Not sure how to start...

Here's the deal I've started giving up meat and adopted a strict lacto-vegetarian diet with the ultimate aim of becoming a vegan. The thing is I'm not sure whether I should make the change from vegetarian to vegan a gradual change or if I should jump right in full force. Another thing is that I still live with my parents and, though they are supportive of my vegetarian diet, I wouldn't want to impose upon them because of my ethical obligations.
So what should I do? Any tips or the like would be highly appreciated.

 

Ok, this might sound intimidating at first, but don't let it scare you off because it's not as hard as it sounds.. and in the end it will be worth it, and you'll probably be healthier then the old omnivorous you ever was.. I take that back, you WILL be healthier.


you are going to want to start getting new sources of DHA, and omega 3, you are also going to want to make sure you're getting enough b12 which you can get from nutritional yeast, or other ways, I get mine along with creatine(you're gonna want this too) in packet form that I mix with a drink everyday.(I reccomend getting a supplement because b12 is extremely important, studies have shown that a lack of b12 may be linked to alzheimers.
Hemp bread is a good source of omega 3's, as well as flaxseed oil/ground flaxseed
flaxseed oil has the highest amount.. if you're one of those people who call themselves vegetarian but eat fish(please don't call yourself veg if you do this) fish are another source of omega 3's.
you're most likely going to want an iron supplement as well(once a week or so in pill-form)
and last(I think) but certainly not least, protien.(soy, nuts, and beans are good for this)

keep in mind that there is animal fat in most mainstream bread(shown as mono-deglycerides), and most soaps.. as well as some cheeses, known as animal rennet( there is vegetable rennet)

i've seen some people around these forums say things like "as long as you eat a well rounded diet you'll be fine"
this is probably the worst advice i've ever seen..

alot of vegetarians/ vegans end up with shrunken brains because they don't get enough omega 3's/omega 6's, but mostly not enough omega 3's, which are types of fat that your brain needs, especially while still growing and developing(until you're 25 or 28 or so)

While you're helping your body, and mother earth, help your body more by dropping alchohol, and caffiene if you haven't already which stop your body from being able to absorb alot of what I covered as well as you should be.

 

Thank you sooo much! Your post was very encouraging and quite helpful. Just wondering, what are some good vegan foods that are high in omega 3/6 fatty acids? and are alcohol and caffeine the only ones I should watch out for or do chemicals like nicotine and amphetamines have the same effect?