Going vegan isn’t always easy. It’s a big commitment that requires you to consider what you’re eating more than ever. Are you ready to break free from the world of meat and transition into a more healthful lifestyle? To help you make the transition, here are seven useful tips to help you stop eating meat.

1. Ways to Kick the Meat Habit

Going vegetarian or vegan is a big lifestyle change but there are lots of ways to go about it. For those who aren’t ready for the plunge, there are still plenty of ways to cut down on the amount of meat you eat and enjoy a more plant-based diet.

Meatless Mondays are a great way to start. On Mondays, make a pledge to yourself to go completely meatless. All you need to do is replace the meat dishes you normally eat, whether it’s chicken salad for lunch or steaks for dinner, with plant-based dishes like lentil soup, vegetable stir-fry and more!

• Try experimenting with new veggie-packed dishes.
• Eat fish twice a week and other forms of animal protein once a week, if desired.
• Share meat entrees and find delicious meatless sides.
• Grow your own produce.
• Replace eggs and dairy milk with plant-based alternatives.
• Learn about the environmental and ethical impacts of your eating habits.

Making substitutions may sound daunting at first, but you’ll soon find it’s easier than you think. When it comes down to it, there’s a world of delicious meals that don’t involve meat if you’re willing to explore. You don’t have to give up meat completely, just make it a treat instead of a staple!

2. Say Goodbye to Red and White

This is the time to bid farewell to the traditional red and white colour scheme – make way for more interesting and bold designs that will make your interiors look fabulous!

Here are a few ideas to start you off:

• Go crazy with bright colours – Choose from a spectrum of vibrant hues like bright oranges, yellows, blues and greens. Blend in some neutrals like grey for a contemporary twist.
• Dress up with textures – Step away from plain colours and add texture to your interiors with patterned wallpapers, stylish cushions and other unique furniture and fixture pieces.
• Play with prints – Use refreshing floral, abstract and funky prints to enliven any room. You can also go for traditional motifs with a modern twist for a feel-good factor.
• Bring in the metallic – Copper, brass, gold and silver add an element of sparkle and make your interiors look chic. Try adding it in bits and pieces to start off.

Experiment with these ideas and use them to your advantage. With the right combinations of colours, textures and prints, you can make your interiors look truly beautiful!

3. A Meatless Lifestyle: Easy as 1-2-3

Living the meatless lifestyle is easier than you’d think. All it really takes is the right mindset and understanding that the by-products and substitutes available today don’t taste like cardboard. Here’s a 3 step guide to make the transition easier and comfortable for a beginner:

• Try Meatless Mondays: Jump in the bandwagon and begin a healthier lifestyle on Mondays. You can substitute anything from red-meat to poultry with vegan or vegetarian dishes. This allows you to test the waters and become familiar with the flavors and ingredients before you make any big commitments.
• Make Some Swaps: Now that you’re trying meatless options every Monday, start making small swaps in other meals. This can be as simple as using vegan mayo or replacing the bacon in a salad for crunchy roasted nuts. Small steps really can make a big impact for your health, taste buds, and the environment.
• Opt in for Meat-Free Days: After awhile, you may decide to safely decrease the amount of meat in your diet and alternate days with meat-free meals. Even if you aren’t keen on making vegan/vegetarian meals every day, you can combine leftovers in creative ways to make for delicious and nutritious meatless meals.

Making the transition to a meatless lifestyle isn’t as extreme as you might think. With choices like soya, quinoa, beans, and legumes, you can easily replace meat in meals and enjoy delicious and protein-filled dishes. So don’t be intimidated by the idea and get started today.

4. Try New Foods and Veggie Hacks for a Healthier Diet

Going on a healthier diet doesn’t mean boring meals. Shake up your routine in the kitchen and get creative with new flavours and novel meal ideas.

• Ditch the cookbooks – Try your hardest to let go of relying on traditional recipes. This is the perfect time to experiment with unusual ingredient combinations and fresh ideas.
• Veggie hacks – Make the most of the vegetables in your kitchen and transform them with different cooking methods. Roasting and blanching can bring a whole new depth of flavour to ordinary produce.

Lose yourself in the grocery store and pick up several items you haven’t cooked with before. Since it’s a healthier diet, try to shop for a variety of fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous enough, sample a few dishes from international cuisines, such as Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean. Broaden your palate while also broadening your list of nourishing foods.

Going vegetarian or vegan is a great way to promote your health, care for animals, and reduce your effect on the environment. Plus, it’s much easier than you might think when you keep these 7 helpful tips in mind. Your body and the planet will thank you!