ANS: What do I need to know in order to successfully become vegan?

Hi Mary,

Great decision!

There is a wealth of information on the internet about all aspects of veganism. For example, a list of food ingredients derived from animal products can be found here:
http://www.hedweb.com/campaig/ingred.htm

But beyond the internet, I'd really recommend getting in touch with your local vegan society or group, who can offer help, support, and, in particular, will know about vegan matters in your area (where to shop, places to eat out, etc.). I don't know where in the world you hail from, but a good starting point is the UK vegan society page (www.vegansociety.com), which has links to vegan societies in other countries, who should in turn know about local groups.

There are also a number of email discussion lists and forums filled with people who can help, including several on yahoo.com, and the list connected with this website: http://www.vegan-info.com/vml.html.

What else...Oh, if you don't like soya milk (and you're not alone!), have you tried other alternatives? Oat milk is not bad, whilst my favourites are rice-based milks, such as Rice-Dream.

Hope that helps a little,

John

> I have been vegetarian for about 4-5 years now and I am ready to go vegan.
> The only thing is that I made the decision to go vegetarian pretty young
> without a lot of knowledge of hidden animals products in a bunch of foods
> at the supermarket, etc. I started learning of this stuff recently and I
> am not sure how to know what has animal products and what doesn't. I
> guess I am looking for this type of information and also just generally
> helpful suggestions so I can take the next step towards being vegan. Oh,
> and I was wondering if there were any good brands of soy milk? I've tried
> Silk and a couple other brands and I can't say I am too fond of it so far.
> I did have one brand that I like, I think it was called Pacific
> something-or-other but if there is anything else that is good it would be
> helpful for me :) Thanks!!!
> (By: Mary)

(By: mcxg46)
2008.06.18 - 09:41
Category: Becoming a vegan
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ANS: Question: May contain milk

Hi Kim,

That's a question with no easy answer, I'm afraid. Strictly-speaking, to be vegan means to use and consume no animal products, which therefore includes even the merest hint of milk or egg. However, practically, you'll find it impossible to always avoid all animal products at all times (let alone never killing, say, the occasional fly on your windscreen) - so the avoiding of all animal products always is to my mind at least more of an ideal to be sought after than something one can ever truly achieve.

But to answer your question, I think most vegans would probably try to avoid traces of milk and eggs in products. Some would probably also avoid products made on equipment where milk and eggs were used, though personally I don't tend to - after all, quite often a manufacturer doesn't bother telling you this, so you can never be certain anyway.

The best advice I can offer, really, is to do as much as you think you can do - after all, veganism is the 'attempt to reduce suffering through avoidance of animal products so far as is possible and practical', and it is better to be almost entirely vegan all of the time than tie yourself up with guilt because you consumed a trace of egg and then give up being vegan because it is too hard.

Hope that helps a little,

John


> I went vegan about a week ago and I've been very pleased with myself and
> with the variety of delicious things that there are to eat, but is it
> necessary to stay away from items that were processed on equipment with
> milk and eggs or that may contain traces of milk??
> (By: Kim)

(By: mcxg46)
2008.06.05 - 08:45
Category: Becoming a vegan
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ANS: Question:

Hi,

It probably depends on what kind of vegan leather you have. Some kinds - those that are shiny, or have no 'pores', don't tend to need anything more than a clean with a damp cloth every now and then. Other vegan leathers, such as those with larger pores or which look as if they might dry out, can benefit from a vegan shoe polish. You can get this from vegan shoe shops and online sites - the one I use is, I think, 'no bull' polish.

Hope that helps,

John

> What can I do to keep vegan leather clean?
> I have a matt & nat wallet I need to buff and clean.
>
> Thanks
> (By: Sarah)

(By: mcxg46)
2008.03.26 - 09:50
Category: Becoming a vegan
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ANS: Question:

Congratulations on becoming a vegetarian!

Vegetarians don't eat any animals, including fish. Strict vegetarians and vegans also don't eat dairy products, including milk, cheese, and eggs. Your family probably already makes some meals and a lot of side dishes that are vegetarian. On days that the main dish is meat, eat the sides and try substituting a veggie burger, a bean burrito, or some seasoned tofu for the meat.

Some vegetarian meals that your family may already make:

Cereal or oatmeal
Spaghetti and tomato sauce
Peanut butter and jelly or hummus sandwiches
Salad (add some nuts and dried or fresh fruit to make it a meal)
Tomato, vegetable, or lentil soup

For some easy vegan recipes, go to http://www.veganoutreach.org/starterpack/recipes.html (try the cake! Duncan Hines frosting is good, or make your own) or http://www.thevisualguide.com/vegan.htm

Becoming vegetarian will save a lot of lives (over 2000 animals, by many estimates). Stick with it, even if you're not "perfect" right away. Start with the easy changes. For you, that may mean that you're vegetarian 6 days a week and you eat fish once a week (just until you get used to the new foods). Or it might mean being vegetarian at breakfast, lunch, and 4 dinners a week (and then 5 dinners, and then 6...). You'll be vegetarian before you know it.

Write back and let me know how it's going,
Theresa
(By: rocketkoala)
2008.01.04 - 05:16
Category: Becoming a vegan
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