Fundamentals

Most often people start off slow. Reducing meat consumption or participating in a "Meatless Mondays" program, for instance. They might begin as a vegetarian and gradually become vegan as they learn.

This allows for a gentler transition to planning meals and finding new ways of thinking about food.

More unusual is when someone watches a movie or reads an article that teaches them something new, and they make the change all at once.

To help, here are a few tricks:

First off there are many delicious vegan substitutes for everyday foods, like cheese, butter, chicken, seafood, etc.

Click Substitutes for Everyday Foods to view alternatives, ingredients, and where to buy them, along with the Ingredient Substitution Chart from PCRM. Initially you may want to follow your regular meal plan, but insert a vegan or vegetarian substitute.

As your journey continues you may decide to make some of these things. Please see From Scratch section for food demos, tip sheets and resources. Maybe a vegan macaroni and cheese, or tuna fish made from chick peas sounds interesting to you.

Finally, your view of what looks good on your plate may change. Instead of your meal revolving around meat. A stir fry with vegetables and rice with a tangy sauce might hit the spot.

There are many resources available, including plant-based recipes online, cookbooks, and mobile apps.

Other things to consider: house cleaners, beauty supplies, vitamins, leather, down, silk, fur, wool, etc. can have animal ingredients or be tested on animals.

Nowadays there are many alternatives which can be found in health food stores, local grocery stores, clothing and home retailers.

Consider consulting your health or medical care provider before making any changes.