Why You’re Probably Wrong When You Say, “I Could Never Go Vegan”

Having grown up eating meat and other animal products, I speak from experience when I say that I know there are a few reasons people say they could never go vegan. But I think the underlying issue here is this: Most of the people who tell me that they could never go vegan have never actually tried.

Maybe you are unfamiliar with vegan food, think that you won’t get enough protein, or just hate vegetables. Whatever the reason, most people who think they could never go vegan just don’t have enough information. Here are a few things to consider:

• You don’t have to sacrifice.

While there are definitely some unfamiliar foods like nutritional yeast (aka nooch) and tempeh that you should try, there are also vegan versions of nearly all your favorite foods. From veggie sausages and burgers to plant-based mayo and cheese, new vegan substitutes for meat and dairy products are hitting store shelves all the time.

For most people, eating vegan expands their palates and opens up a whole new world of foods they might never have tried otherwise. Try some of these new foods to find your favorites!

• You could save money.

Some of the most affordable foods are vegan, including rice, beans, legumes, pasta, and all kinds of fruits and veggies. We have a few tips for eating vegan on a budget. Plus, there are plenty of budget-friendly vegan recipes online!

• You’ll get plenty of protein (and everything else).

From nuts and beans to tofu and seitan, protein is abundant in plant foods. You don’t need meat for adequate protein, so say goodbye to animal products and try some of these healthy and compassionate foods instead! Need a snack? Clif bars, steamed edamame, vegan jerky, crackers, veggies with hummus, and fruit with peanut butter are all loaded with protein. And don’t worry, a vegan diet has plenty of calcium and iron, too.

Farmed animals are the most abused animals on the planet and are subjected to horrible cruelties, including extreme confinement and mutilations without painkillers. Going vegan is one of the best things we can do to reduce and prevent their suffering. You’ll be so much happier knowing that you are contributing to a kinder, more compassionate world.

Long story short, you probably could go vegan. So give it a shot—it may be the best decision you ever make! For easy meal ideas, recipes, and tips on making the switch, order a FREE Vegetarian Starter Guide here.