Health cities across the region have some great souqs , in which you will be able to pick up some great spices , peas , beans , fruits and vegetables , so have some fun shopping .
5 . Find some vegan treats to replace those treats you have to leave behind
We all love treats . I am an ice-cream fanatic . Researching a wonderful vegan alternative is going to be the key to your sanity on those days when all you want after a long day is a tasty treat . I have found out that you can have nearly all the naughty treats you know and love in a vegan variety ; from dark chocolate , ice cream , to even cheese cake , there is a vegan treat for every sweet tooth . It simply requires a little more research and effort in sourcing or making it . While conducting research for this article , I made a vegan coconut cake and my family did not know the difference and someone even asked me for the recipe .
6 . Mock meats
If you simply must have meat balls , bacon etc . It is important to check your local supermarket for plant based mock meats . For some people this could be the difference between , sticking with a vegan diet or falling off the wagon . For those of us living in the United Arab Emirates and Oman , Lulus and Carrefour stocks a variety of mock meats .
7 . There will be side effects
For many people when you go vegan , you begin to have a lot more beans and peas . Some people go from zero to a cup full or more in a day . This can lead to bloating , indigestion and gas . It does take your body a while to adjust to this new way of eating , so remember to start slowly . These side effects should go away after some time , but if they do not , then you need to see a doctor .
8 . Pinterest and YouTube will become your friends
If you do not have a community of vegans around you and most of us don ’ t , then you will find kindred spirits on social media , especially Pinterest and YouTube . In doing research on this topic , I saw so many interesting recipes on Pinterest , that I started a whole new board for them and of course watching those vegan chefs on YouTube would get anyone wanting to try something new . If you have already decided to take the plunge into veganism and have started on that road , then you will find tons of inspiration on Pinterest and YouTube .
9 . You may feel hungrier
When you switch to a more plant based diet you may feel hungrier quicker , after a meal . Remember meats carry more calories , which keeps you feeling fuller than any plant based meal would . If initially you feel hungry shortly after a meal , eat some more . In time your body will adjust to this new way of eating .
10 . Why ?
This is probably the most important thing to consider before becoming vegan . Why do you want to become vegan ? Are you doing it to become healthier ? Is it for the protection of the environment ? Do you have deep beliefs about the treatment of animals ? Whatever your reason , make sure you are able to clearly articulate it . It would be even more beneficial in those initial days to write it down and put it somewhere that you will be able to see it . Knowing your ' why will
keep you going on those days when the temptation to give up is great . Also knowing why , will also help you to shift your focus from the perceived losses , to all that can be gained from becoming vegan .
11 . You may mess up
Ok , so becoming vegan is not so easy and you may mess up , but as I mentioned above , if you know why you are doing it , then get back up and start again . Be kind to yourself . You have spent your whole life eating one way and now you have made a 360 degree turn and that ’ s to be commended . If for whatever reason you slip up , don ’ t be too hard on yourself , just pick up yourself and keep going .
12 . You may need supplements
From my research , I discovered that you may need some supplements , such as vitamin B12 supplement . So , make sure to consult your doctor and be thoroughly checked out . It may also be beneficial to get checked 6 to 12 months , after becoming vegan to see how well your body is adjusting .