New to Being Vegan? 6 Things I Wish I Knew When I Made the Switch

So you’ve decided to make the compassionate switch—welcome! Now that you’re vegan, you get to enjoy all the incredible benefits of living kindly, like sparing animals, reducing your carbon footprint, and supporting your own health. And remember: There’s no such thing as perfection. You’ve already made the decision that matters. Being vegan is about doing your best to choose kindness every day—so here are six simple things you can do to make the transition smooth, satisfying, and sustainable.

1. Eat vegan versions of your favorite meals.

There are vegan versions of almost every dish you can think of, really! “Veganize” your go-to recipes by swapping meat and dairy for beans, grains, nuts, veggies, and vegan meats and cheeses. Whether it’s mac and cheese, burgers, or pizza, you’ll be enjoying the same dishes, upgraded! Check out PETA’s guide to vegan comfort foods for simple meal hacks. 

2. Explore thousands of delicious vegan recipes.

While it’s great to enjoy familiar foods “veganized,” going vegan is also the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Explore the thousands of free vegan recipes on our website and check out our guide to some of our favorite vegan cookbooks. If you aren’t much of a chef, no worries! We’ve got plenty of quick, simple vegan recipes that use pantry staples you probably already have.

3. Try delicious vegan meats, cheeses, and treats.

There’s a vegan upgrade for just about everything now—from juicy burger patties, Tofurky deli slices, and smoky “bacon” to creamy cheeses, ice creams, and milks. These animal-free options are easy to find at most grocery stores and can make the transition all the more delicious. Best of all, they deliver the flavors you love without harming sensitive cows, birds, and others, who want to bask in the sun, socialize with companions of their choosing, and raise their families—all things they can’t do on today’s farms where they’re exploited for their flesh and milk.

4. Stock up on frozen vegan meals and convenience foods.

Always on the run? Don’t fret—there are plenty of frozen and ready-to-eat vegan meals and snacks that make mealtime convenient and stress-free. You can find options from familiar brands like Gardein, Daiya, and Amy’s Kitchen at most grocery stores. For even more ideas, check out PETA’s list of quick vegan recipes you can whip up in 10 minutes or less.

5. Find the best vegan-friendly restaurants in your area.

Eating out as a new vegan may seem daunting at first, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it! Whether you’re on a budget or treating yourself, there are tons of delicious vegan options waiting for you. PETA has handy guides to popular chain restaurants—from Burger King to The Cheesecake Factory—so you’ll know exactly what to order. And don’t forget about locally owned spots: Restaurants across the country are increasingly offering vegan dishes, from hearty bowls to decadent desserts. Check out PETA’s list of the most vegan-friendly chain restaurants to make dining out a breeze.

6. Dive into the delicious world of meat-free international cuisine.

Exploring new cuisines is one of the tastiest perks of going vegan. Many ethnic foods—like Indian dishes with chickpeas and lentils, Thai meals featuring tofu, or Italian pasta with rich tomato sauces—are already vegan or easily adapted. While restaurants near you are full of flavorful choices, you can also save time and money by making these dishes at home.

The Most Important Part: Remember Your “Why”

One crucial tip to stay inspired as a new vegan is to remember why you made the switch. Maybe you chose to go vegan for the environment—because vegans have a significantly lower ecological footprint than those who eat meat and other animal-derived “products.” Maybe you did it to protect yourself from some of the country’s biggest killers, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Or maybe you did it because every animal is someone. Just like you and me, cows, birds, pigs, and fish are individuals with personalities, feelings, and complex relationships.

And remember: Being vegan isn’t about personal purity, it’s about progress. If you’re accidentally served something that isn’t vegan and you take a bite, that doesn’t undo your compassion or your commitment. What counts is the intention and the pattern of your choices. Every vegan meal you choose still spares our fellow animals from suffering.

Sign up for PETA’s 3-week vegan challenge to guide you through the start of your happier, healthier, kinder life. Don’t keep it to yourself—invite a friend to join the challenge, too!

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