7 Things I Learned Going Vegan

For lent I've decided to go vegan, that's 46 days without meat, dairy or eggs, normally it's 40 but I have included the Sunday's. I became a vegetarian in October 2016 but have never made the change of being vegan. I decided that lent was the best time to do it and if it suited me then it might be a permanent thing. So whether you're vegan, thinking about it or just intrigued then here are seven things I learned going vegan so far.

1. Veggies are my friend

After ditching meat over a year ago and now excluding dairy from my plate, veggies and fruit are what my diet mainly consists of. This isn't a bad thing though; now I pay more attention to what's going into my body, what vitamins and minerals I'm consuming. You'll be shocked to know that I don't have a protein deficiency!

2. Being more decisive

It's inevitable that being vegan, eating out is much harder. Going out with mates is still key to your social life, so I realised that eating out has become my decision to make; my friends aren't sure where is best for everyone to go that is also vegan-friendly.

3. Be more prepared

I am an organised person in general so this didn't affect me much; I learned to always be prepared, whether that's taking your own lunch to university/work or if it's to take food to events. Sometimes my uni runs out of the only vegan spinach and houmous sandwich, so I just take my own food with me now!

4. I will be laughed at

Most people who eat meat and dairy can't understand why you don't want to chomp into the carcass of a pig or cow. However, some have lots of questions and I always love answering them, but if you're deciding to go veggie or vegan be prepared to be mocked and laughed at. Don't worry if someone isn't supportive, don't let that dishearten you, it's a great thing what you're trying out or committing to.

5. Veganism doesn't mean you'll lose weight

I am a huge foodie, as much as I love eating healthy and having a colourful plate, I have now become addicted to biscuits (a replacement of chocolate). There are so many choices for me from Oreo's, bourbons and Lotus Biscoff; I could easily eat a packet of these a day. This doesn't mean I'll lose the weight just because I'm vegan and it also doesn't mean I'll gain it either. I listen to my body and this keeps me healthy.

6. I can concentrate

Since I have been eating a lot healthier and actually getting all the vitamins and minerals I need, I have been able to think and concentrate a lot more. This makes going to university easier and being more productive and motivated too.

7. Staying committed

I have messed up a couple of times being vegetarian/vegan, once I thought an anchovies pizza was mushroom. All my friends were supportive. So I learned to stay committed to it and it's important to remember than making these lifestyle changes is hard and come with mistakes, so keep going!