I have been vegan for quite a while now, and I have received several requests to write a blog post on how to do the same. Here are my best tips on how to live vegan - no animal products needed!

Research!
Veganism isn't a weight loss diet, it is an ethical stance against animal cruelty and the destruction of the environment. It's important to understand this before starting, so research veganism and reasons to go vegan! Ensure you research vegan nutrition too - a vegan diet can be suitable for all stages of life according to the American Dietetics Association, but you have to plan it well for optimum health. Make sure you understand where to get your vitamin B12 from!

Substitute!
A vegan lifestyle shouldn't feel restrictive. There is a vegan substitution for almost every food type! You don't have to cut whole food groups out of your diet (and you shouldn't) - just use vegan versions of those foods instead. Faux meat is common and delicious, or you might prefer tofu, tempeh, or beans for protein! Milk and cheese can easily be replaced with vegan versions too. Don't start out your journey into veganism with a diet of any sort - a normal vegan diet can be very healthy as it is. There's no need to restrict what you eat!

Go Slow!
You don't have to go vegan overnight. Replace one or two foods or products at a time with animal cruelty free versions, and check ingredients lists! Some foods you previously loved might be secretly vegan already (like some brands of dark chocolate)!

Remember to always consult with a doctor before making any big changes to your diet! It's important to make sure you get all the nutrients you need!

Do you know anyone vegan?