21 Vegan Hacks Every Beginner Needs to Know
Updated March 2024
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A vegan diet focuses on plant-based ingredients and avoids all products derived from animals. This includes dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, meat, fish, and shellfish.
Veganism can be chosen for a variety of reasons. Three of the most widely recognized purposes behind the progress to a plant-based diet are moral intentions, medical advantages, and ecological worries. Many people hold the belief that every living thing has the right to freedom and life. Modern farming methods that do not accord them these rights are criticized.
By going vegan, these animal lovers save nearly 200 animals annually. Following a plant-based diet not only saves animals, but it also has many positive health effects. On average, adult vegans are said to weigh ten to 20 pounds less than adults who consume meat. Vegans are less likely than meat eaters to develop heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and weight loss can be a beneficial effect as well. To lessen the impact that our food systems have on the environment, some people may decide to go vegan.
Veganism is becoming increasingly popular due to ethical, environmental, and health considerations. This comprehensive introduction to the vegan diet helps with that. It aims to provide you with all the information you need to maintain a healthy vegan diet. Regardless of your motivation, switching to a plant-based diet can be challenging.
We've compiled 21 vegan hacks to help you transition. Continue reading for insider advice that you can put into practice!
What Can Vegans Eat?
A list of foods that vegans can eat is provided below. Although this list is not complete, it provides a general idea of the kinds of foods that vegans can eat.
Fruits:
Papaya
Avocado
Pineapple
Kiwi
Grapes
Berries
Oranges
Bananas
Apples
Vegetables:
Eggplant
Mushrooms
Garlic
Onions
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Squash (zucchini, butternut squash, acorn squash)
Root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, turnips)
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula, etc.)
Grains and cereals:
Polenta
Cornmeal
Whole wheat bread and pasta
Amaranth
Buckwheat
Millet
Bulgur
Barley
Oars
Quinoa
Rice (brown, white, wild)
Legumes:
Lentils
Chickpeas
Black beans
Peanuts
Peas
Soybeans
Lima beans
Navy beans
Kidney beans
Nuts and seeds:
Chia seeds
Flaxseeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Brazil nuts
Macadamia nuts
Hazelnuts
Cashews
Pistachios
Walnuts
Almonds
Meat and dairy alternatives:
Plant-based milk
Plant-based yogurt
Plant-based cheese
Plant-based butter
Plant-based cream cheese
Tofu
Tempeh
Seitan
21 Essential Vegan Hacks
1. Experiment With New Plant-Based Ingredients
It's all about variety in plant-based eating, so don't be afraid to try new things! To make vegan meals that are delicious, you can use silken tofu, tempeh, jackfruit, seitan, and other vegan substitutes in many different ways.
2. Read Labels Carefully
Sadly, a lot of processed foods contain animal products, so read the labels carefully. Keep an eye out for ingredients like gelatin, milk, and eggs, which frequently conceal animal products.
3. Find Vegan-Friendly Restaurants
When dining out, it can be hard to find vegan options, but there are now many apps and websites that help vegans find vegan restaurants. Popular choices include Yelp and HappyCow.
4. Join a Vegan Community
Getting to know other vegans can be a great way to get support and get new ideas for recipes. Veganism-focused online communities and social media groups abound.
5. Learn to Cook From Scratch
Compared to purchasing ready-made vegan products, cooking from scratch gives you more control over the ingredients in your meals and saves money.
6. Stock Up on Pantry Staples
Spices, legumes, grains, and canned vegetables are useful in vegan cooking. Making tasty vegan meals on a budget will be easier if you stock up on these essentials.
7. Use Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast (affiliate link) has a cheesy, nutty flavor and is a good source of vitamin B12. It can be used to flavor a lot of dishes. Vegan cheese and sauce recipes frequently use it as an ingredient.
8. Try Meat Alternatives
There are now a lot of options for plant-based meats, thanks to recent advancements. There are plant-based alternatives for almost every meat product, including burgers, sausages, and chicken nuggets.
9. Make Your Dairy Alternatives
Making your own nut milk, cheeses, and yogurts is easier than you might think and can save you money compared to buying pre-made dairy-free vegan products.
10. Include More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Your Diet
A vital component of a healthy vegan diet is fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with nutrients. Concentrate on obtaining a variety of nutrients and colors from fresh produce.
11. Experiment With Different Types of Plants to Find Your Favorite
Soy, almond, oat, and coconut milk are just a few of the many plant-based milk options available. You can find your favorite and keep your diet interesting by trying different kinds.
12. Read Up on Vegan Nutrition
Veganism can be a healthy way to eat, but you need to know how to get all the nutrients you need from it. For a nutritious diet, it's essential to know about protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
13. Use Online Resources
Recipes and advice for a vegan lifestyle can be found on a plethora of websites and social media accounts. By following these accounts, you can stay inspired and discover new recipes.
14. Invest in Quality Cookware
Cooking will be easier and more enjoyable if you have a good set of pots and pans. In a vegan kitchen, non-stick pans, a quality chef's knife, and an effective blender or food processor can all be useful tools.
15. Get Creative With Condiments
Make your own sauces, dressings, and dips to add flavor to your meals. Get creative with condiments. Take a stab at exploring different avenues regarding various flavor mixes to track down your top picks.
16. Make Your Snacks
Snacks that come pre-packaged can be costly and frequently contain animal products. Snacks like energy bars, granola, and roasted chickpeas that you make yourself are healthier and less expensive.
17. Try New Cuisines
There are a lot of international cuisines that use plants frequently and have delicious vegan options. Explore new dishes and flavors by trying vegan options in Thai, Indian, and Ethiopian cuisines.
18. Find Vegan Substitutes for Your Favorite Foods
You can find vegan alternatives to many of your favorite foods, including ice cream, chocolate, cheese, and more.
19. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to inquire; if you need to check if a dish is vegan, inquire with the server or check online.
20. Plan Ahead for Meals
Make a grocery list and a weekly meal plan in advance to save time and money on meals.
21. Be Patient With Yourself
Be kind to yourself; making the switch to a vegan lifestyle requires some time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it!
Final Thoughts
There are numerous advantages to going vegan, such as improved health, weight loss, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. However, getting started on a plant-based diet can be difficult. As a result, we have compiled 21 vegan hacks to make the change easier.
Finding vegan-friendly restaurants, joining vegan communities, learning to cook from scratch, stocking up on pantry staples, using nutritional yeast, and more are a few examples of these hacks. One can easily switch to a vegan lifestyle that is both healthy and long-lasting by utilizing these tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do vegans miss the most?
For many, going vegan means giving up certain foods they used to like, such as honey, meat, dairy, and eggs. As a result, some vegans might miss these foods' flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
For instance, meat eaters might miss the satisfying taste and savory texture of meat. Going non-dairy is also very difficult for beginner vegans. Cheese and ice cream, which can be difficult to replicate in vegan versions, may be missed by dairy lovers. Egg lovers may miss the many ways to use eggs in baking and cooking. Additionally, honey's natural sweetness in recipes may be missed by those who enjoy it. However, honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave syrup.
What is a clean vegan diet?
A diet that focuses on whole, minimally processed plant foods is known as a clean vegan diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are emphasized, and highly processed foods, added sugars, refined oils, and animal products are avoided or minimized.
A clean vegan diet focuses on eating foods in their natural, unprocessed form or those that have been very minimally processed. This way of eating can help you get the most out of your food's nutrients and avoid potentially harmful additives and chemicals that are often in processed foods.
What is a dirty vegan diet?
A vegan diet that is not necessarily healthy is sometimes referred to as "dirty vegan." The consumption of vegan versions of typically unhealthy foods, such as vegan fast food, processed snacks, and sugary desserts, is characteristic of a dirty vegan diet. Vegan pizza, vegan burgers and fries, vegan donuts, and vegan ice cream are some vegan food items that could be included in a dirty vegan diet.
What can I eat as a beginner vegan?
It may take some time to get used to a new way of eating as a beginner vegan, but there are many delicious and healthy foods you can eat. Here are a few concepts.
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Legumes
Nuts and seeds
Dairy alternatives and plant-based milk
This article has been reviewed by our editorial board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our editorial policy.
