Deciding to become vegan is truly a personal choice. Some people find their way to this lifestyle for health reasons, the fact that they’re animal lovers, or like my husband and I, after watching a deeply eye-opening documentary. The important part isn’t how we got here, but the fact that we’ve made the decision to become vegan. So, congratulations to those who have – the hardest part is over! For those of you on the fence, keep reading to learn how a few simple changes can put you on the road to becoming vegan. Step 1: Cleansing Get rid of every meat or dairy item in your fridge and pantry. I know it’s not nice to throw food away, so donate the food to a shelter or orphanage, cook all the food and treat your friends with dinner, or give it away to friends and family. And make sure to read the labels of all those packaged foods, items you would never think of having animal products in them, probably do. The personally heart breaking for me were marshmallows and gummy bears. Step 2: Find inspiration With all the animal products cleared from the house, you probably feel like you have nothing to eat. I won’t lie – the first few weeks are daunting, but give your body a chance. You’re not only breaking an animal consumption habit that you’ve had your entire life, but building a completely new relationship with food. To get inspired, start browsing Pinterest and Instagram, and other social media accounts. Flip through magazines, cook books, and newspapers (just like this one). [gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="7144,7145"] Step 3: Explore Learn about foods from different cultures. Expand your palate. If you’ve never tried guacamole, you haven’t lived! One of my favourite ways to learn about new food is by talking to people. I didn’t grow up in Sri Lanka, so speaking to my mother-in law or my grandmother has always opened up a door to new foods. Don’t laugh, but I’ve never had okra until about five years ago, and I was just introduced to Kehel muwa and pathola earlier this year, and I love them! Step 4: Eat the rainbow In the process of researching food, I’m sure many of you will notice a shift to buying fresh produce over packaged food. Try to avoid simply carb-loading yourself to make up for the lack of meat. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, plenty of greens, purples, reds and oranges. Essentially, you should feel like you’re eating the rainbow. Step 5: Get organised Do some research, know what food items you can and cannot eat, and learn to always read food labels. Sit down on a Sunday morning, and plan what you’re going to eat the entire week. I know it’s a lot of work, but when you’re starving after work, this plan will save you from grabbing a burger or cheese kottu on the way home. After you decide what you’re going to eat, make a list of all the grocery items you’ll need, and head to the store. Happy shopping! For vegan food inspiration, check out the Instagram account @LankanVegan   By Sashika Gunawardana