10 Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Going Vegan

When I first went vegan, I severely overcomplicated nutrition. I obsessed over every micronutrient, tracked every bite, and made the process way harder than it needed to be. Looking back, I realize that it could have been so much simpler. If I could go back in time, here are the ten lessons I wish I had known before transitioning to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.

1. Keep It Simple

When I first transitioned, I thought I had to meticulously balance every meal with 15 different plants. I stressed over whether I was getting enough iron, vitamin C, or B12. In reality, all I needed to do was focus on variety over time. If I finished a bag of quinoa, I’d replace it with farro. If I ran out of blueberries, I’d get strawberries. Keeping it simple would have saved me so much stress.

2. Veganism Doesn’t Automatically Mean Lean and Fit

I assumed that going vegan would make me instantly shredded. Instead, I felt bloated, puffy, and soft. The problem? I wasn’t paying attention to my macronutrient intake. I was eating too many carbohydrates and not enough protein. Going vegan doesn’t guarantee fat loss or muscle gain—you still need to eat in a way that supports your goals.

3. Protein Matters More Than You Think

When I stopped eating meat, I also stopped prioritizing protein. Big mistake. I lost muscle and felt weak. Eventually, I realized that I needed to increase my protein intake through foods like tofu, tempeh, legumes, and plant-based protein powders. Once I did, my energy skyrocketed, and I regained muscle definition.

4. The Best Way to Inspire Others Is to Lead by Example

At first, I was a hardcore vegan evangelist—I tried to convince everyone around me to go vegan. But I quickly learned that being preachy pushes people away. Instead, when I simply focused on my own health and fitness, people started asking me questions. Leading by example was far more effective than trying to force change on others.

5. You Become a Walking Billboard for Veganism

Like it or not, once you tell people you’re vegan, they’ll watch everything you do. If you look vibrant and strong, people will be curious about your diet. If you look weak and tired, they’ll assume veganism is to blame. That’s why taking care of yourself is the best way to promote the lifestyle.

6. People Will Always Have Excuses

When people learn you’re vegan, they’ll often feel the need to explain why they can’t do it. In the beginning, I tried to argue with them. Now, I just acknowledge their concerns and offer helpful resources. I’ve learned that the best approach is to plant a seed and let them come to their own conclusions.

7. Pick Your Battles

I used to argue with anyone who challenged veganism. But not everyone is open to learning. Now, I only engage in discussions when I feel the other person is genuinely curious. If someone is just looking to debate for the sake of debating, I don’t waste my energy.

8. Support Other Vegans

Unfortunately, some of the harshest criticism I’ve received has come from other vegans. Instead of tearing each other down over minor differences, we should be supporting each other. Whether someone is vegan for health, the environment, or ethics, we’re all working towards the same goal: a healthier, more compassionate world.

9. Track Your Food (At Least in the Beginning)

When I first transitioned, I unknowingly undereat because plant-based foods are so high in fiber and nutrients. Later, when vegan junk food became more available, I overate. Tracking my intake helped me find the right balance. If you’re eating whole-food plant-based, track to make sure you’re eating enough. If you’re eating processed vegan foods, track to make sure you’re not overdoing it.

10. Consistency Over Perfection

There have been times when I accidentally ate dairy or eggs because a restaurant messed up my order. Instead of beating myself up, I learned to focus on long-term consistency rather than perfection. One mistake doesn’t erase years of progress.

Final Thoughts

Veganism is far simpler than I initially made it out to be. If I could go back, I’d focus on whole foods, protein intake, and consistency while leading by example. If you’re considering transitioning or struggling with your journey, remember: keep it simple, be patient, and stay consistent.

And if you want help making the transition effortless while optimizing your health and fitness, check out the amazing programs we offer—our 1:1 Custom Coaching, the Fit Vegan Blueprint Group Coaching, or our Fit Vegan Inner Circle. You can find them all in the header menu of our website. Let’s make your plant-based transformation simple and sustainable!