Do Newly Transformed Vegans Crave Meat? Here’s What the Science Says
There's a lot of talk in the vegan community about whether or not newly converted vegans still crave meat. Some say it's natural to crave meat after giving up animal products, while others claim that this is a mental hang-up that can be overcome with time and effort. So what does science actually say about this? Let's take a closer look.
First, it's important to understand what actually happens when someone goes vegan. When we give up meat and other animal products, our bodies go through a process known as "detoxification." During this time, our bodies must adjust to the absence of certain hormones, proteins, vitamins, and other compounds found in animal-based foods. This can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, cravings for flesh food, and even depression.
At the same time, transitioning to a plant-based diet often requires creating new habits and behaviors around food. This can be a difficult adjustment for many people who are used to an omnivorous lifestyle (or even a vegetarian lifestyle). The fact that our bodies are detoxifying and adapting to new habits can lead to a double-whammy of cravings for animal products.
So is it normal or even expected that newly transformed vegans will crave meat? The answer to this question is yes, but only in the short term while your body adjusts. After a few weeks (or perhaps a month or two) of transitioning, these cravings should start to dissipate as you become accustomed to veganism.
In the meantime, there are several things that you can do if you're struggling with feeling tempted by animal products.
1) Be mindful of your triggers
While cravings for meat can sometimes come out of nowhere, more often than not, they can be easily traced back to certain situations or environments. Try to identify these trigger situations and then take steps to avoid them (or at least minimize the risk of exposure).
2) Don't forget that veganism has its own set of rewards
Many newly-transformed vegans forget that there are several positive benefits associated with their lifestyle change, such as improved physical health, increased energy levels, and reduced risk for certain diseases. Reminding yourself about these perks can help stave off any temptation for animal products.
3) Find new sources of comfort and satisfaction
As humans, we're hardwired to seek comfort and satisfaction from food. So if you find yourself struggling with cravings, try looking for new sources of pleasure, such as going for a walk in nature, reading a book, or engaging in some creative project.
4) Search for unique vegan recipes and meal ideas
One of the biggest misconceptions about veganism is that it's boring or lacks flavor. In reality, a whole host of delicious and creative plant-based dishes are out there waiting to be discovered. For example, here is a recipe for cauliflower wings in the air fryer that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. It's like chicken wings but vegan! So please take some time to find new recipes and explore unique ingredients to make your meals tastier (and more nutritious!).
While it's normal for newly transformed vegans to experience cravings for animal products in the short term, these cravings should eventually diminish as you become more acclimated to veganism. If you're struggling with temptation, try following the tips outlined above to keep yourself on track and enjoy the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
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Hey! I’m Renata!
Your intuitive nutrition coach and fellow food lover. I’m here to help you find the foods that work best for your body, without feeling deprived or starving.
