5 Resources You Need Before Going Vegan (or Plant-Based) + It’s Our 2nd Veganniversary

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So you want to eat more plant-based or maybe try going vegan. But you’re a little lost on where to start.

Thankfully, the popularity of plant-based diets and vegan lifestyles has definitely increased, making it easier than ever to make the switch. 

But, is it right for you? And what will your life look like on the other side of going plant-based? 

There’s a lot to consider before any major life change, and this decision is no different. 

While direction, information and motivation can help, knowing where to look would save some serious time.

That’s where we come in.

Our Favorite Resources for Vegan Beginners

After two years of eating plant-based and then deciding to take the plunge into veganism, we’re still learning. Which means we actively seek and utilize the exact resources helpful to plant-based and vegan beginners. 

So, we decided to celebrate our 2nd veganniversary by sharing our top 5 resources for those of you thinking about going vegan (or plant-based)! (A note to any vegan veterans reading this, you’re apt to find a few new resources too!)

Before we continue, let me clarify that while vegan and plant-based aren’t the same, the resources listed here are helpful to individuals in both camps. Especially seeing as many choose to try eating plant-based diets before committing to vegan lifestyles.

With that said, let’s dive in!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thank you!

1. Inspiring and Accurate Information

There’s new info in the vegan universe daily—which makes sense with the increasing interest in going plant-based and vegan. In the U.S. alone, people identifying as vegan increased 600% from 2014 to 2018, growing from 4 million to 20 million. 

But for newbies, all that new content may seem like information overload. 

So let’s break it down.

While you’re in the early stages, learn more about the movement with legitimate documentaries. Although there are many, our favorites are Forks Over Knives, The Game Changers, Cowspiracy, and What the Health.

Next, consider following PETA, Plant-Based News and Live Kindly for all the latest on new vegan products, foods and more.

Once you’re ready to get into details, follow notable plant-based doctors like Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Esselstyn, and Dr. Neal Barnard. 

Which leads me to the next resource…

2. Trustworthy Professional Advice

Doctors. You need at least one on your side. 

After you compile information about going plant-based, take time to process it. Then, determine aaaaall the questions you have about how this will impact your life. 

To get answers, you need your greatest resource of all: a doctor or medical professional who can advise you along this journey. 

It’s comforting to know our doctor understands, supports and considers our decision in regards to our health and medical concerns. From asking her about our vitamins, to monitoring our labs, we’re more confident with a professional in our corner.

I can’t share my doctor with you all—as much as I wish I could—but I’ll tell you it’s the same doctor we had before going vegan. So, check with your current doctor first to see if he or she will be an informative (and compassionate) resource for you.

If not, look for a plant-based doctor.

3. A Scrumptious—yet Sensible—Meal Plan

Did my husband close the pantry one day, look at me, and say, “OK. Tomorrow we’re going plant based.”? 

Yes. 

Did I pump the brakes?

Absolutely. 

As the family chef and shopper, I wasn’t sure how the heck to whip up one meal, let alone three without dairy, meat, eggs, honey and who knows what else? (Because back then, I didn’t know what else we could and couldn’t have.)

We needed a sensible plan to make this work. 

And so do you. 

Search Pinterest for recipes. Check out my recipes, or try some of my favorite vegan food blogs: It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken, Nora Cooks, Veggies Don’t Bite and Plant-Based on a Budget.

If researching and creating recipes sounds like too much work, download our 7-Day Meal Plan and Grocery List for FREE. It’s what we used for our first week of eating a plant-based diet. Check out this free resource here. 👇

4. Encouraging and Faithful Friends

Why faithful? Because, going vegan or plant-based isn’t about perfection. Mistakes will happen. And if we don’t have friends to stick by us when it’s most challenging, we won’t make it. 

So, where do we find such fabulous friends? 

Honestly, I don’t have many plant-based or vegan friends in “real life.” 

But I’ve found tons of inspiration, understanding and encouragement online. Here are some of our favorites.

Blogs like Plant-Based Juniors and MamaSezz; Instagramers like Earthling Ed, Lauren Ferree and Vegan Street Fair; and YouTubers like Ghetto Vegans, Mic the Vegan and Simnett Nutrition provide approachable and compassionate content.

But the best motivation comes from directly connecting with other vegans in spaces like social media. Don’t be afraid to message one of your favorite accounts with questions you have. They’ll respond. This community is amazingly supportive. 

And you can always reach out to me! Either here on the blog or on Instagram.

5. Delicious and Accessible Food

We talked about meal-planning, but what do you eat when you’re not at home? 

Because sometimes, you’ll have to go out. 

You need options. Before you get hangry. 

To find restaurants near you with vegan options, try the Happy Cow. There’s an app for your phone, too. You’ll find 100% plant-based eateries as well as restaurants with plant-based items on their menu. 

It’s also handy to brush up on how to alter your order to make it plant-based. (Sub the meat for tofu or beans and the diary dressing for non-dairy options when possible. Kindly decline the eggs, mayo, cheese and cream, etc.) 

Once you get the food figured out, move onto drinks. I’ll admit, we’re still learning this area, even after 2 years. But my favorite resource to find vegan drinks is Barnivore. As of this writing, they boast a database of over 53,000 beers, wines and liquor products.

Ready to Get Inspired About Going Vegan or Plant-Based?

While this decision may sound like a great idea, it doesn’t mean it’ll be easy or right for you at this time.

I mean, look at us! It’s our 2nd veganniversary, and we’re still learning!

Shifting your diet and lifestyle takes time, know-how and careful planning. But, when you’re prepared, it’s WAY less stressful than going in blind. And, it gets easier. I promise!

Plus, with the resources in this post, you’re armed with knowledge. You now know where to find professional advice, recipe inspiration, friendly encouragement and more to support you on your journey towards eating more plant-based dishes.

All that’s left is for you to make the move. 

Are you ready to dive deeper into why going vegan and plant-based may be right for you? And learn specifics about how to go vegan or support kids switching to a vegan diet? And find steadfast friends who’ll support you along the way?

Then let’s do this!