Transitioning to Veganism/plant based?

meeper123

I have been thinking about this for several months and I feel in my heart I need to do this. It isnt just to be healthier it is a moral thing as well. I need advice on how to go from standard American diet to vegan. I have already started using vegan products and such that isn't food related but I thought it may be harder with food. Any help on dealing with an husband who down right hates this is also appropriated!

DaddieCat

I suggest explaining to your husband why it's important if you choose to go that route... then following up with educating yourself on what your body needs, how best to obtain it on a plant based diet, and how to make that delicious while still fitting your overall calorie goals. You'll really appreciate that last bit.

There are so many plant options for foods... so many fruit and veg that it opens up a whole new world of food, potentially. It did for me, learning to think outside of the (prepared food) box. Everyone will be different, but there are tons of options.

That said, theoretically your husband will value your reasoning enough to understand and tolerate your actions, but I strongly suggest not trying to change him if that's not what he wants. It's totally possible to have differing ways of eating and live in harmony provided it's handled well.

meeper123

Thanks that is my biggest concern that he will think I am going to change him. It's more of a personal thing. I want to leave less of a foot print as well which will effect him but I figure I can ease into it

cwolfman13

Maybe start with vegetarian and go from there.

As far as your husband goes, are you wanting him to do this as well? Because that would be a big no way for me...that's not something you can force on other people.

meeper123

No I dont want to push my beliefs on him

janejellyroll

Hello! I've been vegan for about eleven years now and I have a non-vegan husband. You say your husband hates "this," do you mean the idea of you being vegan? Or is he worried that you expect him to go vegan as well? It's a big change and it can sometimes be a challenge for some relationships.

I went vegan all at once. It worked for me, but I know people who have had success with a variety of approaches. Some people transitioned one meal at a time (for example, getting comfortable with plant-based breakfasts, then adding lunch, then going all the way), some people eliminated certain foods before others. There are probably a bunch of gradual approaches if you feel that is something that might work better for you.

I recommend thinking about what kind of food you really enjoy and figuring out ways to have that as a vegan. I really love creamy stuff, so when I went vegan I focused on ways to replicate those tastes/textures. Having a cookbook or two with food that gets you excited is also a good idea (or find some recipes on Pinterest, there are a ton of vegan boards on there).

I found the first month or two to be the most challenging -- that's when you're learning how to check labels and figuring out replacements for some favorite things. After that, it's more like auto-pilot. Honestly, it's almost effortless for me now to check labels quickly and know what I want to eat.

Oh, don't feel like you have to justify or explain it to anyone *unless you want to*. Some new vegans feel like those conversations can be frustrating and overwhelming, so remember it's always optional. One tip I found really useful for social/work situations was to refrain from talking about veganism while eating. It can sometimes be awkward or unpleasant to explain your ethical objections to animal exploitation to someone who is currently eating animal products (as most people will be if you're having the discussion over a meal). I generally prefer to discuss veganism in situations that are less likely to get emotionally charged and it's hard for some people not to feel judged while they're eating even if that isn't the energy you are feeling.

janejellyroll

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Maybe start with vegetarian and go from there.

As far as your husband goes, are you wanting him to do this as well? Because that would be a big no way for me...that's not something you can force on other people.

I have never ever ever heard of it going well someone goes vegan and insists their partner join them. It seems like conflict, deception, and frustration are the most likely outcomes there.

I do know several people who never thought they would be vegan who eventually enthusiastically joined their vegan partners because they were given time and space to make their own decision, but it's not something that you can (or should) count on.

meeper123

I have been doing the 1 meal at a time thing so far breakfast but I think I'll do a meal prep to make a no brainer

cathipa

I just recently transitioned to a more plant based diet with maybe seafood once a week. My husband and kids are omni. I'm not going to change them but I may introduce things to them they may enjoy. Forcing someone to do anything will probably be met with resistance.

apullum

I think it's great that you're considering how your own ethics, diet, and lifestyle are related. I agree that veganism is a very personal choice.

From your other posts, it sounds like your husband already has some difficulty understanding the lifestyle changes that you're making. I think this all merits a serious conversation with him about these changes. You both need to talk about how you want to eat/live and how those expectations can fit together. For example, do you do the cooking? If so, how will he get non-vegan meals if he wants them? If you enjoy going out to eat together, what restaurants will be able to accommodate both of your dietary preferences? Will you be cutting out all animal products from your lifestyle--not just food, but also things like leather?

Overall, it wouldn't be fair to expect your husband to join you in your new lifestyle, but I also don't think it's fair for him to be hostile toward your choices either. You need to talk about how you both will get the food you want to eat.

meeper123

I plan on doing this with love and kindness which I feel the true soul of vegan is. I don't want to have animal products in my life at all. Plus he is very worried about the cost

zeejane03

meeper123 wrote: »

I plan on doing this with love and kindness which I feel the true soul of vegan is. I don't want to have animal products in my life at all. Plus he is very worried about the cost

I'm transitioning to a more plant based, pescetarian woe and it's not any more expensive to eat this way-just be mindful of fresh produce, which can be expensive if it's out of season. I use a lot of frozen veg/fruit this time of year which is cheap. Do you have an Aldi nearby? They are a gold mine for cheap fresh and frozen produce! They also have the most amazing sprouted grains bread, I believe it's vegan? It's $2.50 a loaf, which is a lot cheaper than any other comparable brand

I do all the cooking in my house and it's not a big deal to make different meals. Tonight I made my family homemade (pepperoni and bacon) pizzas and then I had a roasted potato/mushroom bowl with a side of baked beans. I prepped everything at the same time and we still sat down together. I'm also big on pre-prepping-the bacon for the pizzas was leftovers from their supper last night, I cut a lot of my veggies ahead of time, I make a big batch of rice on Mondays to use throughout the week etc. There's a learning curve, but it's not too difficult once you get the hang of it

apullum

meeper123 wrote: »

I plan on doing this with love and kindness which I feel the true soul of vegan is. I don't want to have animal products in my life at all. Plus he is very worried about the cost

The cost of being vegan vs. not being vegan depends a lot on what you used to eat, and what you eat now. You can spend a lot of money on expensive vegan proteins and other products, just as you can spend a lot of money on expensive meat and cheese. But staple foods like tofu, TVP, dried beans, dried pasta, some grains, and some canned/frozen/fresh veggies are cheap. You can also buy wheat gluten to make your own seitan, which is a lot cheaper than buying it prepackaged. There's no reason why being vegan has to be any more expensive than not being vegan, and some people even find that it's cheaper. It just depends on your diet.

Maxxitt

meeper123 wrote: »

I plan on doing this with love and kindness which I feel the true soul of vegan is. I don't want to have animal products in my life at all. Plus he is very worried about the cost

It seems to me that if your partner is going to be in your life, animal products will come with him. I agree with the suggestion to have some serious (and loving) conversations. Good luck.

kshama2001

meeper123 wrote: »

I plan on doing this with love and kindness which I feel the true soul of vegan is. I don't want to have animal products in my life at all. Plus he is very worried about the cost

If you are willing to put in the prep time, cost won't be an issue. For example, dried beans are extremely economical. Rice and (dried) beans are staples in some poor countries. I cook beans overnight in my crock pot; no presoaking required. Others here love making beans in their InstaPots.

Here we discuss making seitan from scratch: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/43108554/#Comment_43108554

nowine4me

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meeper123

Ooo nice I want to make so much as I can alone and while I may sample a few products here and there I plan on mostly whole foods

meeper123

@nowine4me sounds exactly the thing! Thanks!!

apullum

Do you have a crock pot? I use mine to cook dried beans, which I freeze. I also make and freeze spaghetti sauce and vegan chili in it, and it’s great for soups/stews.

You and your husband may want to brainstorm meals that are “accidentally” vegan, or have easy vegan and non-vegan options. Spaghetti with marinara is one. He can add cheese and/or meatballs to his. Burgers are another. You can make and freeze your own veggie burgers (I like the black bean burgers from Veganomicon) if you don’t like any of the prepackaged ones. He can have meat patties and you can have veggie patties.

meeper123

That's a wonderful idea he likes veggie burgers actually

apullum

meeper123 wrote: »

That's a wonderful idea he likes veggie burgers actually

Here's the recipe I use: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/recipe-vegan-black-bean-burgers/

Soups and sandwiches might also be things you can agree on. Tomato or other veggie soups are nice and low calorie. For sandwiches, he can have cold cuts or whatever else he wants, while you have veggies, hummus, marinated tofu/tempeh, etc. If he'll eat salads, then you can have a variety of salad toppings and dressings. He can put meat, eggs, cheese, dairy-based dressings, etc. on his if he wants.

zeejane03

Burritos and tacos are another easy one to multi-use-he can use taco meat and you can use beans, all the other toppings will be similar, except for the cheese.

veganbaum

You've received some good advice already. I've been vegan for nearly ten years. My husband is not vegan, however when we met it was the same, so he didn't have to adjust to me changing. I will not, under any circumstances, cook any animal products. He knows that and has no problem with it. I am more than happy to cook vegan meals for both of us. He's been more open to eating just the vegan meals I make without adding animal products. There are also dishes I make that he will add animal products to. Since I tend to purchase a lot of the household items, I can choose to buy things like vegan shampoo and soaps and things. Your own transition and how it works with your husband will likely be an ongoing learning process.

I love my Instant Pot and use it at least every Sunday to make food for my weekday lunches. That alone is helpful for me for healthful eating generally, as well as for calorie control and finances. I also eat the same breakfast every weekday. For me, that works. Some people don't like eating the same thing that often. But if you do, it could help with transitioning to find a few breakfasts and lunches you like and prep them. Then, you could focus on experimenting with different dinners.

Some of my favorite recipes:

https://www.isachandra.com/2009/11/snobby-joes/
http://www.isachandra.com/2012/12/hoppin-john-bowl-with-red-hot-tahini/
https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-sweet-potato-black-bean-chili/
https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/mock-tuna-salad/
https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/chickpea-tacos/
https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/spicy-teriyaki-chickpeas/
https://happyherbivore.com/recipe/hippie-loaf-gluten-free/
http://www.isachandra.com/2011/12/roasted-potato-fennel-soup/
http://www.isachandra.com/2011/10/chocolate-pumpkin-loaf/
http://www.isachandra.com/2011/08/maple-pecan-pie/

I went vegan all at once, it was no big deal for me. But a lot of people don't work that way. I think one of the most important things to remember is that it's not about perfection (which is unattainable anyway). Do what's possible. If you feel like you have to be perfect, you may become overwhelmed and give up altogether.

lemurcat2

One meal at a time is a great idea. Cooking things that he might want to try (with an alternative for him) alternated with whatever you want/whatever he wants, with just the protein different seem like good ideas.

I also think if you are new to this logging and doing vegetarian first may be good steps, since it is much harder to be vegan than veg in my experience (not that vegan is necessarily hard, but around here it's harder for protein if you aren't experienced, and harder for socializing/restaurants).

I'd also make sure you like a huge variety of vegan foods (like veg), sometimes people who are picky and have a limited diet go vegan and I'm scared about what they will be able to eat.

Definitely experiment with various ethnic cuisines where vegan or vegetarian dishes are more common, like East Asian and Indian.

I totally respect the ethical position, if that's what you are responding to.

He's a little woo-ey at times, but check out the Rich Roll podcast, I enjoy it and he's inspiring.

meeper123

I bought some things to make it easier like amy"s pad thai and mock chicken and some muesli

janejellyroll

meeper123 wrote: »

I plan on doing this with love and kindness which I feel the true soul of vegan is. I don't want to have animal products in my life at all. Plus he is very worried about the cost

Veganism can be really affordable in many parts of the world, especially if you limit the amount of snack/convenience foods marketed especially for vegans. Some of my staples are beans, tofu, grains like rice and oats, pasta, potatoes, canned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, and more affordable fresh vegetables (cabbage, onions, carrots, greens). I also make my own seitan and often make my own cheeses, which helps control costs. I'll supplement this with some pre-made "treats" like vegan butter and mayo, Field Roast sausages, ice cream, and cashew milk, but my day-to-day meals are surprisingly affordable.

mywayroche

Substituting meat for beans works out a lot cheaper if you bulk buy dried beans. I'm not vegan, I still drink milk for the vitamin b12, but I'm sure you could pull it off with a b12 supplement. Just watch your iron and b12, elemental iron isn't as easy to absorb, you need lots of vitamin c to help it along (unlike haemo iron from meat).