Just Starting Out...

So I promised myself that I would do quite extensive research into this topic, as I have always been so curious about it, before I would decide to basically change my life. 
I'm easing myself into the process of becoming a vegan, eating a plant based diet and living a healthy lifestyle. Not only am I trying to cut out animal produce in my diet, I am also just trying to eat a little healthier. 

I've watched the documentaries, been watching YouTube videos and having in-depth chats with friends who have made the change, as well as striking up conversations with random people in health food stores. And I feel like I'm ready to start my journey. I have all of the information I need and now I just need the will power.
Like I said, I'm easing myself into this as I feel like cutting out meat & dairy products completely right away will not work for me. I'm cutting down massively on meat consumption and making small little changes like having almond milk with my cereal instead of cow's milk. 

I have been watching Shannon & Cammie on YouTube for quite a while now and was so inspired when Cammie decided to become vegan. Although the majority of products that she shows are not available in the UK, I did some searching in supermarkets and stores here. 
Niomi Smart is a London based YouTuber who is also vegan. Although her channel doesn't focus solely on health & fitness, she uploads some great meal ideas and shows you what she eats in a day. This is super helpful as I just didn't know how to start and was a bit confused on what I could and couldn't eat.

Some YouTubers and vegans take a very "preachy" approach to being vegan which I don't agree with, just like how I wouldn't appreciate anyone trying to force religion or their political views on me. Don't get me wrong, it would be great to one day live in a world were no animals were killed for consumption, fur or for sport, but that doesn't mean that I am going to try and convert everyone and anyone I know, if people have questions and are interested then that's great and i'll talk about it but I will never put anyone off their food or try to force them into believing what I believe. 
Using terms like "cruelty food" and "dead animal flesh", although these terms may be 100% accurate and are pretty much calling a spade a spade, they make people not want to listen. They get people's backs up and they can get defensive, again I feel like as humans when we feel like we are being forced to listen to preaching, we just switch off straight away. Let people make their own minds up, give them the information and advise they might need and if they decide not to start a plant based diet then that's ok, that is their choice and we just have to accept that. 
That is why I am just leaving some info on this blog post so if people want to learn more then they can without having to feel like it's being forced upon them. 

There are so many documentaries out there that really opened my eyes about the meat and dairy industries, vegansouls.com has made a top ten list which you can find here. Some are even on Netflix which is fantastic as we are now in the "Netflix and chill" era and more young people have access to these kinds of documentaries. The website also features so many great articles about animal welfare and tons of vegan recipes, advise on vegan products and helpful tips. 

PETA is another source full of tons of information and they are generally just such an amazing organisation.

I can't even write about how much information is out there because there is a crazy amount, you just have to research and try to educate yourself as much as you can. Even if you don't want to become vegan, just find out some info as there are some massive health benefits to this lifestyle as well. 

I might start posting some recipes and diary type entries about what I eat and what products I use, hopefully someone might find it helpful.

If you guys have any hints and tips they would be much appreciated :)

Later skaters
Love S xoxo