getting-started: Getting Started with Going Vegan

Question 1

About this Deck: “Getting Started with Going Vegan”

Answer 1

This deck parallels the briefing at: https://vbriefings.org/getting-started

There are no formal citations here, although sources may be mentioned. Full citations with links are provided in the briefing.

It would be best to read the briefing before studying these cards. Reading the briefing first provides understanding and context.

Question 2

What is the briefing titled “Getting Started with Going Vegan” about?

Answer 2

It provides a few practical suggestions for getting started with going vegan, as well as links to resources that can help.

Question 3

How would you summarize the “Getting Started” briefing?

Answer 3

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle starts with a commitment to change, supported by a transition strategy that’s right for you.

Seeking help from local or online vegan communities provides encouragement, answers to questions, and valuable resources.

While no vegan is perfect and perfection is impossible, embracing this journey as an adventure opens the door to discovering new foods, recipes, and flavors, making the transition both enriching and enjoyable.

Question 4

What are the key suggestions for getting started with going vegan (13)?

Answer 4

1. Make a commitment.
2. Transition at a sustainable pace.
3. Get support and stay connected.
4. Realize that perfection is impossible.
5. Choose a grocery transition strategy.
6. Learn new recipes and how to veganize your favorites.
7. Become familiar with food labeling.
8. Plan for eating out.
9. Choose vegan-friendly entertainment, clothing, furniture, and sundries.
10. Be prepared for the social ramifications.
11. Bring a vegan dish when asked over for dinner.
12. Keep educating yourself.
13. Think of going vegan as the adventure it is.

Question 5

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to make a commitment.

Answer 5

Perhaps the most important way to start is to make a commitment—a promise to yourself to follow some course of action.

Once you read the tips below, particularly the ones involving strategies, commit to the strategies you have chosen and stick to the commitment.

Make the commitment as strong as possible and as concrete as possible.

Question 6

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to realize that perfection is impossible.

Answer 6

Animal products are near ubiquitous—they can be found in bags, car tires, glue, and a wide range of other products for which there are no viable substitutes or for which alternatives are difficult to obtain.

Vegans seek to eliminate harm to animals, according to the most widely accepted definition of veganism, “as far as is possible and practicable…”

Don’t get frustrated because you can’t be perfect. There are no perfect vegans.

Question 7

Name 4 ways to get support and stay connected.

Answer 7

—Find local vegan groups.

—Stay informed with vegan news.

—Join online support Communities.

—Get structured guidance.

Question 8

How do you find local vegan groups?

Answer 8

Look for vegan meetups and Facebook groups in your area that organize potlucks, dining outings, and other social activities. These groups provide a great way to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and get practical advice.

To find vegan groups in a specific location, try searching Google with phrases like “Vegan meetups near [Your City]” or look on Facebook for groups such as “Vegans [Your City]”.

Question 9

Name two news source that will help you stay connected and informed.

Answer 9

—Plant Based News. A leading platform offering the latest updates on veganism, including health, environmental issues, and animal rights.

—VegNews. A popular website and magazine featuring vegan recipes, travel guides, news, and product reviews.

Question 10

Elaborate on joining online support groups.

Answer 10

There are several national and international groups dedicated to helping new vegans.

One such group is the New Vegan Support Facebook group with over 50,000 members:

—While anyone can join, only members can see posts, providing a supportive and private space for questions and advice.

—Anyone can post, so beware of misinformation.

Question 11

How can you get structured guidance in getting started?

Answer 11

Structured programs offer step-by-step support, practical resources, and expert guidance to help you transition to a vegan lifestyle with confidence.

—Vegan Outreach’s “10 Weeks to Vegan” program, which provides weekly tips, resources, and community support to help you successfully transition to a vegan lifestyle.

—Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s 30-Day Vegan Challenge is a comprehensive paid program designed to guide individuals through a month-long transition to a vegan lifestyle. The challenge offers daily support and resources to address common questions and challenges faced by new vegans.

Question 12

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to transition at a sustainable pace.

Answer 12

There are numerous ways to go about transitioning to veganism—and the process is so personal—that it is virtually impossible to lay out a strict blueprint that will work for everyone.

However, you should consider how fast you want to transition. A good general rule is to proceed as rapidly as you can, but not so fast that you feel overwhelmed and give up.

Keep in mind that once the transition has been made, your new ways of eating and purchasing will become second nature.

Question 13

Name 4 grocery transition strategies.

(getting started briefing)

Answer 13

—All at once

—As food runs out

—Hybrid

—A meal or food at a time

Question 14

Elaborate on the “All at Once” grocery transition strategy.

Answer 14

Not everyone finds it agreeable to immediately throw out existing supplies of meat, eggs, cheese, milk, and processed foods that have animal ingredients.

For those who can, transitioning all at once shows the highest commitment and encourages success.

In being exposed to the information that contributed to your decision to go vegan, you have likely lost at least some of your appetite for animal products.

If this is true for you, then this option is the most viable.

Question 15

Elaborate on the “As Food Runs Out” grocery transition strategy.

Answer 15

With this strategy, you run down existing supplies and replace animal products with vegan items when the supply of any particular item is exhausted.

Some choose this method because they are on a tight budget.

Question 16

Elaborate on the “Hybrid” grocery transition strategy.

Answer 16

A compromise approach between the above two strategies is to throw out the items that are most obviously animals, such as meat, eggs, cheese, and milk, and then replace other things that have smaller quantities of animal ingredients as they run out.

Question 17

Elaborate on the “A Meal or a Type of Food at a Time” grocery transition strategy.

Answer 17

Some have chosen to eat vegan for breakfast for a week, then also lunch for the next week, then also dinner.

Others have chosen to replace one food at a time. For example, you might decide to replace animal milk with plant milk this week and then meat with either vegan meats or whole-food recipes the next week.

And so on.

Question 18

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to learn new recipes and how to veganize your favorites.

Answer 18

There are plenty of vegan recipes available with a quick online search. There are many vegan recipe books as well.

As you start to interact with other vegans at meetups—and on Facebook and other platforms—exchanging information on recipes and recipe books will become a joy.

You can also make your favorite recipes vegan by substituting ingredients. Just search for “how to veganize recipes,” and you will be connected to several articles discussing how to accomplish this.

Question 19

Name three good sources for vegan recipes.

Answer 19

—Forks Over Knives, in their recipe section, provides hundreds of healthy, delicious and easy to prepare recipes developed by professional chefs.

—Oh She Glows was created by New York Times bestselling author Angela Liddon, this site offers a wide range of healthy and accessible vegan recipes.

—Nora Cooks offers easy and delicious vegan recipes that are approachable, full of flavor, and made with everyday ingredients.

Question 20

Name some ingredients that are typically animal-derived.

Answer 20

—albumin

—aspic

—casein

—cod liver oil

—collagen

—elastin

—gelatin

—honey

—isinglass

—keratin

—lactose

—lard

—pepsin

—propolis

—royal jelly

—shellac

—tallow

—some vitamin D3

—whey

Also, be aware that glycerine, glycerol, lactic acid, mono or diglycerides, and stearic acid can be from animals or plants. Hopefully, the label will indicate if they are plant-derived.

Question 21

Name two resources that can help in determining if products or ingredients are vegan.

Answer 21

—”Is It Vegan” provides an app that allows users to scan product barcodes to determine if they are vegan. It analyzes ingredients and provides a clear answer, helping users make informed choices while shopping.

—”Double Check Vegan” is a free online tool that allows users to verify the vegan status of products by pasting a list of ingredients.

Question 22

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to plan for eating out.

Answer 22

Dining out as a vegan is easier than ever with the growing availability of plant-based options.

Before eating out, it’s a good idea to check the online menu and call ahead with any questions about what is vegan or can be made vegan. This can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother experience.

Also, you should never hesitate to ask your server for clarifications.

Supporting fully vegan restaurants whenever possible helps grow demand for ethical dining options, but if you’re eating at an establishment without vegan options, simple modifications and plant-based substitutions can often be accommodated.

Question 23

Name two resources that can help you find out what’s vegan when eating out.

Answer 23

—Veggl provides a comprehensive online guide and a mobile app showing vegan options at chain restaurants, airports, and sports venues across the U.S.

—Happy Cow‘s website and mobile app will help you find vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. Users can search for nearby establishments, read reviews, and view photos.

Question 24

Name a resource useful for ordering adult beverages at restaurants or buying in a store.

Answer 24

Barnivore‘s website provides an extensive online directory for information on the vegan status of beers, wines, and liquors

Question 25

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to choose vegan-friendly entertainment, clothing, furniture, and sundries.

Answer 25

After making progress on food, it’s time to consider your purchases in other areas of animal exploitation. With a little research, you will find that zoos, aquariums, rodeos, and circuses are not as innocuous as you may have thought. If you haven’t already, you will also learn that leather, wool, and silk are products of cruelty and exploitation. Some adopt the strategy of using existing non-vegan furniture, clothing, and shoes until they wear out before replacing them. Sometimes this is for financial reasons. Others donate them to a charity to avoid the waste that comes from trashing them. And others argue we should trash these items to avoid continuing to participate in any way in the exploitation these items represent. Soaps, cosmetics, sundries, and various home products often contain animal products or are tested on animals. If you haven’t looked into this already, you might be shocked at the horrors done in the name of product testing. Several online guides are available to help you purchase vegan and cruelty-free products. One such guide that does a good job of elucidating the topic is Redfin Real Estate’s “The Ultimate Guide to Make Your Home 100% Cruelty-Free and Vegan.”

Question 26

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to be prepared for the social ramifications.

Answer 26

It’s not unusual for those new to veganism to feel a little isolated from family and friends during mealtime. You will experience various degrees of understanding and acceptance from those you care about. As time moves forward and they see how important your commitment is to you, almost everyone will accept your choices. Many will admire your conviction. You need to keep in mind the reasons you became vegan, remember what it was like to not be vegan, and give others time to accept and embrace your compassionate way of living. It’s likely that some of your family and friends will eventually become vegan because of the example you set and your conviction. With this in mind, it’s helpful to think of others as pre-vegans.

Question 27

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to bring a vegan dish when asked over for dinner.

Answer 27

There is no need to panic when you’re asked over for dinner by friends, acquaintances, or family. If your hosts don’t know you’re vegan, you should mention it to them as casually as possible. Then you should offer to bring a delicious vegan dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Question 28

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to keep educating yourself.

Answer 28

As you have no doubt discovered, there is a wealth of information available about veganism on this site and others. Never stop learning and growing.

Question 29

Elaborate on the “getting started” suggestion to think of going vegan as the adventure it is.

Answer 29

Many have found leaving animals off the plate to be an adventure, discovering new foods, recipes, and tastes they have never before experienced. Like many changes, being vegan will soon be second nature.

Question 30

Tell me about Vegan Outreach’s program to help you get started.

Answer 30

You can sign up for the Vegan Outreach program “10 Weeks to Vegan” to get weekly tips, resources, and community support to help you go vegan.

Question 31

Name some online resources that can help with getting started going vegan?

Answer 31

—Video: Plant-Based Eating: First 21 Days, on YouTube. —Ed Winter’s, How to Go Vegan, provides practical advice and tips for those interested in going vegan, addressing common concerns and offering strategies for making the switch.

Question 32

What are some general advocacy tips to keep in mind during "getting started" discussions?

Answer 32

—Many people are open to the idea of going vegan but feel overwhelmed about where to start. Your goal isn’t just to give them steps—it’s to remove barriers, provide reassurance, and make the transition feel exciting rather than daunting. —If you are conveying these suggestions to a vegetarian, remember to encourage them toward veganism rather than demean them for steps they have already taken. —If you are conveying these suggestions to a vegetarian, remember to encourage them toward veganism rather than demean them for steps they have already taken. —Keep some pamphlets or brochures with easy recipes and other information on hand, ready to give to give them. This makes it easier for them to explore veganism on their own time, reinforcing the conversation and giving them practical steps to take without pressure.

Question 33

What questions can you ask to find out and address what’s stopping them from getting started with going vegan?

Answer 33

—“I sense you really do want to align your values of compassion, justice, and sustainability with your personal choices. So what’s stopping you from giving it a try? Maybe I can help with that.” Why? This helps them recognize that their hesitation isn’t about a lack of alignment with vegan values but about perceived barriers—barriers that can often be overcome with support and practical guidance.

Question 34

What "getting started" questions can you ask to not overload them and help them keep it simple?

Answer 34

One mistake in outreach is giving too much information at once. —”What’s one animal product you think would be easiest for you to swap out?” —“Would you like a couple of really easy meal ideas to start with?” Why? This turns a big lifestyle change into a small, manageable step.

Question 35

What "getting started" questions can you ask to assure them that perfection isn’t required?

Answer 35

Some people hesitate to try veganism because they think they’ll fail or won’t do it “perfectly.” Help them let go of that pressure. —“Did you know veganism isn’t about being perfect—it’s about doing the best we can?” —“If you accidentally eat something with animal products, do you think that means you’ve ‘failed,’ or is it just part of learning something new?” Why? This removes the fear of failure, making them more likely to try.

Question 36

What “getting started” questions can you use to suggest different transition strategies?

Answer 36

”Not everyone can or wants to go vegan overnight. Instead of pushing one method, help them find what works for them. —“Some people go vegan all at once, some do it meal by meal, and others replace one product at a time. Which approach sounds easiest for you?” —“If you’re not ready to drop everything, what do you think about starting with one vegan meal a day?” Why? This gives them options so they feel in control of the process.

Question 37

What “getting started” questions can you ask to show they don’t have to go it alone?

Answer 37

People worry about feeling isolated when they go vegan. Show them they can find support. —“Have checked out any local vegan meetup groups or online support groups? It’s easier when you have support.” —“Did you know there are Facebook groups just for new vegans where people share easy recipes and get advice?” Why? This makes veganism feel more social and inviting rather than lonely.

Question 38

What “getting started” questions can you to address concerns about eating out?

Answer 38

Eating out is a major concern for people considering veganism. Help them prepare. —“Did you know that almost every restaurant has vegan options now? What’s your favorite place to eat—I can probably tell you what’s vegan there!” —“Have you ever checked menus online before going out? This can help you avoid awkwardness with friends when you get there. If they don’t seem to have good vegan options, give them a call to see what they can do.” Why? This removes the fear of inconvenience, making veganism feel practical.

Question 39

What “getting started” questions can you ask to show them they don’t have to give up their favorite foods?

Answer 39

One of the biggest fears people have is that they’ll miss their favorite foods. Help them see that they don’t have to. —“If you love burgers, pizza, or ice cream, there are vegan versions of all of them. Have you ever tried one?” —“You don’t have to give up comfort foods—you just swap out ingredients. Would you like some help with that? Why? This makes veganism feel like a swap, not a sacrifice.

Question 40

What questions can you ask to give them a reason to be excited about getting started?

Answer 40

If they see veganism as a burden, they won’t want to try. Frame it as an adventure instead. —“Most people eat the same foods every week—have you ever thought about how going vegan could be a chance to discover amazing new meals?” —“Have you ever thought of veganism like traveling to a new country, where you get to explore different flavors, ingredients, and ways of cooking?” Why? This makes veganism exciting, not restrictive.