Why Does It Feel Like I Can't Eat Anything Anymore Since I Started Being Vegan?

Feeling like you can't eat anything anymore after transitioning to a vegan diet can be a daunting experience. It's a common issue many new vegans face because they worry about the omnipresence of non-vegan ingredients in seemingly every food item. However, overcoming this feeling often comes down to shifting your focus and embracing cooking, which can reveal a myriad of delicious and healthy plant-based alternatives.

Focusing on the Right Food Groups

One of the primary reasons you feel limited by non-vegan ingredients is likely a lack of proper planning. Instead of focusing on a narrow range of food groups, try incorporating a whole-food, plant-based diet into your lifestyle. By doing so, you'll soon discover that the benefits in terms of well-being far outweigh the temporary inconvenience. This shift not only enhances your health but also helps you explore the vast array of plant-based options available.

The Unrelenting Search for Vegan Foods

Stopping the Blame Game - It's essential to recognize that the challenge of finding vegan foods is often a result of your own limitations rather than an actual lack of options. There are thousands of vegan cookbooks and countless vegan cooking classes available. Additionally, numerous vegan food-prep YouTube videos, restaurants, and food delivery services cater to vegans. Even seemingly non-vegan foods like apples, walnuts, and carrots do not contain non-vegan ingredients.

It's high time you stop being a "vegan loony" and start embracing a sensible mixed diet of plant-based and animal-based foods. However, as tempting as it is, don't rush back to a fully non-vegan lifestyle; instead, explore the numerous plant-based alternatives you can enjoy. For instance, you can make your own vegan patties or portobello steak sandwiches, and prepare your soups at home using a crock pot.

Transitioning to Plant-Based Cooking

Transitioning to plant-based cooking requires an investment in learning new skills and techniques. Start by reading vegan cookbooks and familiarizing yourself with the basics of plant-based cooking. Many expert authors, such as Joanne Stepaniak, provide valuable guidance and recipes that can help you navigate this process. Over time, you'll not only find satisfaction in home-cooked meals but also gain control over your diet and expenses.

Reasons to Embrace Plant-Based Cooking: Besides the health benefits, plant-based cooking can be more cost-effective, as you can buy ingredients in bulk and avoid the inflated prices of pre-packaged vegan food items. Additionally, cooking at home often means fewer surprises on ingredient labels and less stress about what you can and cannot eat.

Alternative Solutions: If the inconvenience of a fully plant-based diet is overwhelming, consider becoming a vegetarian. Alternatively, focus on improving your plant-based cooking skills to expand your menu and enjoy a more diverse and fulfilling vegan lifestyle.

Exploring New Foods and Gourmet Discoveries

Becoming a vegan is also an exciting adventure filled with the discovery of new foods and flavors. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new plant-based recipes. You might find that you enjoy them more than you imagined! Furthermore, growing a small herb garden or container garden can provide fresh, organic produce right at your fingertips, enhancing your culinary experience and reducing your dependence on store-bought ingredients.

Long-Term Considerations: As the market continues to evolve, some vegan convenience foods you rely on may no longer be available. It's wise to diversify your sources of plant-based ingredients to minimize any potential disruptions. Support sustainable and ethical brands while exploring local markets and community sources for fresh, nutritious ingredients.

Conclusion: Overcoming the feeling of not being able to eat anything can be challenging, but it's entirely manageable with the right mindset and actions. By focusing on whole, plant-based foods, leaning into cooking, and embracing the exploration of new flavors, you'll not only overcome these feelings but also enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. So, pick up a vegan cookbook, and start your culinary journey today!

Key Takeaways:

Focus on whole, plant-based foods to enhance your dietary options. Explore vegan cookbooks and learn new plant-based recipes. Become skilled in plant-based cooking to enjoy a diverse and fulfilling diet.