I was raised in a house where everyone ate meat. This was normal. This was what we were taught to do and we did it. Somewhere along the way, I began to rethink this norm. There wasn’t a big event or reason that jumped out at me, but I had a shift in my perspective about lots of things. It was more about my whole lifestyle. As I grew as a person, began making my own food choices, grew into my role as a health enthusiast + a healthcare provider it made more and more sense to me that this space was where I belonged. It wasn’t easy at first. Hence, the birth of this blog! There were many things that I wish I knew before going plant based + today I’m sharing those with you! 
Tara’s Tuesday Tips: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Plant-Based
After a few decades as a plant based eater, I never look back on my decision or question if I did the right thing. I quit eating meat + wish I had done it sooner. I raised 2 healthy vegetarian children without any meat who are now thriving on their own as vegetarians. Mr. MVF + I are healthy, plant based athletes clocking in lots of plant-powered miles. That being said, it isn’t easy! I’m sharing in my tips this week some of the things I wish someone told me years ago!1. People will question your intentions
Everyone has an opinion + they want to share it. Especially when you do not eat meat. Ultimately, it is your life, your decision, your body. So, you do you. Meanwhile, remember your ‘why’ + your goals. You will be able to easily defend your choices if you know your ‘why’. Kill them with kindness, and cook them a good vegan meal, it works every time.2. You need regular blood work
The most common deficiency is B12 but your regular blood work as a plant based eater should include iron, B12, folate, ferritin, calcium, and vitamin D. This is in addition to regular blood work that everyone needs with their annual physical.3. Being inflexible is not an option
You MUST be flexible. Your plate will not look the same as your carnivorous friends in most restaurants. When eating out or while traveling, you might need to eat breakfast foods for dinner or dessert foods for lunch or simply order a plate of sides. Inflexible and plant-based do not go together AT ALL!4. Eating plant based does not have to cost more
One of the most expensive foods in a grocery store is meat so there is an automatic savings there. Additionally, organic + fresh produce is not a necessity. There are plenty of frozen fruits + veggies that work fabulously in a plant based kitchen. Buying in bulk is another way to keep costs down. Most importantly, once you stock your pantry with staples, your weekly costs go down.5. There are lots of ‘accidentally’ vegan treats
Accidentally + did I mention awesome? Excuse my enthusiasm that a girl decides to no longer eat any animal products + that same girl (you might know her) wonders if she will ever be able to enjoy the occasional packaged treat when she desires a treat in a package. Yes, she can. This is not plant based sustenance, but it is awesome to have the option. I also like the term ‘accidentally’ vegan. To the person who accidentally left the dairy out of the Oreo recipe, you are accidentally a hero to all vegans. Oreos, Hersheys syrup, original flavor Pringles, Pop-Tarts without icing, Fritos, Uncrustables, Nutter Butter cookies, Biscoff cookies and cookie butter, Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos. All accidentally vegan. It’s true! Check out all of the accidentally vegan candy here: The Vegetarian’s Guide To A Healthy Halloween.6. You don’t need to become an animal activist
I’m not going to sugar coat this. You do not have to become weird to be a vegan or a vegetarian or plant based. There are no requirements for you to love animals. Maybe you are plant based for health reasons and that is totally cool. However, you might start looking at animals and animal cruelty through a different lens. Some people do not care or do not pay attention to where their food is coming from so, they are content with eating a chicken, a cow, a pig, or a duck. But once you begin to have the realization that with every meatless plate of food you eat, you saved a living creature, you might start to care more than you used to. No, you don’t need to make a sign and go join the protest at the dairy farm, but activism comes in many forms. It is just one of those sneaky yet wonderful things that come along with a vegetarian lifestyle.7. Plenty of protein to go around
I have authored many articles on this website about the unwarranted concern people have over their protein intake. If you consume a wide variety of plants, you will not be protein deficient! Need more help with this? Read these: The Vegetarian’s Guide To Protein, Tips For Plant-Powered Athletes.8. It does not have to be an all or nothing mindset
There is no such thing as a vegan eating streak. No one is keeping score. I personally have accidentally consumed an animal product at a restaurant and I live to tell the tale. We have also intentionally consumed an occasional dairy product, and no one took away my plant-based ID card yet. The most important thing is to find the balance of joy and food choices. It might be clumsy at first but it gets easier!Think you will miss the meat? Read this: How To Stop Meat Cravings As A Vegetarian.9. Don’t become a carbatarian
Eating plant-based can be extremely difficult at first. This is the reason I started this blog. In the beginning, the only thing that seems safe is a potato or a bowl of rice. Then, you find like-minded people to share recipes, tips, and tricks to find a variety of ways to make plants + tofu + beans taste amazing and fit perfectly into your life!10. Yes, you will need to read labels
As I continue my orthorexia and RED-s recovery journey, I no longer believe in calorie counting, meal/calorie tracking apps, measuring, or weighing food. Reading ingredient labels to determine if there are animal products in a food is quite different. Meat products can sneak their way into foods under disguise names. A few to look out for are casein, whey, gelatin, milk powder, fish oil, confectioner’s glaze, ghee, lactose, shellac, and lard to name a few. Read this: How To Read Food Labels As a Vegetarian.Food For Thought
One meal at a time, one food choice at a time, one day at a time. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Find your ‘why’ and go in eyes wide open. Do everything in your power to make sure every decision you make gets you closer to your ultimate goal. You will make mistakes, stumble, and get back in it. That is why I am here. There are so many resources on this blog to make a grocery list, stock your pantry, pack a lunch, eat out, and even learn to love tofu. Need more help? Reach out to me: tara@myvegetarianfamily.com 💚 I would love to chat!
⭐️Do you have anything to add to my list? Leave a comment below, I love to hear from you! ⭐️
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