What is the best way to start?

[Merriweather]

Hello. I am so excited about my choice of living as a vegan and eating as a vegan. But I feel a bit overwhelmed. What is some advice on how to 'jump in' and get started (besides 'just eat anything without animal products in it'?). I want this to be a healthy lifestyle choice - and try to avoid garbage foods that may also be vegan (chips, desserts, etc. without animal products can still be 'junk food').

Thank you for any help you can offer :)

[emmapresley]

hiya merriweather..fab decision to become vegan :thumbsup:

have a little look around teh forum using the search function stuff..and now we have *tags*..so click away on anything that looks like it might lead to something useful

i'm an atrocious junk food vegan..well..i'm not but i kinda like my grub.

variety is definately a good thing..lotsa grains, pulses, fruits and veg..i'm sure the more healthy folk here will add better advice.:bigsmile2:

[ellaminnowpea]

What are you having the most problems with? I let myself have two months to transition, to learn about all those nasty added hidden ingredients, and still eat something if I really didnt know if it was vegan. Going out to eat took practice. Some people start up vegan on the spot and don't transition, though.

[Frank]

Hi Merriweather.

You will find some good info to help you here:

http://www.vegansociety.com/home.php

[Merriweather]

Thank you for responding. I think the biggest problem is just making sure I am eating healthy balanced food and not junk. I also worry about eating too many starchy foods as I have a lot of weight I need to release.

[tipsy]

i always suggest doing some reading. but i guess im a bit of a book nerd...

anyway, if you care to... the good vegan overview ones i suggest are...
being vegan
http://www.amazon.com/Being-Vegan-Joanne-Stepaniak/dp/0737303239/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213595574&sr=1-7

vegan freak
http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Freak-Being-Non-Vegan-World/dp/0977080412/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213595657&sr=1-11

ha, theres even an idiots guide to:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Vegan-Living/dp/1592574173/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213595748&sr=1-22

much luck & welcome!:bigsmile:

[harpy]

Welcome Merriweather. Why not start making a list of healthy vegan meals that you like? There are plenty of ideas on here to start you off. Then you could lay in a stock of basic ingredients so that you can always make one or two things from your list.

If you have a list you won't be in the position of not being able to think of anything to have and feeling you 'have' to have junk.

[Merriweather]

Thank you. Being prepared is the best way to succeed. Thanks.

[harpy]

Regarding starchy foods, I think it's fine to have some, particularly wholegrains etc which are nutritious, but like you I try not to overdo it. If I'm having, say, a vegetable stir-fry with noodles, I try to make it that, i.e. a large amount of stir-fry with a relatively small amount of noodles, rather than vice versa.

Restaurants sometimes ladle out these starchy foods rather generously (presumably because they're relatively cheap) but of course one doesn't have to eat it all!

[karenann33]

What works for me is to think balance. I eat 2-3 servings of fruit a day, 3 or more veggies, 3 starches/breads, 3 or more beans, etc. I have ONE treat per day and that means following the serving suggestion listed on the package. Right now I'm doing 1/2 cup soy ice cream on top of fruit.

[Merriweather]

Thanks everyone. I am feeling much more confident from your responses and the links. I feel much better prepared and comfortable with this choice. :)