5 Easy Tips for Going Vegan in a Non-Vegan Household

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Ready to go vegan?

Going vegan is a big decision. A lot of people feel the need to weigh in on other’s decisions to go vegan.

No doubt your vegan journey will include hearing questions on where you’ll get your protein from. Another classic is people asking what exactly it is your plan to eat.

And of course, the transition will be harder for those living in a non-vegan household. Are you living with your family, roommates, or partner? Being vegan when surrounded by steak and non-dairy produce is not going to be easy.

So how can you be vegan in a non-vegan environment?

1. Remember why you went vegan

No doubt you will be asked this a lot especially around others with a different lifestyle.

So, your first step is to do your research. Research the ethical reasons and have some points in your mind to tell others. For example, let others know that the egg industry is cruel and kills male chicks. Alternatively, find statistics on how being vegan is better for the environment. Working to reduce your carbon footprint is a plan no one can fault.

Having a clear WHY is going to be essential in answering people’s questions. Everyone deserves support from others even if their choices differ.

2. Do your research

Living with parents and going vegan involves extra difficulties. When someone else (most likely your parents) is buying the food it’s awkward to refuse.

Do your research on how to have a healthy vegan diet and why it is good for you. When I went vegan I faced concern from family members who were worried I would be unhealthy living this life. Those family members are now vegan too. So, it goes to show not everyone who has questions is against veganism.

Also, knowing some facts about veganism is helpful in assisting others to understand the plant-based lifestyle.

Don’t react with anger or mistake concern for aggression. Not understanding something is not the same as being against it.

3. Share the love and the food

So many people I speak with don’t know what veganism is. As this is my whole life – I buy vegan toothpaste As a vegan I am familiar with everything related to veganism – I buy vegan toothpaste and maintain this website. But it’s important to remember that most people are not brought up the same way (I was raised vegetarian).

For many veganism is not part of their life or their knowledge.

Whilst I don’t like to share information with anyone who doesn’t ask I’m happy to answer questions from people who want to learn more.

Going vegan is an exciting time, trying new foods, replacing products in your diet and branching out taste wise is fun.

Why not share your recipes, new foods and information with anyone who wants to know? Share your lifestyle with others. Don’t try to force your lifestyle on anyone, simply share it. Let others choose how much they want to participate. Some family and friends may join you for a meat-free meal now and then or try vegan foods. Others may change their diet because they are inspired. You never know what can happen when you share what you love.

4. Don’t get angry

I understand- as a lover of animals, it’s hard to see others eating your friends. I was raised to not think of animals as food, but simply as living beings who deserve to exist.

However, not everyone has the same experience.

Around the world, many view meat as a food source. I can’t imagine being raised to eat meat and then having someone take away your food source.

Vegans can have an angry stereotype associated with them and I don’t think this is the best way to educate, help or inspire others. If you are transitioning to veganism from eating meat remember how you used to think or feel about animal products.

Try not to judge or get angry. We live in an imperfect world. Keep hoping for a cruelty-free world whilst remembering the world is not ideal and anger won’t change minds.

5. Have separate cooking supplies

I’m lucky enough to live in a meat and dairy free household so I don’t worry about someone using my knife to cut a steak. But if you live with meat eaters you might want to invest in your own supplies.

When I lived in a flat share I remember my baking tray being used to cook meat and I just couldn’t use it again. Maybe this is an issue for someone who was raised without eating meat but I’m sure it applies to ethical vegans and anyone with food allergies.

Cross-contamination can happen in a kitchen used to cook different foods. One solution is having vegan only utensils, baking trays and plates.

Ready to go vegan now?

Hopefully these tips will help you. Going vegan is amazing (in my humble opinion) but don’t let it make you lonely and isolated from others who don’t share your new lifestyle.

I enjoy taking friends to new vegan restaurants who aren’t vegan themselves to share an experience rather than trying to convert anyone. I also love cooking for non-vegan family. You can embrace your life and let others make their own choices.

As much as some people think veganism is a cult it really is just a choice. This lifestyle is growing in popularity and will suit some. Enjoy it, embrace it and share it. There are ways around everything, living in a non-vegan household is not the end of the world. You’re already adapting your lifestyle, so just add this to things you are adapting to and have fun.

And of course be ready for the cries of But Bacon Though…when you tell the meat eaters in your life about going vegan!

I hope these tips help you! Going vegan is a challenge but one you will not regret.

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