What does it take to become a vegan?

Passion. Study. Location. Experience.

Enjoying a vegan meal always makes me happy, like the
biscuits & gravy at The Modern Vegan.

Intention, Not Perfection

Veganism has become a central part of my life.  It's much like education, tennis, physical fitness, and family are core to who I am as a person.  They make me whole.  They make life fulfilling.  They bring me satisfaction and happiness.

All types of physical fitness are very important to me, including
time on the court at the Balboa Tennis Club.

Being vegan isn't just something I "do", it's also part of who I "am".  But it certainly didn't happen overnight, and it has definitely been a crooked path.  I've made mistakes.  I've cheated.  I've consumed non-vegan items or used non-vegan products, sometimes knowingly and sometimes out of ignorance.  But I've never let these things defeat me.  I'm always striving for perfection, knowing that it's not really possible, hence the theme of this blog: Intention, Not Perfection.  

My Plant Based Adventures

I tell people all the time that my transition to a plant-based lifestyle has been an evolution.  In biology class, I would teach my high school freshmen that evolution is the gradual acquisition of advantageous traits that help a species thrive in its environment.  This happens over many generations, and ensures the survival of the species.  My evolution has happened within my lifetime, which isn't evolution in a true sense, but I still like the analogy.  Bit by bit, I find ways to be a better vegan.  I'm finding a way to thrive!

I've discovered a real passion for cooking, like my homemade
cilantro-jalapeño salsa and air fried sprouted corn tortilla chips.

I also choose to see veganism as an adventure.  One that introduces me to new ways of thinking.  Opens my mind to new perspectives.  Brings me in contact with new people, and strengthens those relationships over time.  Again, this adventure enhances my life in ways that I could never have imagined when I took my first step.  Some of what I've discovered was to be expected.  Some of it was surprising, both pleasantly and disappointingly.  But every experience has taught me something along the way, as any great adventure does.  Hence the name of my Instagram handle: my.plant.based.adventures

My Advice on Becoming Vegan

This brings me to this, my thoughts on what it takes to become a vegan.  (I'm assuming that if you've made this far into the article, you actually want my advice, so I won't consider it "unsolicited" at this point).  There are many questions.  They are usually related to why I became vegan.  And protein.  And Vitamin B.  And anemia.  And cheese.  People are often afraid of life without cheese.  (For the record, I don't miss it at all).  I, too, have had questions -- lots of them -- and I've always appreciated fellow vegans who answered them without judgement or ridicule.  I can be that person for you.  Drop me an email (see "Contact Me!" on the Home page).

Sometimes I love supporting local vegan restaurants
-- or I just want the night off -- like Plumeria.

For now, let me offer you these four tips.  They come from a lesson that I designed for a distance learning project that explores the career of Marine Biology.  Makes sense, since we live in San Diego. I found this wonderful BBC Earth Unplugged video of a young lady who followed her dream of becoming a marine biologist and wildlife filmmaker.  She gave four pieces of advice, and they resonated so much with me, that they inspired this article.  Here are my adaptations of her advice:

Passion:  "Pursue your passion and what you care about most"

What are your initial motivations for becoming vegan? Are you exploring the health benefits? Do you want to alleviate animal cruelty? Do you want to help the environment? Are you looking for a deeper spiritual connection with the Earth and its inhabitants? Keep in mind that your motivations are yours, and no one can decide them for you. And no one can tell your motivations are wrong, as long as you believe them in your heart, and you remain true to yourself. Your motivations may change over time, and that's alright. It's like a pie chart who's pieces may change in size over time -- always in flux -- but the contents are always the same. Your core values will always be a part of who you are, and this passion will drive you along the path toward a plant-based diet.

Study:  "Explore topics related to a plant-based lifestyle"

Are you ready to design a new life for yourself? Do you have medical professionals who can monitor your health? Do you have trusted sources of nutritional advice? Can you link up with other vegan who can help you with recipes and other advice? You don't need to make a whole bunch of changes at once, and in fact, that's not even realistic. But change will be necessary, so embrace it. You'll see yourself shopping differently, you'll feel your body adjusting, and you will face questions from family, friends, and co-workers. Don't let this overwhelm you. Piece by piece, you can complete the sections of the puzzle. Veganism is a lifestyle change that will require diligence, but there are many ways you can explore and acquire the knowledge you need.

Location:  "Decide where you will gravitate toward during your adventure"

Where will you buy your food? Which aisles will you walk down? What products will you choose when you get there? Will you cook at home, or dine out at vegan-friendly restaurants? Will you bring along family or friends, or will you go it alone? Developing a support network is critical. Your support network can be far reaching, from your choice of grocery store, to your physician or nutritionist, to the people who are important in your life who are most likely to support and encourage you. Most importantly, this network will validate your decision. Once you surround yourself with an encouraging "tribe", they will boost you up and help you as you continue along the path toward a plant-based lifestyle.

Experience: "Gain knowledge by trying new things or spinning old ones" 

Are you willing to try new recipes? New products? New restaurants? Are you open-minded to new flavors, textures, and cultural traditions that come with vegan foods? Will you seek advice and do your best to use it to your advantage? Allowing yourself to explore, and to be patient as your mind and body adapt, is important. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but over time, you will find that these new ways can be viewed as enhancements to your way of being. Some things about your new lifestyle will require radical changes, but others will be more subtle, and only require minor adjustments. The more experience you gain, and the more risks you're willing to take, the more you will find yourself enjoying all of your new discoveries.

I hope that my advice helps.  I hope you find it uplifting and inspirational.  But most of all, I hope it helps you to take that first step -- or tenth step, or one hundredth step -- in your journey toward a plant-based lifestyle.   

Want more like this, plus simple recipes and other inspirational tid-bits?

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