The First Step in becoming Vegan is...

     The first steps to a vegan diet is knowing the reason why you want to become a Vegan in the first place. Whether it's because you watched a documentary on the cruelty that comes with your 25 cent wings, for health purposes, or both, it's all a matter of your perspective. 

Baby Steps are essential.

    It's not an easy task to transition from eating three carnivorous meals on a daily basis to surviving on salads, quinoa, and soy lattes. Baby Steps are required in order to ensure that the transition is as effective as coffee in the morning. At the start of Line Spa and Polish, it took us years in order to create our current style of Manicures and Pedicures, the atmosphere in our store, product research, and so much more; notice that we didn't say 'perfect', because we are still improving upon this style. It's the same way with becoming vegan. Try this; Start with a day of the week when it is impossible for you to make an excuse from eating a plant-based meal and start with one meal, then two, then a whole day, and so forth. The point is, it works, and you'll be so happy that you took it slow, that it'll be a mantra.

Do your Homework.

    The next step is doing research. We know, we know, this isn't college, but trust me. It works, and there won't be a finals you'll have to cram for the night before. You might know of some ingredients that are actually vegan, like lettuce, water, and potatoes, but you'd be surprised to know that milk, cheese, eggs, honey, jell-o and more. It's not just a diet, it's a lifestyle, and the more you realize that this is a serious commitment, the better. Now, for some great news; there are plenty of foods that you didn't know are vegan like sweet chili doritos, most breads, coffee, and oreos. Yes, Oreos are vegan, just don't dip it in milk, otherwise, say good bye to your 20 day vegan streak! Researching what restaurants are vegan is important also. You don't want to find out that you're on a date at a fancy restaurant at the revolving restaurant, and realize that the only thing you can have is water. Luckily, we live in Vancouver, British Columbia. The land of overpriced homes, but great vegan options! 

Find a new community.

    

    The last step is one that has personally helped us with not only veganism, but also other aspects of our life. Finding a community. As we've said before, this is a huge step forward for you, and it's not meant to be taken alone. There are others just like you who are in this stage of becoming vegan, and it's important to get support. If your family and friends aren't on this journey with you, don't expel them from your life, but do find an outlet to help you cope with your cravings. Food is meant for a community. Eating a salad alone doesn't feel nearly as good as eating Oreos in the park with familiar people. 

It's alright. It's a part of the process.

    It's important to note this, because we have gone through this, and are still growing through this. We give you permission to fail. In veganism, and in life, we forget that we're human, and have a tendency to make mistakes. What makes you the person you are today is your ability to learn from your mistakes. This guide was created by this very lesson. Failure and learning from those failures is how we created our style of manicures, pedicures, product choices, and more. If you'd like to come and get some inspiration for learning from failures, book a manicure at Line Spa and Polish and find out how we're learning to create Vancouver's most intimate nail salon!