7 Things to Know Before Going Vegan

Mar 15, 2021

"I think that one of these days . . . you’re going to have to find out where you want to go. And then you’ve got to start going there."
-J.D. Salinger,
The Catcher in the Rye

1. It's Not About Food

The food you eat is only one part of veganism, but it's the part that is most associated with the lifestyle because it's the most common way we, as individuals, exploit animals. However, even if every human on the planet ate a plant-based diet, that wouldn't mean we live in a vegan world. There are many other factors to veganism, such as purchasing animal-free and animal-cruelty-free products, but the most important thing to realize is that veganism isn't really about what you buy or the companies you support. It's more of a philosophy of being as compassionate as possible; it's about the thought processes behind how you choose to spend -- or not spend -- your money and time.

2. It's About Animals

Ahimsa is the Sanskrit word for nonviolence, and though it's often used in yoga, it's a word with great meaning to many vegans because it encapsulates the way we see our purpose in the world: to do as little harm to ourselves and others. At its core, this is what veganism is all about, and before going vegan -- not just plant-based, but fully vegan -- each individual makes that connection. We come to recognize that nonhuman animals are worthy of the same respect we would give to any other individual, and after that realization, all other excuses seem to fade away.

3. Perfection Is Impossible

Like dieting, many new vegans fear that one slip-up means that they're no longer vegan and they should throw in the towel because continuing on would simply be too hard for them. But hold on, slow down, take a breath. Everything will be ok. We all make mistakes; they're inevitable, especially because we're living in a non-vegan world. If you're aiming for some fantasized image of perfection, you will be sorely disappointed, not just with veganism but with life itself. Instead of disparaging yourself for making mistakes, use them as lessons for the future.

4. There's a Lot to Learn

It's impossible to know everything, just like it's impossible to be perfect. This doesn't mean we shouldn't try to learn, but we need to accept that there will always be more information we'll never know or understand. In the process of educating yourself on issues regarding veganism -- an important step of going and staying vegan and of teaching others -- remind yourself that it takes time to figure things out. You can't undo an entire lifetime of non- or anti-veganism at the drop of a hat. Think of veganism as a muscle that must be developed over time. It will take some consistent effort, maybe even a little pain, to strengthen it, but after putting that work in, you will surely notice the results.

5. You Need Reinforcement

Going vegan in a carnist world is like being a recovering alcoholic. You don't simply stop drinking one day and say you're cured. No, it takes hard work and reinforcement, particularly in the early days, to stay on the wagon. You have to remove temptation and separate yourself from anything that could trigger a relapse, and you have to remind yourself about the bad parts of your addiction that made you want to quit. Both with veganism and overcoming addiction, it's not really about the things you give up. It's about filling those empty parts of yourself with something good, finding a new sense of purpose and belonging now that you've made the switch to something better.

As long as vegans are a minority, there will be pressure on you to not be vegan, from your peers to advertisements online to that decadent doughnut shop next to your office, so reinforcing your desire to stay away from carnism is of utmost important in the early days, weeks, and months of veganism. Remember, you've lived your entire life as a non-vegan before now, so cut yourself some slack for "dirty" thoughts of chowing down on a four-cheese meat lover's stuffed-crust pizza and gently remind yourself why that momentary meal isn't something you actually want.

6. It's Not That Hard

Early on, there will be struggles, and you may find yourself having a difficult time with the transition. There is always a learning curve when starting something new, and to expect anything less would be foolish. As you learn more and get more accustomed to this new lifestyle, it will become quite easy. Indeed, to me, being a vegan of several years, it's now simply a part of who I am.

7. There's Never a Right Time

Changing the way you live your life isn't something that can be completed or mastered over a weekend. And you may be waiting for the right moment to finally make the change, but that moment will never come. You can always find excuses to not do something, so instead remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to do this. No one's holding a gun to your head -- we're vegans, that's not really our style -- and there's no pressure on you to figure everything out immediately. For the animals, it's better to start now by making smaller, realistic changes than waiting around for the time when you think you can do it all at once. And if you're now waiting to make those final changes to fully transition to veganism, what's holding you back? Remember who you're doing this for, and it will be easier to move forward.

be conscious, be kind, be vegan