Do you feel different after being vegan for a few weeks or months? Are you more aware of the world around you, and the struggles others’ face? Maybe you’ve taken up recycling, volunteering, or social activism. And not to mention your crazy high energy levels! These effects are not uncommon among new vegans. Keep reading to learn about all of the signs you may encounter throughout your vegan journey!

1. You Feel Healthier and More Energetic.

Have you felt a little more bounce in your step since you started adding a wider variety of plants to your diet? Why is this? Well, you are improving your digestion and allowing your beneficial gut bacteria to flourish. You're also reducing the amount of additional time and energy your digestive tract would've required to process meat. This extra boost should give you more motivation to tackle your daily tasks. Or, you could smash your fitness goals this year!

However, if you ever find yourself feeling sluggish on a vegan diet, here’s a tip: consult your doctor about supplementation. You could be deficient in a specific nutrient. After all, B12 and iron deficiencies are widespread—even among omnivores.

2. You Are More Sensitive To Others’ Needs and Struggles.

Many vegans are already highly sensitive people. However, becoming aware of the struggles animals face can be very eye-opening. If you’ve been feeling more concerned about others’ problems since you went vegan, great news! This has happened with many of us. It likely means your new vegan philosophy is making you more conscious and empathic.

3. You Are More Aware Of The Foods and Products You Consume.

You know that many products could contain animal derivatives, so you check the label much more often. This is great news! You'll become aware not only of the animals you’re saving, but also of all the unhealthy additives in your food. This can help you clean up your diet and cook up delicious healthy, unrefined meals.

4. You Have Become a Justice Seeker.

Are you becoming a more justice-minded person? Maybe you’ve recently joined a social advocacy group, or speak out on social justice issues. This could mean veganism has inspired you to fight for those who don’t have a voice or platform of their own. Use this new superpower to make this world a safer place for all!

5. You Are More Invested in Fighting Climate Change.

Have you recently learned about the amazing benefits a vegan diet has on our environment? If this is the case, you may feel inspired to help out in other ways too. You can try taking up recycling, repurposing, zero-waste habits, or thrifting. We thank you for your efforts to save our planet. It’s the only home we’ve got!

6. You’ve Become a Better Home Cook.

Going plant-based or vegan can sometimes force you to prepare your own meals. This is true especially if you’re the only vegan in your household. You will likely find that this is an incredibly fun learning experience. After all, it will teach you all about new ingredients you never knew before! Nutritional yeast? Tempeh? Tofu? What are those?!

Once you get the hang of it, you can always use this new knowledge to prepare delicious foods to share. This could inspire your loved ones to eat more plants!

7. You Often Reflect On The Impact Of Your Actions.

Little things like buying a leather tote bag or going out for a chicken sandwich are not so little to you anymore. Your actions have consequences, and you are fully aware of that. You think twice about your purchases and daily habits, and act accordingly. Your goal is to reduce the amount of harm caused to a minimum. If this is you, then congratulations! You have become a conscious consumer, and can make a huge impact with your simple swaps.

8. You Are More Interested In Nutrition.

If you suddenly know the role of vitamin B12, K2, iron, and omega-3s, your diet has turned you into a nutrition scholar. We can totally relate! Discovering the impact foods have on your body can be a huge motivator to learn about nutrition. Isn’t it all so fascinating?!

9. You Have Expanded Your Palate.

Now that you’ve gone plant-based, you know almost everything there is to know about exotic foods. Kimchi, seitan, sprouts, jackfruit, kombucha, edamame… the list goes on. Did you know that there are over 200,000 edible plant species in the world? Yet, when you go vegan, you only give up a handful of foods. So, a plant-based diet is likely to enrich your diet, contrary to the common belief that it is restrictive. This is in part what makes the vegan journey so exciting! Keep trying new flavors, and soon enough you’ll be a major foodie!

10. You Have Inspired Others.

Have you found yourself answering all sorts of questions about the vegan lifestyle? Do you often share your plant-based treats with curious colleagues? If so, you’re likely inspiring more people than you know. Keep up the great work! Your lifestyle is clearly impacting plenty of minds, and the animals and our planet thank you!

We’re so glad to know that veganism is opening your mind and helping you discover so much truth about the world live in! Many vegans confirm that this lifestyle has made them kinder, more conscious individuals, and we wish the same for you. For more information on how you can go vegan in the most accessible way possible, you’ll want to sign up for our newsletter. You’ll receive weekly content that can simplify your vegan journey and help you easily transform your way of life! Thanks so much for taking an interest in this impactful lifestyle!