Giving veganism a try

Hi, I’m 6 months pregnant but my husband and I would like to try eating a vegan diet. Pay day is next Monday so planning to try a month from then and see how we go from there. We have a 4 year old so need to think about what our plan is for her. She eats chicken, sausages, cheese, yogurt, milk and ice cream. I’m thinking of doing some swaps and seeing how they sit with her. Do you have any tips on vegan diet and pregnancy? Did you take any supplements?

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I've been vegan for four years, I am 3 months pregnant. I do take the normal pregnancy supplements there are vegan ones in the market place! Ive had my bloods done and I've not had anything back that I am lacking anything! Honestly you should be able to get everything that you need from a vegan diet, just as normal advice have a balanced diet. Also... Your daughter can eat all of those things (vegan versions) Just a reccomend Sausage - Richmond meat free or even Tesco own are good! Cheese - cathedral is the best strongest! Cheddar tasting (personally) Yoghurt - all good! Milk - there is a aplro called "not milk" and it's the closest to tasting to milk personally y I do not like as at freaks me out it's so close! - but good if your not used to the taste almond, soy, coconut or oat! Hope this helps

Swaps are a great place to start transitioning by modifying your go-to recipes and meals. They can be pricey and not always the healthiest though, so I’ve always tried to resist making them the backbone of my vegan diet. I’d suggest also experimenting with things like tofu, tempeh, beans or lentils in meals and see how your family likes them. And if something isn’t a hit don’t give up; they’re all super versatile and it might just take a bit of practice and exploration before you find that happy balance.

Also, with regards to a vegan pregnancy, I found the Everything Vegan Pregnancy book really helpful in figuring out what tweaks I needed to make to my diet. One, I had to be very deliberate about getting lots of protein with every meal to meet the recommended daily amount for pregnancy. And after assessing my diet and prenatals I also had to boost my omega-3 intake. Easiest way I found was switching out my preferred milk to flax milk. The Good Karma brand is my favorite, and they also have one with additional protein 👌. Selenium was the trickiest nutrient - to get that I was eating a few Brazil nuts daily. Bottom line though, whatever changes you end up making I would recommend just making sure you’re communicating with your OB throughout.

Where are you located so I can give food recommendations by stores, I’ve been vegan almost 2 years now! Definitely a transition period I coparent so my 6 yr old is not vegan but does eat majority of plant based at our house same with my boyfriend we all drink oat milk however they have their own cheese I do buy some regular things for my son due to cost ie. chicken nuggets a 7oz bag cost about $8 for vegan and for generic 20oz family sized bag cost roughly $10

I’ve been vegan for years and some of my favourite, nutritious meals are: cannellini bean and avocado salad, lentil lasagne, butter bean stew, lentil soup, soy yoghurt with berries, overnight oats with chia, peanut butter on wholegrain toast🖤 Incorporating as many lentils, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, and beans, is so so good for you. The majority of our diet is made up of fruits and vegetables. I also use a lot of olive oil🫒 Good luck Xx

@Emily hi, please could I have your lentil lasagne recipe? Xx