If you’re thinking about going plant-based or if you’re already going down that path, sometimes obstacles can get in the way. This is why it can be incredibly freeing and empowering if you start to release these six common hurdles – slowly and over time.

1. Other People’s Opinions

When it comes to nutrition, everyone has an opinion. But opinions differ and someone else’s thoughts don’t have to reflect your own. So, when you decide to switch to a plant-based lifestyle, don’t let the weight of other people’s opinions bring you down. You’re doing this for yourself, and you do not need to justify that to anybody. If it helps, you can keep it to yourself for now until you’re ready to tell people about it.

2. Negative Self-Talk

Internal voices, particularly that of the inner critic, can be really loud. However, that voice usually doesn’t reflect what you’re really thinking let alone the truth. So, the next time that you catch yourself engaging in some sort of negative self-talk or negative thought, I recommend taking a moment to pause and reflect. Is this really how you truly feel? Or is it coming from someone or somewhere else? Most of the time, it’s not your true thought.

3. Being Perfect

If I could get rid of one thing in society, it would be perfectionism. It’s such a big and incredibly unnecessary hurdle. When we’re looking at plant-based eating, there is no right or wrong, no perfect or imperfect. It is your beautiful, individual journey. Getting attached to perfectionism usually results in a spiral of negative self-talk or quitting and that is just not what we want – nor is it helpful. 

4. Guilt for Accidentally Having Dairy

The term “plant-based” is a little vague on purpose. It means that your diet is based on plants, but that there is room for other things, too. While some make an immediate switch to vegan, others still have dairy or eggs on occasion. So, if you’re of the latter, there is nothing wrong with that because you are already doing so much for your health and the animals as it is. And if you’re trying to be 100% plant-based and accidentally have some dairy, that’s okay! It happens. I’ve been there numerous times. And even though it’s frustrating, remind yourself of number three and know better for next time.

5. Shame for Not Starting Earlier

Once you make a switch or a transition that feels right, the shame or guilt for not starting earlier can creep up on you. This is unfortunate because you’ve just taken this amazing and brave step, and already the negativity is surfacing. So, with that being said, be proud of where you are and that you’ve taken this step now and at all. It’s truly something to be proud of.

6. Worrying About Protein

As a society, we are obsessed with protein. And a very common belief is still that plants don’t have much. I guess you can’t be plant-based and eat enough protein, right? Wrong, because foods such as legumes, whole grains, nuts,  and seeds are all great sources of plant protein. But you do not need to calculate your protein or worry too much about it. Trust the process instead. If you’re eating a variety of plants, including the more protein-dense ones, and getting enough calories, you should be good to go!