One thing guaranteed to erode motivation is a lack of hope. It’s important to remember that a healthy, plant-based diet is a long-term commitment.
Stay motivated by making a vision board and committing to it. Keeping a digital journal to chart progress and reflect on experiences can also be beneficial.
Learn New Recipes
Clearing your diet of animal products sounds daunting, but those who stick with it swear it’s worth the effort. And plenty of research supports the health benefits, which often overlap with those of a vegetarian diet.
Vegans avoid all foods containing meat, dairy, and eggs and eschew honey. That leaves much room for nutrient-rich whole foods like beans, quinoa, and veggies. For instance, mushrooms are a delicious source of plant-based protein with a low-calorie count and antioxidants galore.
Try learning new healthy recipes to prevent boredom and stay on track with calorie goals.
Visit Vegetarian Restaurants
Visiting vegetarian restaurants and indulging in various foods is one of the best ways to stay motivated while on a vegan diet weight loss. You need to hunt for vegan food wherever you go, whether in the mood for a burger, curry, or even sushi.
For those who want to go beyond bowls and salads, try visiting a restaurant that offers classic cafe eats and dishes.
Celebrate Small Wins
Modern diet culture tends to convince you that a vegan lifestyle is an all-or-nothing affair, but that’s not necessarily true. While eating healthy and sustainable food is essential, it’s not impossible to eat something unhealthy now and then and still experience positive changes such as improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, or weight loss.
Most new vegans have a few “failures” early on, especially when they eat more calories at dinner parties or during holidays. Rather than viewing these moments as failures, seeing them as progress toward your goals rather than setbacks is essential.
Educate Yourself
Many vegans avoid meat, fish, and eggs for ethical reasons. They may also have a desire to lose weight or improve their health. A vegan diet is high in vitamins C and E, potassium, folic acid, and phytochemicals and low in saturated fat.
Vegans must educate themselves about nutrition, especially early on, when adjusting to the new diet. It will help them stay motivated by avoiding mistakes resulting in nutrient deficiencies, such as protein, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc.
Increasing exercise and learning about new vegan foods can also keep people motivated. Walking or biking to work, taking small breaks from sitting, parking far away from stores, and gardening can all be great ways to boost activity levels. It’s also a good idea to consult with a Fitmate health coach who can provide motivation and determine the best diet for each person, whether it be a vegan diet or something else entirely.