Have you recently turned vegan? Chances are by now, you are already questioning that decision or that you are battling vegan depression. It is not comfortable sticking to a strictly vegan diet. I know the thought of all those delicious meals that you have to flee is stressful. However, that is the wrong way to look at it. Instead, think of the countless benefits that accrue being a vegan.
The Common Side Effects of Turning Vegan
The transition is hardest just after changing your diet. The following side effects are common:
Social issues
This is the leading cause of vegan depression. There is going to be a backlash, and other people will ridicule or openly mock you for being a vegan.
Of course, other debates like why you kill those insects you stepped on will always come up. Don’t let this get to you. You are not out to save the whole world.
Have satisfaction in knowing that whatever little contribution you are making is of significant impact in the end.
Cravings
Your body may have been accustomed to non-vegan foods, and changing diets will not go unnoticed. One way to deal with these needs is to change your diet gradually and not overnight. You can also pick your favorite vegan foods before your taste buds adjust to your new diet.
Energy and weight issues
A plant-based diet, naturally, has a lower calorie count compared to an animal-based diet. This automatically means that you have to consume more significant chunks of food to make up for the deficit.
Many people complain that they feel sluggish and this might tempt you to dismiss veganism. The trick is to eat more micronutrients and keep track of your food intake. See to it that you eat not less than 2000 calories.
Running out of new meals to prepare
You probably aren’t used to vegan-only meals. This might be a challenge having to eat the same lunch repeatedly. There are so many different types of squashes, apples, and potatoes alone. The vegetable family is so large that you can never run out of a new meal for each day. Research online or get a cooking 101 book to learn new cooking techniques. I also share easy to prepare vegan dishes in Solancha Lifestyle.
Health Issues
This is primarily a problem if your diet is not healthy. When taken in the right manner, a vegan diet has many benefits, but just like anything, this takes time. Don’t, therefore, be quick to dismiss this diet after only a short period of trying. Veganism is not a quick fix or a fad diet as many people think.
Digestive problems
Our digestive system is structured to readily accept the foods we consume on a regular basis. Bloating, constipation and diarrhea are the effects of switching your diet too much too fast. This is because a vegan diet is rich in fiber, which is rare in animal foods. Your gut will take time before it adapts to this fiber in your diet. However, not everyone experiences digestive problems. Only people with a rather sensitive tummy do.
Lower cholesterol levels
Studies show that vegans have a lower cholesterol count than those who consume dairy and meat.
How to Deal With Vegan Depression
How do you handle vegan depression? The frustrations that come with taking on a new diet may push you to be depressed. There is no medical cure for regional depression. In a world where there is a pill for every illness, this is still a grey area. The solution is mostly in the choice of foods you eat and how you respond to criticism.
Below are some effective ways to tackle vegan depression:
Do not change too much too quickly
A mistake most people make is changing their entire diet overnight. This has significant effects, especially on your gut system. To avoid health complications, change your foods gradually as your body picks up.
Start with your favorites
It is only reasonable to think that there is not a sufficient variety of veggies to pick from at the start. This mentality is what influences most people into giving up a vegan diet. Start by switching to your favorite vegetables as you explore new brands.
Eat healthily
Instead of eating processed greens, eat more whole vegan foods to gain more energy and nutrients. In addition, a vegan diet means that you have to eat more to satisfy the body’s nutritional requirement. Make sure your food contains whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Research
How many vegan recipes do you know? Find new recipes and cooking techniques that you can try at home to make each meal unique.
Social crisis
Some people may talk you into dropping the vegan diet or much worse make fun of it. Learn to ignore this and don’t take everything to heart.
Make prior arrangements
If for instance, you are eating over at a friend’s, let them know in advance your diet choices to save yourself the hustle and inconvenience.
Stick to your diet
Many people drop the vegan diet after just a few days of trying. A vegan has many options. Do not let the few downsides draw you away.
In Conclusion
A vegan lifestyle is more than just eating. We save the lives of several animals as we reduce the greenhouse effect. The health benefits accrued are also many. Research has shown that, compared to artists, vegans have a longer life expectancy. I agree that it can be difficult to switch to a vegan diet. Many people will also try to talk you out of it or mock you for it.
Reflect on why you chose to do it in the first place and focus on the goal. Remember that you can’t always be perfect. What matters is that you are making efforts and constant improvement. Vegan depression is only but a phase and everyone passes through it. It’s only that most people don’t even notice.