When you go cruelty free, there are many helpful tips out there. Here are just a few:
- 1. When you are going out to eat, check the menu beforehand or just call. You can even find vegan menus for most chain resturants (Also do not be afraid to ask the waiter or waitress about the ingredients in your meal).
- 2. Do not let peoples criticism stop you from doing what you feel is right! Stick with it, because it will get easier.
- 3. Personally, I kept all the leather shoes and belts that I already owned. I believe that everyone should go cruelty free, and if that ever did happened, throwing away all the leather in the world would be extremely wasteful. However, if you are not comfortable wearing it, you can just give it to a thrift store.
- 4. Even though you are brainwashed by society that meat is the only source of protein and milk the only source of calcium, there are other foods with those important nutrients. Lentils, leafy greens, nuts, beans, seeds, soy (i.e. tofu, tempeh, soy beans), etc. Something that can help you remember to get all your nutrients is to "Eat Your Colors!"
- 5. Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in dairy products and meat, so that is one thing that you may need to take a vitamin for. It is seen it in nutritional yeast, fortified cereals, and fortified non-dairy milks, but that might not be enough. Many non-vegan elderly take vitamin B-12 tablets, so it is not totally uncommon. (There are coconut flavored ones that are delicious!)
