How to Eat a Death & Dairy Free Diet in 5 Simple Steps.
How Much Longer Can We Keep Exploiting Our Own Resources, As Well as Other Species & Instead, Start Doing Whats Right?
by aaron siwoku
How Much Longer Can We Keep Exploiting Our Own Resources, As Well as Other Species & Instead, Start Doing Whats Right?
I’ve talked (written) about the various benefits of veganism or a plant-based diet, as well as how to supercharge your body through easting plant-based foods, many times already. I’ve also written about why those who still eat animal products should consider a transfer to a diet that does not contain animals that have been created through artificial insemination and then when she gives birth, steal her baby. However, I’ve never really put much attention to the very process of the transition to a plant based diet. It took me 10 years to fully commit. When it finally happened it felt effortless and natural, but for some people I understand it might feel like a struggle.
I will refrain from going too deep into the morality of a plant-based diet, and instead I will stick to tips about how you can optimise your physical and mental wellbeing based on what I learnt in my 10 year transition. The ultimate goal is, to improve your everyday life and how you feel, because from there you can truly realise the absolute best version of yourself!
You might have been thinking about transferring to a plant-based diet for a while now, but like many people, you just didn’t know how to approach it. How do I get enough protein? How do I change my daily diet habits? What do I do when I go out for dinner with friends? These might be some of the questions you are asking yourself. If this is the case, let me offer you a step by step approach that will help you leap these roadblocks and soar into the world of plant based wellbeing!
It all starts at home, as they say. Or, better yet, the environment we grew up in. If like me, the environment you grew up in had meat in pretty much every single meal served to you, it is likely going to be harder for you to imagine a plate of food, or meal that contains zero meat. There is also going to be an emotional connection to that meat as it was fed to you by your parents, or whoever raised you. So, lets start with step 1.
Step 1: Change the way you think about meat and dairy
Although I would naturally advise total exclusion of meat and dairy from everyone’s diet, I have to acknowledge that for some people it is not easy to make such a sudden jump. Therefore, try a step by step approach. If this is the case you should start by having smaller amounts. Try to use meat or cheese as a garnish instead of a centrepiece. Don’t look at dairy and meat as the main source of protein for your meal, but rather something you’re having on the side. Start reducing the amount of meat you consume per meal little by little, and replacing animal products with plant based alternatives, get creative! Instead of a glass of cow’s milk, have a glass of almond milk. Instead of an egg salad, have an avocado salad. Make small incremental changes, maybe one change per week, so that over time you wont really even notice where the meat and dairy has gone.
Step 2: Start paying attention to alternatives for meat!
Although this might seem like an obvious statement, people tend to forget that you still have to get your fill at meals. So, as you reduce the amounts of dairy and meat, rather than simply increasing the amount of vegetables on your plate start looking for nutritious and delicious things you can put on your plate in place of the meat, there are so many options out there. Such as:
- Amaranth Grain (here’s a video on how to make a really delicious amaranth hash)
- Tofu (and no, soy isn’t going to make you grow boobies guys, dont listen to that nonsense! Here’s a video where I show you how to make scrambled tofu for breakfast in less than 10 mins!)
- King Trumpet (Also Known as Eryngii or Oyster Mushrooms) also can be shredded and roasted or fried, and it looks just like shredded chicken!
Step 3: Timing Is everything
Eat meat free meals once per day, then start excluding all the animal products and go on a full plant-based diet one full day per week, then start excluding all the animal products and go on a full plant-based diet one day a week. Then move on to a whole week. Eventually you will know how to operate without meat and feel good about that. You will also start to notice improvements in the way you feel, and look. This is largely due in part to a phenomenon called ‘Cognitive Dissonance’ from which you are most likely suffering. I know that might sound nuts or far fetched to you right now, but trust me, when people talk about an overwhelming sense of wellbeing and happiness on a plant based diet, its usually because they have removed the cognitive dissonance and feel ‘lighter’.
Ok, let me get us back on track, select one meal that you will substitute each day with a full plant-based meal. Then, as you progress, make one day per week a whole plant based day. Then, make only one week a non-plant based. You will see that you will very soon lose the craving for meat and dairy.
Step 4: Turn a salad into a meal.
In line with changing how you think about meat and dairy you also need to change how you think about meals that contain none. I see too many people who think becoming vegan is about eating salads for lunch and dinner. It isn’t. You will be fatigued, hungry and under nourished. Now, while there is an enormous number of great tasting cooked plant-based meals, for beginners it is often intimidating to cook. So, if you are going to be eating salads, lets make sure they are ‘proper’ salads. So, try putting plant-based options into your meal salads, like tofu, nuts, seeds, quinoa, tempeh, lentils and beans. You can find a whole load of very interesting and great tasting recipes online.
Step 5: Stick to it!
If you do decide to transition to a plant-based diet, one thing is in common for the success of every method, and that is perseverance! You will face lots of challenges and problems on your way to a fully plant-based diet. Your environment may not be as understanding, you might have problems finding fast, easy food that works for you, you might face craving and urges… One main thing is to keep going, and pretty soon your perception will change, and if done correctly, your new found sense of wellbeing will help you stay the course straight and true. Once you see that you can live a normal fulfilled and healthy life, while not contributing to the absolute unnecessary death and suffering of other animals (just because you ‘like’ pepperoni pizza’), your personality will change, your outlook will change, you’ll notice your creativity, physical and mental performance improve and from then on, its easy sailing!
Good Luck!
Aaron
Aaron is the founder of www.thehonestearth.com To lead a quality life, one must be nourished with quality. We make the best plant based protein powders & superfood supplements with sustainable ingredients from around the world.