Going vegan: where to start – and why more of us are abandoning meat and switching to a plant-based diet

Making adaptations to your diet is not a simple change: it can take research, education and demystifying those old wives’ tales you’ve heard. Nevertheless, a recent study conducted in the UK showed that attitudes towards eating animal products are shifting, as people become more aware of animal cruelty and the environmental and health downsides associated with eating meat.

We interviewed plant-based dietitian Jessica Kotlowitz* to give us the low-down on going vegan for the first time, misconceptions around plant-based eating and top tips for your journey as a vegan.

Ditching meat for plants – here’s how you should start

Kotlowitz says it’s critical for people to research the nutritional aspects of a plant-based diet. She says it’s important to make sure meals are balanced and all nutrients are factored in.

The dietitian suggests beginning with one meal a day, easing into the journey of plant-based eating.

“Breakfast is usually an easy option to ‘veganise’ as it’s usually vegetarian already. You can just replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives. If you enjoy eggs at breakfast, you can experiment with tofu scrambles or chickpea omelettes. Once you have breakfast down, move on to snacks, then lunch and then supper.”

First-timer mistakes to avoid 

If you’re trying to focus on a plant-based diet for the first time, many people fall into the trap of having a carb-heavy diet. Kotlowitz explains that neglecting to do research on a healthy and balanced meal results in a lack of vitamins and minerals. She says people also often rely on easy, unhealthy snacks.

“Another common trap is eating a vegan diet that focuses on processed foods that are low in nutrients like cool drinks, crisps, instant noodles, cookies and fried foods.”