Embracing a vegan lifestyle can be challenging. There are many benefits, and it can be incredibly fulfilling, but you have to make some significant changes to your diet and lifestyle. Summer can be especially difficult if you are used to treating yourself to creamy frappes and delicious ice creams and indulging in family BBQs full of meaty treats. However, there are now some fantastic plant-based options on the market, and there’s plenty of refreshing food and drink that you can enjoy. Here are some tips for enjoying your first summer as a vegan.
Embrace Fun Salads
Salads are wonderfully refreshing in the summer, and with the addition of things like pasta or potatoes, you won’t miss the meat at all. Look at delicious vegan salad dressings to add some flavor and experiment with different vegetables, fruits, and pulses for a filling dinner.
Plan for Social Events
Social events can take a little more planning when you are a vegan, especially in the summer when everyone wants a BBQ.
Make Sure Friends and Family Know
Make sure your friends and family know that you are vegan. This way, if they invite you to a BBQ, they won’t be surprised if you ask for your food to be cooked separately or take your own.
Pack Your Own Sides
Taking food to a family BBQ is fairly common, so don’t feel bad about packing your own salads or side dishes. This way, you’ll have plenty to eat even if you can’t eat any of the main courses on offer.
Eat Before You Go
If you are eating in a restaurant or at an event and taking your own isn’t an option, make sure you have a meal before you go so that you can just have some sides if there aren’t any suitable mains.
Try Vegan Treats
Ice cream is a must in summer, and vegan ice cream can be absolutely delicious. It’s available in a huge range of flavors and makes an incredibly cooling and refreshing treat. Vegan iced coffees and smoothies with almond milk are other fantastic vegan treats worth trying if you haven’t already.
Pack Plant-Based Snacks
It can still be hard to find vegan options at some tourist attractions like waterparks, zoos, and other places you might like to visit this summer. Pack your favorite plant-based snacks and vegan drinks, so you don’t have to go without.
Connect with the Vegan Community
There’s a huge vegan community full of tips on how to enjoy summer as a vegan. Reach out online and in person.
Do Some Research Before Traveling
Traveling as a vegan can be tricky, especially if you are going abroad. Make sure you do plenty of research so that you know what options are available in local restaurants and at your accommodation.
Enjoy Seasonal Fruit and Veg
Summer is a great time to try seasonal and exotic fruit and veg. Make the most of everything on offer.
Summer as a vegan can be filled with exotic ingredients and refreshing flavors. Don’t be scared to try new things and look for plant-based versions of some of your old favorites to cater to your cravings.