Choosing a plant-based diet isn’t just a trendy lifestyle choice — for many of us, it’s a thoughtful, gradual decision rooted in both personal well-being and environmental consciousness. I’m someone who always believed in “slow and steady” when it comes to making changes, especially when it comes to food. I didn’t wake up one day and decide to go vegan; instead, it was a slow transition, one step at a time, based on the small, thoughtful choices I made over a few years.

This article is a reflection on my personal journey to adopting a more plant-based diet. Whether you’re considering going vegan, just cutting back on meat, or experimenting with plant-based meals, my story might offer some encouragement and inspiration as you navigate your own food journey.

The First Steps: Why I Thought About Going Plant-Based

My interest in reducing animal products started when I was a teenager. At 16, I was diagnosed with anemia, and my doctor recommended I increase my intake of iron-rich foods, particularly red meat. Naturally, I did what any rebellious teenager might do: I ignored the advice and did the complete opposite. Instead of stocking up on red meat, I started focusing on plant-based sources of iron like leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.

At that time, it wasn’t about going fully vegetarian or vegan. It was just about looking for an alternative to the red meat I was being told to eat. But that small change had a profound impact on my thinking. For the first time, I started to realise that food is more than just something to satisfy your taste buds — it’s fuel for your body. I became more mindful of what I was eating, which led to a broader interest in how my food choices could affect my health, the environment, and even the animals around me.

Slowly but surely, I began cutting back on other animal products. First, it was red meat. Then, I moved on to chicken and fish. Over time, I found that my cravings for these foods diminished, and I felt more energised and satisfied with plant-based meals. That’s when I began identifying more with a vegetarian lifestyle.

The Challenges of Going Plant-Based

Although I was excited about the health benefits, there were definitely hurdles along the way. Transitioning from a meat-eating diet to one that was mostly plant-based wasn’t without its struggles.

One of the hardest parts for me was social situations. Saying no to a late-night McDonald’s run with friends, or trying to find something substantial at parties where there was little to no vegetarian (let alone vegan) option, often made me feel like I was missing out. I would also get those inevitable questions like, “But where do vegans get protein?” or “Aren’t you hungry all the time?” These conversations, while well-meaning, could be frustrating, especially when I wasn’t yet comfortable with explaining my new eating habits.

At first, I also struggled with the effort of creating meals. Going plant-based felt like a whole new world of ingredients, some of which I didn’t know how to cook or combine. It wasn’t like I could just throw together an easy chicken dinner, and finding plant-based alternatives that fit my taste and lifestyle wasn’t always simple.

But here’s the thing: I wasn’t doing this to be perfect. My approach was flexible, and I never tried to make everything “100% plant-based” from day one. Some days I had cheese, other days I’d grab an egg from the fridge, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t progressing toward something better. With time, I started seeing the flexibility in my approach as one of the biggest strengths.

The Unexpected Perks of Going Plant-Based

As I continued making the transition, I began to notice unexpected benefits that made it all worth it.

1. More Energy and Better Sleep

One of the most noticeable changes after switching to a plant-based diet was my increased energy levels. I felt lighter, more vibrant, and less sluggish after meals. Eating vegan meals, full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, gave me an overall sense of well-being that I hadn’t experienced before. This, combined with a better quality of sleep and a more active lifestyle, led to improvements I didn’t expect.

2. Feeling Good About My Impact

Another aspect that kept me motivated was knowing that I was contributing in a small way to reducing the environmental impact of the food system. As someone who has always cared about the environment, knowing that my choices were making a difference, even if small, helped me stay motivated.

3. A New Relationship with Food

Adopting a plant-based diet also shifted my entire relationship with food. I wasn’t just eating for enjoyment (although I do enjoy it!) but also with intention and awareness. I found myself thinking more about where my food came from and how it was made. I became more open to experimenting with new flavorus, discovering new foods, and learning how to prepare meals that were nourishing, satisfying, and kind to the planet.

Tips for Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet

If you’re thinking about going plant-based, here are a few of the things that helped me make a gradual transition. Remember, everyone’s journey is different, so don’t feel pressured to go “cold turkey” overnight!

1. Take It Slow

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a plant-based diet. Don’t feel like you need to make the switch all at once. You can start by making small changes. Try “Meatless Mondays” or swap out your usual milk for almond or oat milk. Slowly replace animal-based products with plant-based ones over time, and you’ll find that those small steps add up to big changes.

2. Don’t Punish Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to be perfect. But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as “perfect” when it comes to food choices. If you find yourself craving a cheese pizza or indulging in a bite of your friend’s turkey sandwich, that’s okay! Listen to your body. Being kind to yourself throughout this journey is key.

3. Make Easy Swaps

One of the easiest ways to start is by replacing common animal products with plant-based alternatives. For example, swapping regular milk for plant-based options like almond, soy, or oat milk is simple and can be done in a matter of days. You can also try dairy-free yogurt, plant-based cheese, and vegan ice cream to satisfy your cravings without feeling deprived.

4. Experiment with New Recipes

The fun part of switching to a plant-based diet is discovering new foods. There are endless plant-based alternatives for nearly everything! Find recipes that excite you and try new ingredients like quinoa, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and chickpeas. Once you get comfortable in the kitchen, you’ll see that preparing plant-based meals can be both easy and rewarding.

5. Keep Learning

The more you learn, the easier it becomes to stay motivated and inspired. Follow blogs, watch documentaries, and connect with others who are on a similar path. Not only will this help you learn new recipes, but it will also keep you connected to the bigger picture — the impact of your choices on the planet, animals, and your health.

Final Thoughts: A Flexible, Enjoyable Approach

Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey that brought me to a more plant-based way of life. I don’t consider myself a “perfect” vegan or vegetarian — I’m more of a flexitarian who enjoys exploring plant-based options but still finds room for the occasional cheese or egg. That said, my overall approach to food has been transformed. I feel better physically, I’ve become more conscious of where my food comes from, and I’m proud of the small changes I’ve made.

Going plant-based doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing commitment. It’s okay to take it one meal at a time, to experiment, and to adjust along the way. The most important thing is to feel good about the choices you’re making — for yourself and for the planet.

Remember, the journey is yours to take, and even the smallest change can lead to big results. So take it slow, enjoy the process, and celebrate the positive impact you’re having on your health and the world. After all, every plant-based meal is a step in the right direction.