Today I’m introducing you all to Paul Jarvis, author of Eat Awesome. I snagged his book a few weeks ago when it launched and guess what – it’s pretty awesome! I was super impressed with the book and what he had to say that I asked him to give us some good tips for venturing into veganism. (P.S. At only 5 bucks his book is a STEAL. Grab your copy here.)
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Venturing Into Vegan By Paul Jarvis
As with starting anything new, things get easier as you learn more. This goes for moving towards a plant-based diet as well — it might seem like someone’s handed you a couple metres of rope and asked you to climb Everest. Being vegan sounds great and something’s changed inside you that’s made you realize it’s a step you want to take — it just might seem hard at first to figure out all the specifics you need to know to make the transition and blend it into your everyday life. So, know it’s a transition. And then know it gets easier with practice, knowledge and time.
Here are a few things I’ve learned on my own journey to eating a plant-based, whole foods (and awesome) diet.
1. Start slowly.
Although you can make the change in your diet instantly, you don’t have to do it that way. Being completely vegan can be a goal over time, as you learn more about it. If you slip up or have a moment of weakness, it doesn’t mean being vegan isn’t right for you, it just means you’re human (this is a good thing!), so don’t get down on yourself. The vegan police won’t be beating down your door, since they don’t exist. Simply understanding eating consciously and compassionately is a move in the right direction.
2. Do a little research.
Learn where to get protein, calcium and all the vitamins/minerals/nutrition you need from plant-based sources. A well-balanced, intelligent vegan diet will give you more energy than you know what to do with — so read some books, do some online research and try some new foods. There are also hidden animal ingredients in some processed or prepackaged foods (they even exist in some wines and beers!), so know what those are and how to easily avoid them. Once you’re armed with all of this information you can also easily answer the inevitable questions you’ll get from friends, co-workers and family members, who’ll all be curious about your new way of eating.
3. Be your own vegan.
Just because you don’t eat meat and dairy doesn’t mean you’ve got to sign up for a militant animal rights group or protest naked outside fur shops. If that’s your thing, all the power to you for making a difference. You can also make a difference in a more subversive way by making omnivore friends a delicious meal or simply by buying less animals and animal products. There are as many types of vegans as there are types of non-vegans — so whatever works for you is the best thing you can do for ‘The Cause’.
4. Be open.
You’ve already opened your mind to a plant-based lifestyle and diet. So stay open to trying new foods and meal ideas (even if you think they’re weird or might not taste good). Ten years ago if someone had said, “Hey Paul, try this raw lasagna, it’s made of zucchini and dehydrated onions!” I would probably have made a face and turned my nose up at it, but now it’s one of my favourite meals. A good rule of thumb when starting towards veganism is to find new plant-based foods (or meals) and try them. There is so much innovation and creativity with food and ingredients in the vegan community. Try first and judge later as a rule can lead to so many delicious discoveries!
5. Support exists.
If you need help or guidance to become or keep on with being vegan, the Internet can be a wonderful thing. There are lots of websites with recipe ideas, message boards to offer advice or assistance, vegan meet-up groups and creature-free potlucks, and even mobile phone apps to help you find the nearest health food shop or restaurant you can eat at. The vegan community is growing every day, so you are not alone.
Finally, remember that veganism isn’t for everyone. It’s just for folks that want to stay healthy, feel good, live longer and generally be really awesome. And, you don’t have to become a 100% total absolute vegan overnight — just try a single plant-based meal and take it from there.
About Paul Jarvis
Paul Jarvis is the author of Eat Awesome: A regular person’s guide to plant-based, whole foods. He believes veganism is love — and that deliciousness always trumps dogma. He’s also a web designer, minimalist and touring musician. He lives with his amazing wife Lisa, in Tofino, British Columbia. They’ve also got a llama named Starman, who hangs out on a rescue sanctuary in Seabeck, Washington. Stay awesome!
Twitter: @pjrvswp
Facebook: facebook.com/eatawesome
Instagram: statigr.am/mojave
Website: eatawesome.ca
Be awesome!
