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Wellness
LifestyleHealth & Wellness

How to become a vegan: five tips for success from someone who made the transition to a plant-based diet

  • Marko Martinis, the chief operating officer of a technology start-up in Singapore, adopted a plant-based diet in January and says he has never felt better
  • He says you need a good reason for making the switch, good support and a nutritionist’s input. A big choice of places serving vegan food helps, as in Singapore

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Marko Martinis uses apps to find vegan food near him in Singapore, like this SaladStop! Earth Bowl. Photo: courtesy of SaladStop!
Angela Jelita

Singapore is considered one of the best cities in the world for vegan food. According to animal rights organisation Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the city leads the way in Asia, ranking second after Taipei. For those wishing to make the switch to a plant-based lifestyle or incorporate more plant-based meals in their diet, the Lion City is a great place to be.

Marko Martinis, the chief operating officer of a technology start-up in Singapore, is one such person – he decided to make the switch to a plant-based diet in January and he has never felt better.

The Croatian expat says adopting a vegan lifestyle has been flawless. “It’s so easy to become vegan in Singapore,” he says. “I even eat out for every single meal except breakfast.”
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Martinis has shed 8kg (17.6 pounds) since going vegan, and says his fitness has substantially improved. At work, he reports feeling much more energetic – “lighter” – and he can concentrate better, as he no longer experiences any fogginess after eating heavy, meat-laden meals.

Marko Martinis adopted a plant-based diet in January and says he has never felt better. Photo: Marko Martinis
Marko Martinis adopted a plant-based diet in January and says he has never felt better. Photo: Marko Martinis
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Martinis admits he felt doubt about his decision before he stopped eating meat, especially after seeing other people who aspired to do the same fail. “In any diet you’re going to have obstacles,” he says, “but from day one I did it right.”

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