Question - Becoming a Vegan

"I've been thinking a lot about trying to go vegan (even if it's only for a week), but I get overwhelmed because if animals aren't IN something that I want to eat or use, they were harmed to make it. I'd really love to hear about your transition to veganism. I'd also be interested in a post about your favorite vegan-approved products (health & beauty AND foods!)"

This is a really great topic to discuss. I get asked a lot how to transition from your old lifestyle into the life of being a vegan without feeling overwhelming guilt for not knowing everything. Even if you don't stay a vegan, you still have the option to pick products that are animal friendly. Being educated is key!

Its very important to decide why you want to make the change and to draw guidelines for yourself.  For some people, easing into the change will be easier, while others will want to jump in 100%. You'll need to decide which products you want to cut out first if you are going to ease into the change. When I first became a vegan, I started with food products first, then transitioned to other lifestyle products (clothing, material, beauty products, etc.). The most immediate change you can make is to your diet. My transition was quick due to my milk allergy but you can go at any pace that is comfortable for you.

• Learn to read labels. The main things you want to avoid are any kind of meat (lard, by-products, chicken/turkey stock), dairy products (milk, cheese, whey, buttermilk, butter, lactose, lactic acid, casein), eggs, and anything made from animal bones (gelatin) . Most companies will bold products for allergy reasons, but at least glance over the entire list for anything that could possibly sound like it might be related to an animal. They only have to list things that will cause an allergic reaction. You will also have to decide for yourself if you will consider honey to be vegan or not vegan. If a product is labeled to be a 'cheese alternative' or 'meat alternative', check to make sure it is vegan. Many cheese alternatives have milk or casein in them, as well as many meat alternatives. When it comes to food, home made is best. Eating out will be tricky but always ask questions. Some companies, like Amy's and Whole Foods, are proud to put 'vegan' on their products. Learning vegan recipes or how to use vegan foods will also help your transition. I started this blog to teach people how to make simple meals that won't cost a lot and don't involve crazy ingredients that you have never heard of before.

Here is a great site that shows some hidden animal products http://www.cyberparent.com/nutrition/hiddenanimalsfoodproducts.htm

• Reading labels can also be applied to clothing and beauty products. My biggest secret - Trust most store brand products and avoid almost every major brand.. 'Knock off' products are made to be cheaper, and usually contain different materials. Avoid suede, fur, and leather when buying shoes, belts, couches, cars, etc. Most store brand clothing will use a fake suede, fur, or leather. Always read the labels of cosmetics and beauty products. Almost every big cosmetic company does test on animals. If a company does not test on animals, they will be proud to say so. Question any product that does not state that no animals were used in testing. Google search a list to print out and keep with you when you go to the store. There definitely are some gray areas, where companies will test the ingredients on animals but not the final product. It is incredibly hard to know whether or not they did use animals but you can always call or write to the company and ask questions.

• Reward yourself! Being a vegan is a huge lifestyle change that shouldn't be taken lightly. Whether you go vegan for a week, a year, or a lifetime - YOU can make a difference in the life of animals. We, as consumers, have the ability to control what is in demand. We can successfully lower the prices of healthy foods and animal friendly foods. Remember - if you mess up or accidentally consume something not vegan - it's okay! Accidents will happen. I didn't become a vegan years ago and get where I am today without making mistakes! I've accidentally eaten products that had eggs or dairy in them. We learn from our mistakes and move on. Education is so important and google is your friend in this. Google and ask every question you have. If you are having doubts about why you are doing this or ready to give up because it is too hard, google some images or videos of what happens to these animals. It is truly heartbreaking and enough to make anyone want to be cruelty free.

Some of my favorite food brands 

• Boca
• Earth Balance
• Amy's
• Wegmans
• Whole Foods
• Dominex
• Silk
• Tofurky
• Annies
• Yogi
• Purely Decadent
• Van's
• Vegan Gourmet
• Daiya

My favorite non-food companies that don't test on animals

• Wet N Wild
• Almay
• MAC Cosmetics
• Mary Kay
• Nature's Miracle 
• Physician's Formula
• Revlon
• Seventh Generation
• Tressa
• Urban Decay

Here is a nice list of animal friendly companies  http://punkrockbarbiedoll.tumblr.com/donottest

My biggest tip - If you are going to try veganism, please give it a month of serious commitment. If after a month you find it just isn't for you and that you can't make it work, then at least you gave it a good shot. If you give up before then, you really haven't had enough time to get used to it. It really is a lifestyle change and you can't change your whole life in a month.

Good luck to everyone and I always welcome questions!