It is already halfway through 2020 and what a tumultuous year it has been! Some of you may have set some goals for this year which involved being healthier or improving your diet. As you may know, through our previous articles and other news outlets, our diets make a huge impact on our environment. You are what you eat, but the earth is also being affected by what we eat! 2020已经过去一半，大家新年立的flag：好好吃饭，吃得健康等等，怎么样了？咱们都知道，我们的饮食对环境有巨大的影响。所以好好吃饭不但是为了身体健康，更是为了保护环境。
You may have considered the idea of going vegetarian or vegan, but you are a little hesitant. Today we will bring to you some quick tips on how to approach your diet and how to stick to it going forward. It is not as scary as it sounds!
很多健康意识强的朋友都考虑过纯素或蛋奶素饮食，但是还会有点犹豫。所以这里给大家送上一些tips，帮大家坚持下来。
1. Slow and steady 心急吃不了热豆腐
Going vegan does not have to be an overnight transformation. Start by adding more vegan options to your diet. Experiment with different recipes to see how you can incorporate more vegan options into your meals. Slowly start reducing the meat you consume (there are so many meat alternatives!). Switch out that milk carton in your fridge to soy or other dairy alternatives. Either way, take it slow. This is your diet and you can experiment in ways that is most comfortable for you.
吃素是一个过程。刚开始的时候，大家可以增加素食在饮食中的比例。找一些素食菜谱来试试，用肉类替代品慢慢减少肉的摄入。用植物奶代替牛奶。总之不要太心急了，带着一颗好奇心慢慢实验。
2. Educate yourself - 获取信息
The top question people get is will I get enough protein? Take a bit of time to research the different types of protein options available in a vegan diet. Beans, seeds, and nuts are commonly found in supermarkets and offer the protein needed for your diet. What about vitamins and minerals? The only somewhat rare vitamin is B12 which is usually found in meat, eggs and fish, but actually certain dairy alternatives and breakfast cereals contain B12, it is just about finding the product you like! Going vegan is not supposed to be expensive either. Most of the ingredients you need can be found in your local supermarket. We also see an increasing number of options in alternatives offered. Many blogs have already done the research for you on how to switch to a vegan diet, they are just waiting for you to check them out.
大家总是问：会不会缺少蛋白质？花点时间来研究植物中的蛋白质种类。豆类，种子，和坚果很容易买到，能满足你的蛋白质需求。维生素和矿物质呢？纯素饮食唯一比较稀少的是维生素B12。因为它一般存在于肉类，蛋类，和鱼肉中。当然一些植物奶和麦片中也含有B12。同时纯素饮食并不烧钱。大多数原料在超市或菜场就能买到。各种替代品层出不穷，大家在一些博客上能找到很多信息。
3. Find your motivation 激励自己
There is a reason for you to adopt a vegan diet. In the beginning, you may find it difficult and even receive backlash from friends and family members. Keep in mind why you are doing this in the first place. And after you have armed yourself with the facts, be proud of what you have achieved and continue towards your goal. This is not the same thing as “going on a diet” and having a few cheat days. You are committing to this because you have your own specific reason. Find that motivation and you will be able to keep going even during tough times.
大多数人选择吃素是有原因的。当家人或朋友不理解的时候，别忘记你当初为什么决定吃素。同时多学习知识，这样才能及时怼回去。与尝试新的食谱不同的是，你是因为坚定的信念而投身于这件事。所以时不时的看看已经取得的进步，为自己骄傲。只要保持这个劲头，那你就能渡过一些难关啦。
4. Be positive 乐观
Instead of grumbling about missing out on certain meat dishes, think of all the cool new vegan recipes you can try! Or maybe now you have the excuse to try out new restaurants that are vegan-friendly. Also, being vegan does not mean you have to turn down your social life. It is about finding the right balance and educating yourself with all the available options you have. Offer to cook some vegan dishes for your friends or family. There is no need for either side to be aggressive. With good discussion and information sharing, you can find a common ground for you to work with your social circle.
有得必有失，当我们失去一些吃含肉的菜的机会时，我们也得到真正品味纯素菜的机会。吃素并不代表就要不和朋友出门，而是找到新的平衡。为家人朋友做一顿纯素大餐吧。让大家好好交流，分享信息，我们总是能找到共性的。
5. Documentaries that will make you reevaluate your lifestyle. 让你反思你生活方式的纪录片
Still seem a little daunting? Need more inspiration? There are some great documentaries for you to peruse, from environmental challenges currently happening to insights into the meat industry. A little change can go a long way, for you and for the earth.
还是缺少动力？看看这些纪录片吧，包括环境问题，肉类产业等众多主题。小行动可以带来大改变。
Sources:
food vegan foodwaste environmental sustainable vegetarian documentaries