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So this is going to be a little bit of a different post. I have recently celebrated 1 year of being vegan, and I thought I would write a blog-post that could help inspire others to either go vegan, look into veganism, or humour those who are already vegan!
Going vegan is a big thing! For some it may be a super simple and easy transition, for others it's hard! For me personally, going vegan was relatively easy, however it was those hidden non-vegan ingredients in supermarket food that was hard to avoid. But it can of course be done.
So in this post, I'm going to talk about some things to expect when you go vegan. If you're already vegan, I'm sure you'll agree with some of these!!
1) It will be like "you've seen the light."
And I'm not exaggerating with this one. It will honestly feel like you've seen the light. Like your eyes have been opened. If you have become vegan for ethical and environmental reasons, the stuff you learn can be like a punch in the stomach! (no joke!) It will feel like society has lied to you. For some it can be a frustrating time, for others it can be enlightening.
The important thing to remember is despite the lies spread throughout society, you have found this sustainable, ethical and awesome lifestyle! You've had the courage to go against what much of society call "crazy" and stand up for your beliefs. So be enlightened, learn more and continue to spread the vegan message.
2) You may sometimes feel alone.
This one is true if you are not surrounded by fellow vegans. Which is the truth for most of us. Going vegan can be hard for you if you're friends and family continue to eat the way they usually do. I know for me, it felt like I had changed and everyone else stayed the same. I'm not going to lie when I say that you will feel alone at times. However connecting with like minded people can be done, through social media, vegan Facebook pages, meet ups, etc. I swear if it wasn't for the vegan friends I have met, I would probably go insane! This lifestyle is such an awesome way to meet new, like- minded and awesome people.
3) You will want EVERYONE to go vegan too!
Once you learn all the reasons why being vegan is so great, you will want your family, friends, and strangers on the street to go vegan too! I mean, why not? Its the best lifestyle for yourself, the planet and the animals! It's a win, win, win situation! However that's not the case. Just because you've made this change, others necessarily won't. 99% of the time, it's your closest friends and family who just refuse to make a change. And there is simply nothing you can do about it, it's their choice. You do you, and people will soon see how much your loving the lifestyle and may make small changes. You may not realise it, but you will have an influence on people. I have often received messages from friends when they eat or see something vegan! It's a very gratifying feeling!
4) You will go through an "angry" phase
I have spoken about this with other vegans, and we all agreed that most vegans go through a period of intense anger and frustration. Everything that everyone does around you will start to seriously piss you off. I mean everyone! Your friends, family, coworkers, even random people you don't know! It will be a hard and lonely, but remember that not everyone is aware like you now are, so it is super important to remain patient, and simple educate. Screaming the house down it not going to turn anyone vegan!
5) You will be the joke of the party
For some people going vegan will be the biggest joke of all to people around them, for others it is accepted. Personally I have had many good comments when people find out I'm vegan, and a few irritating comments. And when I say joke of the party, I mean it. Every time my parents have had friends over and the topic on veganism comes up, someone will say something to piss me off. It happens. It's expected. To many people being vegan is not a common thing. Many people won't know any vegans, so it will be surprising. My advice on these comments: ignore. Let their stupidity go, remain calm and just smile. It is honestly the easiest and best thing to do in social situations, because trying to reply will result in a major argument, and no one wants to see an angry vegan. Trust me. It's scary.
6) Vegan does not mean healthy
I cannot count the times I have received the comment "you must be so healthy" when someone finds out I'm vegan. No! Vegan doesn't mean you have to be healthy. You can be as unhealthy as a vegan, as you can be as a non vegan. There is such a thing as vegan junk food, eat it often, and you will be unhealthy. Veganism is not all kale and carrots!
7) It's much more than just diet.
Veganism is a lifestyle change. Many people do not realise the extended use of animal products, they do not realise how many animal products are hidden in daily things they use, from toothpaste and hairbrushes to their Kathmandu jacket and make up products. It. Is. Everywhere. And it's pretty gross if you think about it! Making the change to veganism is a hard one, because you'll realise just how much animal products have impacted your life. Go slow. Do not throw everything out, just make small changes when making new purchases. There is a vegan option for EVERYTHING, you just have to find it.
9) You are a hero
Going vegan will fill you with so much passion, compassion and knowledge about the world. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Teach people who are willing to learn, be a role model and above all, enjoy your life. Veganism is about living a life of kindness, where no other living creature has to die for your benefit. Push the boundaries of what is considered mainstream. Show people you're not afraid to stand out in society, to voice out for what you believe in. Some of the greatest heroes in our past stood up for issues that the rest of the world turned a blind eye to. Now they are iconic in human history (e.g. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, to name a few). It's the same with vegans, you call them crazy until you become!
You are a hero just by changing your lifestyle, and don't you forget it!!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this. If you're interested in veganism I urge you to watch/read some of the following, if you're already vegan, I hope you were nodding and going "yeah, so true" as you read! Haha
Instagram- @healthynzgirl
Read: Skinny Bitch
The China Study
The Starch Solution
Watch: Youtube: Earthlings
Forks Over Knives
Seaspiracy
Greatest Speech you'll ever hear
Documentary: Cowspiracy
Going vegan is a big thing! For some it may be a super simple and easy transition, for others it's hard! For me personally, going vegan was relatively easy, however it was those hidden non-vegan ingredients in supermarket food that was hard to avoid. But it can of course be done.
So in this post, I'm going to talk about some things to expect when you go vegan. If you're already vegan, I'm sure you'll agree with some of these!!
And I'm not exaggerating with this one. It will honestly feel like you've seen the light. Like your eyes have been opened. If you have become vegan for ethical and environmental reasons, the stuff you learn can be like a punch in the stomach! (no joke!) It will feel like society has lied to you. For some it can be a frustrating time, for others it can be enlightening.
The important thing to remember is despite the lies spread throughout society, you have found this sustainable, ethical and awesome lifestyle! You've had the courage to go against what much of society call "crazy" and stand up for your beliefs. So be enlightened, learn more and continue to spread the vegan message.
2) You may sometimes feel alone.
This one is true if you are not surrounded by fellow vegans. Which is the truth for most of us. Going vegan can be hard for you if you're friends and family continue to eat the way they usually do. I know for me, it felt like I had changed and everyone else stayed the same. I'm not going to lie when I say that you will feel alone at times. However connecting with like minded people can be done, through social media, vegan Facebook pages, meet ups, etc. I swear if it wasn't for the vegan friends I have met, I would probably go insane! This lifestyle is such an awesome way to meet new, like- minded and awesome people.
3) You will want EVERYONE to go vegan too!
Once you learn all the reasons why being vegan is so great, you will want your family, friends, and strangers on the street to go vegan too! I mean, why not? Its the best lifestyle for yourself, the planet and the animals! It's a win, win, win situation! However that's not the case. Just because you've made this change, others necessarily won't. 99% of the time, it's your closest friends and family who just refuse to make a change. And there is simply nothing you can do about it, it's their choice. You do you, and people will soon see how much your loving the lifestyle and may make small changes. You may not realise it, but you will have an influence on people. I have often received messages from friends when they eat or see something vegan! It's a very gratifying feeling!
4) You will go through an "angry" phase
5) You will be the joke of the party
For some people going vegan will be the biggest joke of all to people around them, for others it is accepted. Personally I have had many good comments when people find out I'm vegan, and a few irritating comments. And when I say joke of the party, I mean it. Every time my parents have had friends over and the topic on veganism comes up, someone will say something to piss me off. It happens. It's expected. To many people being vegan is not a common thing. Many people won't know any vegans, so it will be surprising. My advice on these comments: ignore. Let their stupidity go, remain calm and just smile. It is honestly the easiest and best thing to do in social situations, because trying to reply will result in a major argument, and no one wants to see an angry vegan. Trust me. It's scary.
6) Vegan does not mean healthy
I cannot count the times I have received the comment "you must be so healthy" when someone finds out I'm vegan. No! Vegan doesn't mean you have to be healthy. You can be as unhealthy as a vegan, as you can be as a non vegan. There is such a thing as vegan junk food, eat it often, and you will be unhealthy. Veganism is not all kale and carrots!
7) It's much more than just diet.
Veganism is a lifestyle change. Many people do not realise the extended use of animal products, they do not realise how many animal products are hidden in daily things they use, from toothpaste and hairbrushes to their Kathmandu jacket and make up products. It. Is. Everywhere. And it's pretty gross if you think about it! Making the change to veganism is a hard one, because you'll realise just how much animal products have impacted your life. Go slow. Do not throw everything out, just make small changes when making new purchases. There is a vegan option for EVERYTHING, you just have to find it.
 |
| Every animal deserves life |
9) You are a hero
Going vegan will fill you with so much passion, compassion and knowledge about the world. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Teach people who are willing to learn, be a role model and above all, enjoy your life. Veganism is about living a life of kindness, where no other living creature has to die for your benefit. Push the boundaries of what is considered mainstream. Show people you're not afraid to stand out in society, to voice out for what you believe in. Some of the greatest heroes in our past stood up for issues that the rest of the world turned a blind eye to. Now they are iconic in human history (e.g. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, to name a few). It's the same with vegans, you call them crazy until you become!
You are a hero just by changing your lifestyle, and don't you forget it!!
 |
| The animals are thanking you! |
Instagram- @healthynzgirl
Read: Skinny Bitch
The China Study
The Starch Solution
Watch: Youtube: Earthlings
Forks Over Knives
Seaspiracy
Greatest Speech you'll ever hear
Documentary: Cowspiracy
