6 Mistakes That Make People Quit Veganism (and How to Dodge Them)

You’re pumped. You’ve decided to go vegan. Cheers to you on embarking on a plant-powered journey! But before you dive deep, have you heard of the common slip-ups that have led many down this leafy path only to turn back?

Here’s the kicker, it’s not about willpower. Most people don’t quit veganism because they didn’t care enough. They quit because they unknowingly made avoidable mistakes that led them straight back to burgers and regret.

But not you. Not today.

Let’s uncover five common blunders that trip people up and how to dodge them. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to stay the course, these tips will help you thrive, not just survive, on your vegan journey.

We’re here to spill the beans on the mistakes you need to sidestep to maintain your new ethical eating habits.

1. Jumping in Without a Plan

Going vegan on a whim might feel like diving into a new adventure – but without a plan? You’re setting yourself up for stress city.

Think about it, you wouldn’t jump into a marathon without training first, right? Same deal here. Success doesn’t just sprout overnight (unlike that bag of forgotten potatoes in your cupboard).

Start simple. Think about the meals you already love, pasta, stir-fry, tacos, and swap the non-vegan bits for plant-based alternatives.

Love cereal? Your cereal might already be accidentally vegan, or grab a vegan cereal and swap dairy milk for almond, oat or soy.

Fancy spaghetti bolognese? Your tomato sauce and spaghetti (check for egg) are likely already vegan, so just grab a vegan mince (like Linda McCartney, Vivera or THIS!) and use vegan cheese.

Love pizza? Vegans are spoiled for choice now. One Plant Pizza from Asda or Morrisons is delicious. Or buy the Crosta & Mollica ready-to-top sourdough base and add your own toppings and vegan cheese.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just upgrade it.

If going all-in feels like too much, take it meal by meal. Master vegan breakfasts first, then lunches, and eventually dinners.

Or focus on one cupboard makeover at a time, stock up on essentials like baked beans, lentils, chickpeas and spices to whip up quick, easy meals without breaking the bank. Aldi and Lidl are great for affordable basics.

Feeling stuck? Try meal prepping on the weekends or even chatting with a vegan nutritionist for tailored advice, or consult resources like The Vegan Society’s meal plans.

Whatever you do, don’t wing it. A little planning now can save you a lot of frustration later. Transition smart, stay sane and actually enjoy the ride.

2. Ignoring Nutritional Needs

Think going vegan means endless salads and avocado toast? Think again. Skip out on the right nutrients, and suddenly, your energy levels tank, your mood dips,and you’re questioning your life choices. Not exactly the vegan glow you were promised, eh?

Here’s the deal, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, calcium, iodine and omega-3s are among the top nutrients that vegans need to pay attention to. Including things like fortified plant milks (like Alpro, Oatly, or supermarket own brands), dark leafy greens, chia seeds and almonds, are absolute game-changers.

And supplements? They’re not a cop-out, more like a trusty Tesco Clubcard deal when you need a little extra. B12, Vitamin D, iodine and algae oil (for DHA/EPA) are non-negotiables for us. Always consult your doctor or dietitian for tailored medical and health advice.

Suggested read: 14 Things to Know Before You Choose Vegan Supplements

And don’t sleep on snacks. Peanut butter oat cakes, roasted chickpeas or a sneaky flapjack from the bakery aisle can keep you fuelled and fend off that “why am I so tired?” slump.

Experimenting with snacks might just unlock your inner flavour genius. Who knew veganism could taste this good?

For more tips, check out resources like the NHS vegan diet guide and this vegan Eatwell Guide.

3. Assuming All Vegan Products Are Healthy

Let’s bust a myth, just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Shocking, right? Those plant-based burgers might look innocent, but some are packed with enough additives, sugars and sodium to rival a greasy kebab.

Here’s the trick, always read the labels. If the ingredients list looks like a GCSE chemistry exam, maybe put it back on the shelf. Instead, aim for whole foods like lentils, chickpeas, fresh veggies and grains (like quinoa) that don’t come with a side of mystery ingredients.

Suggested read: 7 Grains You’ve Probably Never Tried But Should Add to Your Vegan Diet

Remember, the goal isn’t to live off food that could survive a nuclear apocalypse (looking at you, overly processed vegan nuggets). They are fine in moderation! Keep it simple, clean and colourful.

Not only will you feel better physically, but your mind will thank you, too.

4. Overcomplicating Recipes

Let’s be honest, not every meal needs to be Instagram-worthy. Sure, that triple-layer vegan lasagne sounds great, but spending hours in the kitchen only to burn out (literally and figuratively) isn’t the goal here.

The secret? Simplicity over sizzle. Start by building a repertoire of go-to meals that are quick, easy, and delicious. Think jacket potatoes loaded with baked beans, stir-fry with frozen veg or a hearty lentil soup you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Once you’ve nailed the basics, save the exotic stuff, like vegan sushi or cashew cheese, for special occasions or when you’re feeling extra fancy.

Simple doesn’t mean boring. Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of tahini can take even the humblest dish to the next level. Focus on vibrant, flavour-packed meals that don’t come with a side of prep drama, and watch your vegan journey become a breeze.

5. Isolating from Non-Vegan Friends

Feel like the odd one out at Sunday roast? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing, going vegan doesn’t mean giving up your social life or missing out on classic pub lunches.

Instead, flip the script. Heading to a potluck? Bring a show-stopping vegan dish that gets everyone talking.

Out for dinner? Scope out vegan-friendly spots ahead of time or suggest a restaurant with options for everyone (like Wagamama’s or Yo! Sushi). You’d be surprised how many places now cater to both carnivores and kale-lovers alike.

For inspiration, check out HappyCow for vegan-friendly restaurants near you.

Veganism doesn’t have to be isolating, it can be a conversation starter. Share your favourite recipes, swap snack ideas or even invite friends over for a plant-based feast. Who knows? You might just inspire someone to give plant milk a try.

At the very least, you’ll prove vegan food is anything but boring. Bonding over great food? Now that’s something everyone can agree on.

6. Forgetting Your “Why”

Going vegan isn’t just a diet, it’s a commitment to something bigger than yourself. When you make your why crystal clear, you’re less likely to feel swayed by cravings, social pressures or the occasional inconvenience.

The driving force should be the animals. If you’ve ever watched documentaries like Dominion, Earthlings or Pignorant, you’ll understand how impactful your choices are. By staying vegan, you’re sparing animals from suffering and contributing to a kinder, more ethical world.

Suggested read: 8 Eye-Opening Facts About Factory Farming That Will Make You Go Vegan

But it doesn’t stop there. Veganism is about compassion for animals, yes, but also for the planet and even the health of your future self. Keeping your why at the forefront of your mind will keep you grounded, especially when the going gets tough.

It’s not just about what you eat; it’s about the lifestyle you choose to lead.

The Bottom Line

Going vegan isn’t about being perfect, it’s about progress. Sure, there are challenges, but by sidestepping these common mistakes and staying connected to your why, you’ll set yourself up for a lifestyle that’s rewarding, exciting and delicious.

Think of preparation as your secret weapon, good nutrition as your trusty sidekick and simplicity as your ticket to stress-free meals. Together, they’ll keep you thriving, not just surviving.

So, stay curious, experiment boldly and savour every bite of this plant-powered adventure. You’ve got this, one kale leaf, one lentil and one smashing meal at a time.