| LuAnne's Page |
| P.O. Box 126 * Negaunee, MI 49866 * (906) 236-1279 * info@northernvegans.com |
| *Learn everything you can about being a vegan. Talk to vegans, read books (see Natasha's and Carrie's lending libraries, see our list of books donated to the Peter White Public Library, visit Web sites, and subscribe to a magazine (or two). There is a LOT of knowledge out there and it helps to know where and how most food is raised to keep you committed to your new eating plan. It's also important to know about B12, protein sources and all the tremendous benefits of a vegan diet. This will help you when people (especially family members) try to discourage your efforts. *It's great if you can become a vegan overnight, but most people can't. Don't get hung up on foods you are going to miss. Instead, ask yourself "What changes CAN I do?". Can you eat vegan breakfasts and lunches and then eat a "regular" dinner? Or maybe start with just one day a week with all vegan foods. Learn new recipes and work to create a plan for changing your diet one step at a time. As you feel better, see results and learn more about the impact of animal-based diet it is easier to change to (and stick with) healthier foods. At some point, when you are ready, go 100% whole foods vegan for at least a month. This will help break any remaining cravings because your taste buds will change--honest! *Resist the urge to become a vegan junk food addict. Packaged vegan food can be unhealthy, too. Watch out for high sugar content, hydrogenated oils, and salt. Convenience food is helpful as you adapt to cooking vegan meals and when you are pressed for time, but it is expensive and your body needs whole foods. *A vegan lifestyle can be very far-reaching, but don't expect your diet to change your entire life. Exercise, stress reduction, and your environment all play a part in your well-being. *Macrobiotic recipes (except for the seafood they are vegan) are a great way to introduce new vegetables and flavors into your menu. Macrobiotic dessert recipes use no refined sugars. *Try to eat as much whole grain food and raw fruit and vegetables as possible (buy as much organic as possible). A good test is to look at the food and try to figure out what it looked like as it was growing. If you can't figure it out, it's probably been processed too much and has a lot of unnecessary ingredients. *If you are attending social events with food, go prepared. Find out (if possible) what the menu is. Ask ahead of time you can order a vegan entrée or large salad instead of the meat choice. With notice, most restaurants will try to prepare something for you. Ask for a salad, dry baked potato and some steamed vegetables (no butter please). If it is a potluck or cook-out, bring a main course for yourself (a veggie burger or Tofurkey brat & bun works great) and a vegan dish to share. Usually there are corn chips and salsa, a vegetable tray and sometimes a fruit salad that you can eat. Beware of most other food and ask about the ingredients if you can. *Embrace changes that make sense to you. It is your body and you control what you eat. |
| Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. |
| LuAnne's Advice for Changing to a Vegan Diet |