- Never say never to becoming Vegan. Back in 2005, I would of laughed at any person who tried to persuade me to become vegan. I derived much pleasure from eating with a complete disregard to nutrition and was completely happy about it.
2. Do not preach! Once I became vegan I wanted to bring as many people over to the Green side. Despite my good intentions, I budded into countless conversations sometimes monopolizing the exchange without taking the time to listen to what the other person had to say. come to think of it, I must have been afraid I wouldn’t be able to stay vegan for long and projected my fears to others. Today, I project all my good intentions to the universe through silent meditation.
3. Make the change for yourself, not because of family or group pressures. No one forced me to become vegan, In 2010 I just decided to make the change. I also insisted my wife and daughter embrace the vegan life style. I particularly gave my wife a hard time because she wouldn’t commit to being vegan. She has always been better at eating in moderation than i have. I’ve realized I have to put my energy into things I can control like me being vegan for myself and respecting the wishes of others not interested in my point of view.
4. Do not offer unsolicited advice. What works for you may not work for someone else. Reframe from giving advise to people who you think currently show similar symptoms you experienced while making poor food choices. I remind myself how indifferent I was in 2005 being 70 pounds overweight at 250 pounds. Back then, I would’ve viewed any unsolicited advice as offensive instead of helpful. Help those who ask for help. But prior to giving any advise ask those individuals seeking help what their dietary goals are.
5. Create an ageless exercise routine. Prior to being vegan, my weight constantly fluctuated by 30 pounds. I would go through phases of intense cardio training by running, without making any change to my diet. All the weight I lost through running I would quickly regain once I became less active. My reasons for not running ranged from sports injury to just being lazy. I have found walking to be my most effective form of exercise. I try to walk an hour in the morning and an hour at night 5 times a week. I feel can can always maintain this routine regardless of age.
6. Understand your protein sources. Nuts, legumes, spirulina and vegan protein powders are good sources of protein for vegans. I’m not a fan of soy based proteins. Choose the one which fall in line with your dietary goals.
7. Understand autointoxication. Autointoxication is the idea that putrefaction of the stools causes disease. This could be avoided by eating your foods in their proper order. Our stomach digest fruits and vegetables in 1 hour. Starches take 3 to 5 hours to be digested, and proteins in 4 to 6 hours. Eat or drink fruits and vegetables early and often during the day at a ratio of 80% leafy greens 20% fruits. Consume proteins during your last meal to facilitate digestion while you sleep. To learn more about autointoxication read “The Raw Food Detox Diet” by Natalia Rose.
8. Take B12 supplements. Very low B12 intakes can cause anemia and nervous system damage.
9. Avoid bad vegan choices. Just because something is vegan it doesn’t mean that we can throw caution to the wind. Avoid fried vegan foods, over indulging in nuts and nut butters. Try to eat Raw vegan as often as possible.