too. Below I share my experience and practical tips to guide you through the early weeks.
My Vegan Journey
Everyone’s path to veganism is different. For context, I went from omnivore to vegan very suddenly, which surprised my family. It was challenging at first but, two years on, I’m confident it was the right choice. My family still eat animal products, but they now enjoy far more plant-based meals than before. If you’d like more detail on my experience, I’ve written a separate post about my vegan journey.
Your Vegan Journey
No matter what motivated you — health, animals, environment — give yourself time to adjust. The first few months bring new foods, routines and occasionally frustration, but persist through the initial phase and it becomes second nature. You’ll discover new flavors and ways to cook that make the change enjoyable.
What Do I Need To Change to Become Vegan?
Veganism aims to avoid products derived from animals wherever practical. That affects food, home and personal care products, and clothing (no leather, wool, silk, fur, down). It can feel broad, but you don’t need to switch everything immediately. For durable items like leather or wool, I keep what I already own and replace pieces gradually with vegan alternatives. The kitchen is easier to change quickly because food is short-term — so this guide focuses mostly on diet.
List of 12 Top Tips
Below is a concise list of tips; further detail follows for each point.
- Stock your pantry.
- Embrace the unknown and discover new foods.
- Plan your meals.
- Avoid vegan cheese at first.
- Find support with vegan friends or online.
- Try not to be judgmental of others.
- Keep lists on your phone of your reasons for being vegan.
- Watch documentaries to strengthen your resolve.
- Plan ahead when eating out or travelling.
- Don’t let others’ opinions derail you.
- Research plant-based nutrition and plan accordingly.
- Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.
1. Stock your pantry
A well-stocked pantry makes it easy to cook healthy vegan meals, even on busy nights. Keep staples that make quick, versatile meals:
- Hummus — great on toast, as a dip or stirred into bowls; a good source of plant protein.
- Nuts and seeds — handy snacks that provide protein and healthy fats.
- Cashews — soaked and blended, they create rich creamy sauces for pasta, pies and more.
- Plant milks — oat, almond and cashew milks are useful substitutes; try different brands to find a favourite.
- Tofu and tempeh — excellent protein sources that store well; keep firm and silken tofu on hand.
- Lentils, chickpeas and beans — essential for protein-rich sauces, curries and stews.
- Peanut butter — versatile for breakfasts, baking and sauces.
- Nutritional yeast — adds a cheesy flavour and often provides vitamin B12 fortification.
- Sweet white miso — an umami boost that enhances many dishes and supports gut health.
- Jars of flavour boosters — sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted peppers and artichokes brighten salads, pasta and bowls.
- Frozen spinach — easy to add to smoothies, soups and sauces for extra iron and nutrients.
2. Embrace the unknown and discover new foods
Explore recipes that recreate your favourite dishes using plant-based ingredients. Start with easy swaps that replace meat or dairy in meals you already love. Reliable starter recipes include vegan versions of spaghetti bolognese, creamy sauces made from cashews, tofu-based pies and tacos with beans or plant mince. These familiar dishes make the transition comfortable while you broaden your palate.
3. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning reduces the risk of reverting to non-vegan options when you’re tired or busy. Spend time each weekend planning the week ahead, batch-cooking where useful and keeping a list of quick go-to dishes for rushed evenings. Quick options I rely on include crispy tofu bowls, creamy spinach pasta, lentil soup, tofu scramble and ginger-sesame soba noodles — many of those can be ready in under 20 minutes.
4. Avoid Vegan Cheese At First
Cheese changes taste perception and some people find early vegan cheeses unappealing because they’re comparing them directly to dairy. Going without cheese for a few months lets your taste buds reset so you can appreciate new flavours. Many dishes don’t need cheese to be satisfying, and when you do try vegan cheeses later, you might enjoy them more. If you do choose to use them occasionally, pick options you genuinely like rather than relying on them constantly.
5. If family aren’t on board, find support with vegan friends or online
Expect that family and friends may need time to adapt. Be patient and lead by example rather than getting frustrated. If you don’t have local vegan friends, online communities and groups can provide practical tips and emotional support. Avoid getting pulled into extreme or judgemental corners of social media; seek supportive, balanced voices who help you stay positive.
6. Try not to be judgmental of others
Your passion for veganism is natural, but repeatedly preaching to others can alienate them. Remember you were where they are now. Share information when people ask, and otherwise lead by example. Over time, friends and family will notice the benefits and may become curious without feeling judged.
7. Keep lists on your phone of your reasons for being vegan
When doubt or fatigue creeps in, a personalised note listing your reasons — environmental facts, animal welfare concerns, health goals and personal reflections — can help refocus you. Keep this accessible as a morale booster and as a quick reference before social events where you might be questioned.
8. Watch documentaries to strengthen your resolve
Documentaries and thoughtful content can reinforce your commitment, especially when your resolve weakens. Some films focus on environmental impact, others on animal welfare or health. Choose resources that you find motivating — for some people this is eye-opening and for others it may be too distressing, so pick what helps you stay committed without overwhelming you.
9. Plan ahead when eating out or travelling
Research vegan-friendly restaurants or call ahead to ask about vegan options. When travelling or on long days out, pack snacks or a simple meal so you’re not left hunting for suitable food. Planning avoids disappointment and makes dining out far easier and more enjoyable.
10. Don’t listen too much to others’ opinions on your new lifestyle
Expect curiosity and criticism. You don’t need to defend every choice. Politely deflect or change the subject if discussions become draining. Over time the attention fades, and people often become more supportive once they see the change is lasting.
11. Research plant-based nutrition and plan your food accordingly
A balanced whole-food, plant-based diet supports health benefits such as improved heart health and weight management. Focus on whole foods rather than relying on processed vegan alternatives. Be mindful of nutrients that require attention: protein (varied legumes, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, whole grains), iron (leafy greens, lentils, paired with vitamin C for absorption), vitamin B12 (fortified foods or supplements), omega-3s (flax, chia, walnuts, algae supplements), calcium (fortified milks, sesame, leafy greens, tofu) and iodine and zinc from varied sources. Regular check-ups and blood tests are sensible to monitor levels. If you’re unsure, consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
12. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good
Striving for perfection can be discouraging. Aim to be vegan most of the time and allow for occasional lapses, especially while travelling. Many people find a flexible, pragmatic approach is more sustainable in the long term than an all-or-nothing stance. The important thing is the overall positive impact you create.
Conclusion
I hope these practical, balanced tips help you find your feet as a new vegan. Be patient with yourself, explore new foods, plan ahead and seek supportive communities. Wishing you health, happiness and a joyful plant-based journey.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out via the contact channels you prefer — many communities and creators are happy to share recipes, resources and encouragement.