7 things no one tells you before going vegan—but absolutely should

Going vegan can feel a bit like falling in love.

You read something, watch a documentary, have a powerful conversation—and suddenly, everything shifts. You feel inspired. Energized. Ready to clean out your fridge and fill your cart with lentils, tofu, leafy greens, and every nut butter known to man.

But then… reality kicks in.

Why am I bloated all the time?
Why do I feel so tired?
Why is everyone suddenly weirdly defensive around me?

I’ve been there.

When I first made the switch, I expected this immediate glow-up—clearer skin, endless energy, mental clarity. Instead, I got digestive drama, judgmental looks, and some very confused dinner guests.

And it’s not that I regret going vegan—I don’t. But there’s a lot no one tells you until you’re already knee-deep in nutritional yeast and oat milk.

So let’s pull back the curtain. If you’re thinking about going vegan—or you’ve just started—here are seven things I wish someone had told me.

1. You might feel worse before you feel better

No one warns you about the awkward middle part. That weird stretch of time when your body is adjusting—and honestly, struggling.

For the first two weeks, I had headaches, mood swings, and what I can only describe as nonstop bloating. I was exhausted, irritable, and googling “why does going vegan make you feel like garbage” more times than I’d like to admit.

Turns out, it’s a thing.

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a board-certified gastroenterologist, explains, “When you change your diet, your microbiome changes with it. That can come with temporary bloating, gas, or discomfort as your gut bacteria rebalance.”

Translation? Your body is basically going through a plant-based boot camp. Especially if you’re suddenly eating 3x more fiber than you were before.

Be patient. Drink more water than you think you need. Ease into fiber-heavy foods like beans and cruciferous veggies. And most importantly—don’t panic. Your body is doing the work.

2. Vegan doesn’t automatically mean healthy

Let me say something that should be obvious—but often isn’t: Just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

The early days of my vegan life were full of frozen pizza, dairy-free cookies, and every plant-based burger on the shelf. I was thrilled to discover so many “safe” options. But after a few weeks, I felt heavy, sluggish, and cranky.

Vegan junk food is still junk food.

Yes, it’s wonderful that we now have dairy-free ice cream and vegan cheese puffs. But the magic of plant-based living comes from plants. As in: whole, nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods that come from the earth.

So go ahead and enjoy those vegan nuggets now and then—but let them be the treat, not the foundation. When I shifted to mostly whole foods—lentils, greens, grains, fruit, nuts—my skin cleared, my energy returned, and my mood stabilized. That’s when the glow kicked in.

3. People will challenge you—and not always kindly

“Where do you get your protein?”
“Isn’t soy bad for you?”
“Don’t plants feel pain too?”

Oh, the questions. Some are well-meaning. Others are laced with judgment or outright mockery.

It caught me off guard at first. I thought people would be curious, maybe even supportive. Instead, I found myself defending my dinner choices at family gatherings, office parties, even casual coffee meetups.

Here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t owe anyone a debate.

Not every comment needs a response. Not every question deserves your energy. If someone is genuinely curious, great—have a conversation. If they’re just trying to get a rise out of you? Don’t take the bait.

As activist and author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau says, “Don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything. Do something—anything.”

You’re allowed to change, grow, and explore—even if it makes other people uncomfortable. Their discomfort isn’t your responsibility.

4. You have to learn how to build a meal

This was a big one for me. I didn’t realize how much I relied on that classic structure: meat + veggie + carb. Once the meat was gone, I was left with a sad plate of steamed broccoli and brown rice.

And I was starving.

The trick is to re-learn how to build a satisfying plate—one with enough protein, fiber, fat, and flavor to keep you full and fueled.

Things that made a difference:

• Adding beans, tofu, or tempeh to every meal

• Tossing nuts or seeds on top of salads or soups

• Cooking with healthy fats like olive oil or tahini

• Experimenting with sauces—cashew cream, spicy peanut, vegan pesto

When I stopped fearing carbs and embraced variety, everything changed. Meals became exciting again. I stopped constantly snacking. And that afternoon energy crash? Gone.

Pro tip: batch-cook your grains and proteins ahead of time so you’re never scrambling at mealtime.

5. Your taste buds will change (and that’s a good thing)

At first, I missed cheese. Desperately. I missed the creamy texture, the salty bite, the comfort of it.

I tried every vegan cheese alternative under the sun, and while some were okay, none of them scratched the itch. For a while, I just felt deprived.

But then—somewhere around week six—something changed.

Sweet potatoes started tasting… sweet. Kale stopped tasting bitter. Apples tasted like candy. My cravings started to shift.

As Dr. Michael Greger notes, “It can take time, but our taste preferences can shift as our diet does. What once tasted bland can become flavorful.”

The less salt, sugar, and artificial flavors I ate, the more my body tuned into the subtle tastes of real food. Now, I genuinely crave roasted veggies, avocado toast, and spicy lentil soup. (Okay, and dark chocolate. Always.)

If you’re in the beginning and everything tastes boring—just give it time.

6. Planning is the difference between thriving and crashing

There is nothing worse than being starving, far from home, and realizing your only options are a wilted iceberg salad or a side of fries.

I’ve been stuck at airports, road trips, weddings, and work functions with zero vegan options—because I didn’t plan ahead.

Here’s what changed everything:

• I started carrying snacks everywhere (trail mix, granola bars, roasted chickpeas)

• I scanned restaurant menus ahead of time and called ahead if needed

• I kept frozen meals in the freezer for those “I don’t want to cook” nights

• I brought a dish to gatherings so I’d always have something filling

It’s not about being fussy. It’s about setting yourself up for success. When you plan ahead, you’re less likely to “accidentally” eat something that makes you feel gross—or worse, hangry and resentful.

7. It’s not all or nothing

This one is big—and no one talks about it enough.

There’s this unspoken pressure to be the perfect vegan. To never make a mistake. To read every label. To grill every waiter. To always know what’s in the dressing.

But the truth is? You’re going to mess up sometimes. And that’s okay.

Maybe you eat something with hidden dairy. Maybe you’re traveling in a place with limited options. Maybe you just have a moment.

You are still allowed to identify as vegan. This lifestyle isn’t about perfection—it’s about compassion, intention, and awareness.

I’ve accidentally eaten non-vegan food before. I’ve made choices I regretted. But I learned, adjusted, and moved on. There’s no vegan police coming for your badge.

Let your values guide you—not shame.

Final thoughts

Going vegan changed my life. It made me more mindful, more curious, more connected. But it also challenged me. And frustrated me. And made me cry into a bowl of undercooked lentils.

It’s not always easy—but it’s worth it.

The things no one talks about? They’re not signs you’re failing. They’re signs you’re growing. Changing habits, beliefs, and eating patterns takes time.

So give yourself grace.

Stay curious. Ask questions. Try new things. Mess up and try again. You don’t have to get it all right to make a difference.

Just keep going. That’s enough.