When you’re considering a vegan lifestyle, it’s easy to focus on the dietary changes you’ll be making. However, truly embracing a vegan lifestyle is about much more than food. In this post, we’re sharing some of the changes you can make to go vegan outside of the kitchen.

Giving Your Closet an Overhaul

Outside of the food you eat, one of the biggest changes you can make when becoming vegan is changing what you wear. This is the time to sort through your clothing and accessories to find the pieces made with leather, fur, feathers, wool, and silk. Donate the items that are still in good shape then take stock of what you’re left with. Luckily, there are many vegan clothing brands that are making high-quality pieces that look great and will give you peace of mind about being animal-friendly day to day.

Choosing Vegan Cosmetic Brands

More and more cosmetic brands are making the commitment to stop animal testing and create cruelty-free products. In fact, CoverGirl recently became the largest cosmetic brand in history to make that switch. Look for brands with the Leaping Bunny seal. This badge means that the brand has gone through all the necessary tests, audits, and processes to be certified as a cruelty-free company. With so many great options on the market, there’s no need to use anything else.

Being Vegan at Work

Can being a vegan influence what’s on your desk? Absolutely! Some brands are meeting the need for eco-friendly office supplies, so you can be sure that the things you’re working with each day are vegan. Look for the notebooks made of recycled paper, pens made with soy ink, and even pens designed to save the bees, with this list. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you’re not wearing leather shoes or silk blouses if you’re embracing the vegan lifestyle.

Being Vegan While Shopping

When you’re shopping, whether for groceries or other goods, you’ll need to be a bit more mindful about your habits. Start by grabbing a set of reusable shopping bags. There’s some debate about whether different forms of plastic are vegan or not, but bringing your own bags to the store is an eco-friendly option regardless. As you shop, be sure you’re reading labels and clothing tags to find out what went into each piece you pick up. Hit the farmer’s market for unique home items and gifts in addition to your favorite foods.

It Doesn’t Need to be Difficult!

Making the switch to a completely vegan lifestyle doesn’t need to be difficult. With more companies seeing the need for cruelty-free products, it’s getting easier all the time. One way to add convenience to your vegan life is by subscribing to a vegan food home delivery service. When you can find ways to save time and make life easier, you’ll be more likely to stay committed to veganism and live a healthier, happier life!

People love to party this time of year. They enjoy getting together and spreading joy and merriment—or maybe just finding a way to unwind after an incredibly long year. Going to parties as a vegan can be challenging because you’re never really sure if they’ll have something for you to eat. This can be especially true about an office party.

Don’t fret, though. You aren’t the first person to face this dilemma, and you certainly won’t be the last. There are ways to survive the ordeal, and we’ve listed a few of them below.

Ask About the Menu

Talk to your boss or host about what will be on the menu. You won’t be the only one who has special dietary needs, so mentioning that you need specific foods could prove beneficial.

You may also consider finding and offering (or even cooking!) some recipes that you enjoy or finding caterers who specialize in a variety of different foods, including vegan. This might help the party planner feel less stressed and worried about accommodating everyone’s dietary needs.

Bring Your Own

It may seem weird to bring your own food to a party, but if you’re worried about the selection, this will reduce your stress. You can make a small batch just for your enjoyment or bring more to share—totally up to you!

In addition, you may consider eating beforehand. This will ensure that you don’t go hungry but still have the opportunity to enjoy yourself. Conversely, you may also opt to eat after the party. You’re in control, so you get to decide!

Don’t Feel Bad

Speaking of being in control and making choices, don’t let anyone make you feel bad for not partaking in the party fare. If they ask why you aren’t eating or try to offer you some food, you can decide whether or not you want to tell them about being a vegan. You don’t need to be preachy, political, or rude about it, but you can certainly express yourself and answer any questions.

It’s your life, and you’re doing what you think is best for you. No one else has to understand that, but you can graciously answer their questions—if you so choose.

Have Fun!

Remember above all else that this is a party, and the main goal is to have fun. Food is one small part of the social gathering, so don’t make it the entire focus. There are steps you can take and things you can do to overcome the food issue, so this shouldn’t ruin your entire evening.

Getting together with friends, family, and co-workers this time of year can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great time to unwind and relax before the craziness of a new year starts. In addition to the above suggestions, you may also consider hosting your own party and cooking the vegan foods you enjoy. Who knows? You may convince others that your lifestyle is incredibly delicious.

For more tips on how to survive holiday parties as a vegan or to get some recipe ideas, reach out to Savor Living—we are happy to help!

Many of us have heard of almonds, and we know hazelnuts all too well courtesy of Nutella. But did you know there is a whole host of additional nuts and seeds that you can integrate as part of a healthy diet?

Having a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet not only offers you a great plant-based source of protein and healthy fats, but each nut is also rich in different nutrients, and beneficial for specific parts of the body. For example, Brazil nuts are high in Selenium, pumpkin seeds a rich source of zinc, and walnuts are a wonder food when it comes to brain health. Mix things up a little and try adding some new nuts and seeds to your daily food selection.

Brazil Nuts

As mentioned above, Brazil Nuts are more and more becoming recognized as one of the best sources of selenium. Selenium is a mineral, which is typically found in the soil, and then in turn is also found in the food that is grown in that soil. The degrading levels of soil, however, not to mention the amount of food grown outside its normal season and not left in the ground long enough to absorb nutrients, means the amount of selenium we are getting from the soil is decreasing. Selenium is critical for healthy thyroid function, DNA repair and stability, and protecting the body from free radical damage. This means that getting it from alternative sources such as nuts is also critical. 

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds, Hemp oil, and Hemp butter are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason: They are an excellent source of Omega 3, protein, and essential fatty acids. Hemp is one of the best alternatives vegans can use in place of fish oil when it comes to managing fat intake. Enough healthy fats in the body is necessary for brain function and concentration, energy generation, digestion, skin health, and much more.

Walnuts

They say that the shape of the food matches what the food is good for, and n the case of walnuts, this is 100 percent true. After all, walnuts look like a little brain, and they are incredibly beneficial for brain health. From their fat content, which fuels the brain and helps nourish the brain cells, to their concentration of brain-friendly vitamins and minerals, grab a handful of walnuts to boost your brain power!

Sesame Seeds

You may be surprised to learn that these tiny seeds you always see sprinkled over your sushi are actually very high in calcium. Delicious toasted or fresh, and even better when enjoyed as tahini, you can use these seeds to help ensure you get enough calcium on a vegan diet. Contrary to popular belief, dairy is not the best calcium source. Getting it through things such as sesame seeds, leafy greens, and broccoli is much more effective.

Whether you are looking for some inspiration to do your own cooking and want to incorporate these ingredients or are ready to have someone cook for you, visit Savor Living to learn more. There is no better place to meet all your vegan needs, including having a guaranteed meal subscription service that is catered to your lifestyle.