Overcoming the Top 5 Difficulties of Going Vegan: Tips and Strategies

The concept of ‘cognitive dissonance’ is relevant here. Cognitive dissonance, first outlined by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957, refers to the mental discomfort or psychological stress experienced by an individual when they hold two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. In the context of people treating vegans harshly, cognitive dissonance can arise when someone who is not a vegan, but believes in treating animals humanely in principle, encounters a vegan who advocates for these values through their lifestyle choices.

The non-vegan may feel uncomfortable or conflicted because they are holding two opposing beliefs: they believe in treating animals and the environment well, but they also consume animal products out of habit, cultural tradition, or sensorial pleasure. This discomfort can be exacerbated when someone (ok… us) points out the inconsistency in their behaviour, which can cause feelings of defensiveness.

In order to alleviate this discomfort, the non-vegan may attempt to justify their behaviour by denigrating vegans or dismissing their beliefs. This can lead to harsh treatment, such as ridicule, insults, or aggression towards vegans, as a way to reduce the discomfort caused by the conflict between their values and their actions.

The best strategy here is to be patient and wise. Try to educate others about the benefits of a vegan diet and explain why it is important to you. Stick to your principles. By remaining calm and laying out your thoughts in plain terms, you can lead by example. I’ve personally rallied more support around veganism by simply living the healthiest, most fulfilling life over preaching and arguing about whether or not plants have feelings. These things take time, and it’s important to acknowledge that we ourselves were most likely in the exact same position at points in our lives. In the meantime, you can seek out vegan communities online or in your local area to find like-minded individuals and fuel the fire of your cruelty-free lifestyle.

Cravings and temptation

Another common difficulty of going vegan is dealing with cravings and temptation for non-vegan foods. This can be particularly challenging in social situations, such as at restaurants or parties, where non-vegan options are often readily available.

To combat cravings, it is important to find satisfying vegan alternatives to your favourite non-vegan foods. For example, many people who turn vegan often cite cheese as their biggest craving. For this, you can try vegan cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. The plant-based food alternatives market has never been bigger and more convincing, with many non-vegans even choosing vegan goods over their typical fare thanks to their mainstream availability.

Additionally, planning ahead can help you avoid situations where you may be tempted to indulge in non-vegan foods. Having a selection of delicious, healthy vegan snacks ready at social events, your workplace, or in the food cupboards at home can also help you avoid temptation. A little trip over to our store could help with this, if we could be so bold to suggest! We offer assortments of the best vegan snacks and treats for every occasion, allowing you to sort your snacks out in one simple purchase. But enough about us.

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Nutritional concerns

Some people may worry that a vegan diet may not provide all the necessary nutrients, such as protein, iron, and vitamin B12. While it is possible to obtain these nutrients on a vegan diet, it can require careful planning and may require the use of supplements.

However, we’re sorry to report to you standard diet folk out there, that strong data suggests that vegans tend to have fewer nutritional deficiencies compared to non-vegans due to several reasons:

1. High Nutrient Density of Plant-Based Foods: Plant-based foods are rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for optimal health. A vegan diet typically includes more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are all high in nutrients and low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
2. Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases: Plant-based diets have been associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. According to a large-scale review of multiple studies, vegan diets were found to be associated with lower blood pressure, lower levels of LDL cholesterol, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Reduced Risk of Nutrient Deficiencies: A well-planned vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients required for optimal health, including protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. With proper planning and attention to nutrient intake, vegans can meet or exceed the recommended daily intakes for all essential nutrients.
4. Higher Fiber Intake: Plant-based foods are typically high in fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion, maintain healthy bowel movements, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
5. Lower Intake of Harmful Substances: Animal products are often high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and toxins such as hormones and antibiotics, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases. A vegan diet, on the other hand, eliminates these harmful substances, reducing the risk of disease.

In summary, vegans tend to be healthier and have fewer nutritional deficiencies compared to non-vegans due to a well-planned, nutrient-dense, plant-based diet that reduces the risk of chronic diseases and nutrient deficiencies while promoting overall health and wellbeing.To ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients on a vegan diet, it is important to eat a variety of nutrient-dense plant-based foods. Sources of protein for vegans include lentils, beans, tofu, and tempeh, while leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are good sources of iron. Vitamin B12 can be obtained through foods like nutritional yeast, or fortified foods such as plant-based milks, or most simply through supplementation.

Availability of vegan options

In some areas, it can be challenging to find vegan options at restaurants and grocery stores. This can make it difficult to maintain a vegan diet, particularly if you have limited access to fresh produce and other plant-based foods.However, the demand for vegan products has been increasing in recent years, with more people adopting vegan diets or reducing their intake of animal products. A 2021 report by Bloomberg predicted that the global plant-based alternatives market is projected to exceed $31.4 billion in value by 2026, up from $29.4 billion in 2020.

There’s been significant market growth, product innovation, increased availability, and proliferation of quality online retailers (hi), which have made it easier than ever (we hope) to stick to a plant-based diet. If you’re worried about adherence when you’re out-and-about in the world, it’s important to research vegan-friendly restaurants and grocery stores beforehand so you don’t caught short. Many restaurants now offer vegan options, and there are also online directories that can help you find vegan-friendly businesses in your area. And for that weekend road trip, there’s always The Snack Attack.

Cost

Some people may find that the cost of vegan products, such as meat substitutes and plant-based milks, can be higher than the cost of non-vegan products. This can make it challenging for individuals on a tight budget to maintain a vegan diet.However, it is important to prioritise plant-based whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which are actually typically less expensive than most on-the-shelf animal products and even other processed vegan foods like meat alternatives. They also happen to be the healthiest foods on planet earth, which is a nice plus.Additionally, shopping for vegan products in bulk or buying store-brand options can help you save money. Plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are also often cheaper than meat or dairy products. We even offer The Mystery Box, a deeply discounted selection of ten vegan snacks from our inventory that are either discontinued from our main line or at-or-near expiry dates. It’s a great way to try a random variety selection of vegan treats you haven’t tried before at cost-price, and the reason we offer it so cheaply is to aid in reducing our food waste.

How can I stay motivated to continue a vegan lifestyle?

Going vegan can be an incredibly rewarding but also sometimes quite challenging lifestyle choice. You can successfully maintain a vegan diet and reap the rewards of improved health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare by following the tips we just laid out. Trust us —it’s worth it. Surround yourself with supportive people, find satisfying vegan alternatives, plan ahead, prioritise nutrient-dense plant-based foods. By staying committed to your values and making conscious choices, you can create a fulfilling and sustainable vegan lifestyle that aligns with your goals and values and offer a great example to the rest of the world of a thriving and happy vegan. Remember, transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is a journey, and every small step counts towards a healthier, more compassionate, and more sustainable future.