     Since 2020 approached us and the world knows a little more about the effects of climate change on our future, more people are choosing to go vegan. People are learning the negative impacts animal agriculture has on our climate and the environment. Veganism is not just a diet but a lifestyle, because it is not just about food but also about animal rights and the environment. People who follow a vegan lifestyle refrain from eating and using any animal-related products. However, going vegan can be challenging at first, especially in a world where eating meat and consuming dairy is the norm. It can also be challenging because almost everything we wear, and use is made from animal materials.
           There are 5 main things you can do as a new vegan to make the transition into the lifestyle much easier for you and much more fun.
1- Learn the effects of animal agriculture on the environment and how animal products can negatively affect our health. This can be achieved by watching documentaries such as “What the Health” (2017) directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, and “Forks Over Knives” (2011) directed by Lee Fulkerson. You can also learn about the inhumane treatment of animals by watching documentaries such as “Earthlings” (2005) directed by Shaun Monson, or by reading “Animal Liberation” (1975) written by Peter Singer.
2- You may want to invest in a good vegan vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplement, or even vegan multivitamin. Since both vitamin B12 and D are mainly found in animal products, it may be a bit difficult getting enough of them while following a vegan lifestyle. Good vegan brands can be found on Amazon that are USDA approved, such as “MyKind Organics.” It can also be helpful to get a blood test when you transition to a vegan lifestyle and check in with your doctor before purchasing any supplements.
3- Check food labels when grocery shopping and when purchasing products. This can be fun because you would be surprised at how many foods and products contain animal materials. You would also learn that many foods are unintentionally vegan and safe for you to consume which is a bonus. Contrary to the popular belief, finding vegan foods becomes very easy and second nature once you learn how to read labels.
4- Discover all the vegan restaurants in your area! This can make things easier when going out for a good meal. Some of my favourite ones around Windsor are “Healthy Mama” and “Carrots and Dates” if you are looking for delicious healthy vegan food. “Nooch” is also very good if you are looking for delicious vegan comfort food. Other restaurants around Windsor that are not vegan but have a lot of vegan options are “Taloola Café,” and “Thyme Kitchen,” and many more which provide delicious and amazing vegan dishes.
5- Do not give up your favourite food when you go vegan. Every food has a vegan version that is just as delicious, if not more. For example, if you like pizza, make a vegan pizza by using vegan cheese and vegan pepperoni. Same thing with wings, poutine, and ice-cream. Veganism is not about giving up your favourite foods, but it is about creating your version that is led by good conscious without harming animals in the process.
           Once you adopt a vegan lifestyle, you will not only notice a change in your overall health, and skin, but you will also develop a new compassion for animals, and for the humans around you as well. It is about learning how to live peacefully without having to harm any living creature. It is also about creating a better environment not only for yourself but for future generations.
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