Going Vegan: A Gradual Beginner’s Guide (2025)

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Why go vegan… slowly?

Becoming vegan overnight sounds bold and exciting. And for a small group of people, that works! But for most of us, figuring out how to become vegan in a sustainable way works better when you take it step by step.

A slower, gentler approach means you can:

• Adjust your taste buds without shock
• Discover new meals you actually love
• Learn at your own pace
• Build habits that stick long term

That’s why this beginner’s guide to starting a vegan diet includes tips, tricks, and essentials, so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Step 1: Find your “why” 🌱

Veganism isn’t just a ‘diet’ or environmental movement. 

Veganism is an ethical choice. The main goal is to exclude as much as possible all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. 

Everything else, better health, a lighter environmental footprint, and even saving money, is a bonus. Keeping this truth in mind makes the transition feel more meaningful and sustainable.

Along the way, you might also find strength in other reasons, like:

• Caring for the planet and lowering your carbon footprint
• Eating more nourishing, whole foods that support your health
• Living in alignment with the values of kindness and compassion

When you know why you’re making the change, it’s much easier to keep going, even when social pressure shows up.

🎥 Want inspiration? Try watching What The Health, Seaspiracy or The Game Changers.

Related post: 8 Environmental Benefits Of Reducing Meat Consumption

Step 2: Lean into meals you already love

One of the easiest ways to begin is to notice the meals you already eat that happen to be vegan. You don’t need to reinvent your diet overnight, just lean into what feels familiar and comforting.

Think:

• Creamy oatmeal topped with fruit and seeds
• A hummus wrap stuffed with veggies
• Spicy lentil soup
• Peanut butter and banana on toast

These dishes are already delicious and need no adjustment. Instead of focusing on what you’re removing, ask: What plant-based foods do I already enjoy, and how can I eat them more often?

Step 3: Let go of the easy stuff first

You don’t have to give everything up at once. Start with the animal products you don’t really care for.

For me, it was easy to stop eating meat. Then, I started removing milk, yogurt, cheese, and finally, eggs & honey (the hardest for me). For you, it might be the opposite. The point is: go at your own pace.

Each small step builds momentum, and before long, you’ll look back and realize you’ve already made huge progress.

Step 4: Swap, don’t stop

Instead of feeling deprived, think of veganism as an adventure in trying new versions of your old favorites. A few beginner-friendly swaps:

• Plant-based milk instead of dairy
• Soy or plant-based yogurt instead of dairy yogurt 
• Aquafaba (the water from a can of chickpeas) as egg white (suitable for meringue, mouse, and baked goods)
• Flaxseed meal as eggs (ideal for cakes and baked goods) 
• Tofu scramble (with back salt & nutritional yeast) instead of scrambled eggs
• Fermented cashew cream cheese instead of cheese
• Nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick
• Bean burgers, mushroom-based burgers, or mock meats instead of real meat
• Seitan, tofu, tempeh, beans & legumes for protein instead of meat

💡 Remember, plant-based alternatives are just that. Alternatives. A bean burger won’t taste exactly like beef, and cashew cheese won’t be identical to cheddar. Some flavors can be similar, but they’ll always be a little different. Go in with an open mind, and you’ll enjoy them for what they are.

Step 5: Experiment (and re-try)

Here’s something you should know: the first time you cook tofu, you might hate it. (I did!) But with the right prep and seasoning, tofu became one of my favorite foods.

The same goes for seitan, tempeh, or even vegan cheese. If you don’t like it at first, try a different brand or recipe.

It’s an exciting and fun place to be – trying new flavors, experimenting with new recipes, and finding new things you like!

And to be 100% honest here, some vegan alternatives are the SH*T – super tasty, and on the contrary, others CAN taste like a shoe.

But let’s be honest, that doesn’t apply only to vegan foods. You probably bought something that you thought would be good at least once, but it had a terrible taste. 

In short, just because you tried one vegan cheese or veggie burger you didn’t like, it doesn’t mean all vegan cheese and veggie burgers are terrible. 

Step 6: Veganise your comfort foods

If you’re nervous about missing your favorite meals, here’s the good news: you don’t have to. Almost every dish you love can be veganised, from creamy pasta to fudgy brownies. Some easy examples:

• Vegan Bolognese
• Vegan Carbonara
• Vegan Steak
• Vegan Eggs (product), or Tofu “Egg” Scramble (recipe)
• Fudgy brownies

A quick Google search (“vegan + your favorite meal”) will give you endless options.

Step 7: Learn more about animal agriculture

Killing an animal who doesn’t want, or need, to die just for our pleasure is unnecessary and inhumane.

Abusing cows, pigs, chickens, or other farmed animals is no different than abusing dogs or cats. The truth is, humans can thrive on a 100% plant-based diet. We don’t need the flesh, milk, or eggs of animals to survive or to enjoy delicious food.

Yes, learning about how animals are treated, abused, and slaughtered can be heavy and uncofortable and sad. But seeing the reality often gives people a powerful new perspective, and a serious boost of motivation to reduce (and eventually eliminate) animal consumption.

🎥 Powerful documentaries worth watching:

• Dominion (Free on Youtube)
• Earthlings (Free on Youtube)
• Cowspiracy (Free on Youtube)
• What you eat matters (Free on Youtube) 
• Vegucated (Free on Youtube)
• Food Choices (Free on Youtube)

For me, watching a few of those videos and documentaries was the turning point. It was difficult to see, but it honestly made going vegan so easy. Once you see the stuff that happens behind whose walls, you cannot unsee it.

Every Argument Against Veganism | Ed Winters | TEDxBathUniversity

Step 8: Cover your nutrition

A balanced vegan diet can absolutely give you everything you need, so you don’t have to become a nutritionist or obsess over every single nutrient to stay healthy. But for new vegans, it helps to focus on just a few basics:

• Vitamin B12 → essential for everyone (not just vegans), since many people are deficient regardless of diet. Research shows that 20–40% of the general population worldwide has low or borderline B12 levels (1). A simple supplement or fortified foods can cover your needs.
• Omega-3s → plant-based options like chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, or a vegan DHA/EPA supplement made from algae.
• Iron & zinc → found in beans, lentils, tofu, pumpkin seeds, and oats; absorption is boosted when paired with vitamin C (like beans + lemon juice).
• Protein → easy to get from legumes, soy products, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

The truth is, no matter what diet you follow, being mindful of your nutrition is important. As a new vegan, keep it simple: eat a variety of whole plant foods, and use a couple of smart supplements for peace of mind.

💭 Personally, I like taking a chewable B12 supplement, an algae-based omega-3 capsule, and from time to time, a vegan multivitamin. It keeps things easy, and I don’t have to overthink whether I’m “getting enough.”

Related content: 15 Plastic-Free & Vegan Supplements

Step 9: Read labels like a pro

Animal products sneak into surprising places. Pay attention to ingredient lists, and avoid products that contain animal-derived ingredients, like:

• gelatin, lanolin (comes from sheep wool, dough conditioner), rennet, albumen, bone char, butterfat, casein, lactose, shellac, vitamin D3 (fish oil), eggs, honey, milk, whey powder, etc. 

And don’t worry about “May contain milk/eggs, etc” – that’s an allergy disclaimer for shared equipment, not an actual ingredient list.

Step 10: Surround yourself with support

Going vegan is easier (and more fun) when you don’t feel alone. If no one around you is vegan, find your people online. IT will help you normalize veganism, understand it better, and find new information, recipes, tips, etc. Some great places to start:

• Pick Up Limes (nourishing, cozy recipes)
• Avantgarde Vegan (creative, restaurant-style meals)
• Simnett Nutrition (fitness-friendly vegan food)
• Mic the Vegan & Earthling Ed (educational)

If you have any questions, doubts, or want to chat about veganism, you can always write me, and I will try to help with anything I can. 🙂 

Tips on how to become vegan *slowly*

Start small.

Begin with one vegan meal a day, or try a simple “Meatless Monday.” Once that feels normal, add more meals or days.

✨ I loved this approach. Starting with just one vegan meal a day felt so doable, and before I realized it, those single meals had turned into whole days of eating plant-based food without any pressure.

Experiment with short challenges.

Some people like to go vegan just for a week or a month. Veganuary is the famous one, but you can start anytime. A temporary challenge feels less intimidating, but the funny thing is, many people finish it and realize they don’t want to go back.

Weekend or weekday swaps.

Try going vegan only on weekends, or flip it: eat plant-based during the week and keep weekends flexible. These little “mini systems” help you figure out what works best for your lifestyle.

Spice it up & focus on the fun stuff.

A few years ago, vegan options were harder to find. Now there are plant-based alternatives for almost anything you can imagine. Beyond products, don’t underestimate the power of spices, herbs, seeds, and sauces; they make a huge difference.

I found it helpful to stop obsessing over what I “couldn’t” eat. Instead, I made a list of new foods and recipes I was excited to try. Suddenly, the whole process felt like an adventure, not a restriction.

Expect mistakes, and don’t panic.

If you’re new, you might accidentally eat something not vegan. That’s okay, it’s part of it.
I once bought “vegan” cheese in Berlin, ate half of it, and bragged to a friend about how real it tasted. She pointed out the tiny label. It was written ‘vegetarian’, not ‘vegan’. I felt so silly at first, but it was unintentional. I just learned from it and moved on. That’s all you need to do, too.

Go all-in if that’s your style.

Some people prefer to transition gradually, but if you’re more of an “all or nothing” person, you might thrive going vegan overnight. This can be especially easy if you’re already vegetarian or pescatarian. If you eat everything, it might feel tougher, but it’s not impossible.

Remember: ‘vegan’ doesn’t automatically mean healthy.

Oreos, chips, and plenty of processed snacks are vegan, and they can be fun to enjoy. But your body will thank you if you also focus on whole, colorful foods most of the time.

Don’t become “that” vegan.

Passion is wonderful, but judgment is not. We’ve all heard of (or met) the stereotype, the vegan who criticizes everyone around them. That approach usually just pushes people away.

When I first transitioned, I was so eager to share everything I was learning. But I quickly realized lectures don’t work. What does? Living your best life, sharing your journey with kindness, and letting people come to you when they’re curious. Being a warm example is far more powerful than being confrontational.

FAQ:

Is it hard to go vegan?
At the beginning, it can feel like a learning curve. But with time, you will get used to and better at hitting your nutritional needs with beautiful, diverse food without eating animal products. 

What should a beginner vegan eat?
Keep it simple. Build meals around:

• Fruits & veggies (buy seasonal when possible)
• Grains like oats, rice, pasta, bread
• Legumes – beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Nuts, seeds, and nut butters
• Soy products like tofu, tempeh, soy milk or yogurt
• Plant milks (oat, almond, coconut, cashew, etc.)
• Vegan cheese, yogurt, or nutritional yeast for that “cheesy” flavor

Where do vegans get their protein?
From plants! Every plant food contains amino acids. As long as you’re eating enough calories and variety, you’ll get plenty. Some great sources:

• ½ cup kidney beans → 8g
• ½ cup chickpeas → 7g
• ½ cup lentils → 8g
• ½ cup firm tofu → 10g
• ¾ cup tempeh → 13g
• 1 cup quinoa → 8g
• 30g hemp seeds → 9.5g
• 30g chia seeds → 6g
• 1 whole-grain bagel → 12g
• 1 cup soy milk → 8–12g
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder → 20–25g

Why do I need to supplement with vitamin B12?
B12 is essential for everyone, and deficiencies are common, not just in vegans. It’s produced by bacteria, not animals, which is why factory-farmed animals are often given B12 supplements themselves.

Some plant foods and fortified products (like cereals, plant milks, and nutritional yeast) contain B12, but if you don’t eat those regularly, the simplest solution is to take a supplement.

Is vegan food more expensive?
Not at all. Staples like beans, lentils, rice, oats, pasta, potatoes, and seasonal fruits/veggies are some of the cheapest foods you can buy. Yes, specialty items like vegan cheese or ice cream can cost more, but they’re not essentials, they’re treats. I actually saved money when I cut out meat and dairy because I started cooking more with pantry staples.

What are the benefits of becoming vegan gradually?
Taking it step by step lets your taste buds adapt, your digestion adjust, and your shopping habits shift naturally. You’ll also have time to learn new recipes at your own pace, without feeling overwhelmed.

Final thoughts

It is perfectly fine to take it slowly and to become vegan at your own pace. Just keep your end goal in mind, and don’t worry; you won’t miss out on your favorite foods.

You can re-create flavors, textures, and your favorite comfort foods using the right ingredients and spices.

Start with what feels easy, be kind to yourself, and keep experimenting. As long as you eat a variety of fruits, veggies, legumes, seeds, and nuts, you will do great! 

How to become vegan – Infographic (Pin me!):