The Herbivore Family
Welcome to the green side! Whether you’ve officially made the switch, you’re dipping a toe in for “Meatless Mondays,” or you’re just scrolling through looking for advice, I’m glad you’re here. Going vegan is exciting, but let’s be honest it can be overwhelming. You suddenly have to relearn how to grocery shop and answer a million questions from family members.
Don’t panic. You don’t have to do this alone. we’ve rounded up 20 of the most helpful resources from nutrition nerds to comfort food chefs to help you navigate your new herbivore life.
📋 What’s Inside This Guide
1. Nutrition & Health: The Science Stuff
One of the first things you’ll panic about is protein (and B12, and Iron). Don’t rely on random influencers for your medical advice; go to the sources that back everything up with science.
- NutritionFacts.org: Run by Dr. Michael Greger, this site is the gold standard. He breaks down peer-reviewed studies into bite-sized videos. If you’re worried about whether soy is safe or how much calcium you actually need, look here first.
- VeganHealth.org: This is a no-nonsense resource run by registered dietitians. It’s perfect for looking up specific nutrient requirements without the fluff.
2. Kitchen Inspiration: The “What Do I Eat?” Section
You’re going to need to learn to cook a few new things. The good news? Vegan food isn’t just salads. YouTube is a goldmine for this.
Top Channels to Subscribe To:
- The Edgy Veg & Hot for Food: If you are missing comfort food, these two are your saviors. They make incredible versions of wings, burgers, and mac and cheese.
- The Vegan Zombie: A mix of great storytelling and solid recipes. It’s fun, accessible, and the food always looks amazing.
- The Vegan Corner: If you want something lighter and budget-friendly, check them out. They focus on simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
3. Documentaries to Keep You Motivated
There will be days when it feels inconvenient to be vegan. That’s when you need a reminder of why you started.
- Cowspiracy (Netflix): Focuses on the environmental impact of animal agriculture. A huge eye-opener regarding climate change.
- Forks Over Knives: The classic health documentary exploring how plants can prevent chronic diseases.
- Vegucated: A lighter, relatable doc following three meat-lovers trying to go vegan for six weeks.
- Earthlings: Warning: This one is heavy. It uses hidden camera footage to show the reality of factory farming. It’s difficult to watch, but life-changing.
🍿 Movie Night Tip
If you are trying to convince a family member to understand your choice, start with Forks Over Knives (for health) or The Game Changers (for fitness). They are less graphic and very persuasive!
4. Deep Dives: YouTubers Who Make You Think
Beyond recipes, there is a whole world of vegan philosophy. These creators tackle the tough questions you might face at dinner parties.
- Bite Size Vegan: Creates researched videos on specific questions like “Is wool vegan?” or “Why don’t vegans eat honey?”
- A Privileged Vegan: Discusses the intersectionality of veganism—how animal rights overlap with human rights and social justice.
- Unnatural Vegan: If you prefer a skeptical, science-based approach and want to avoid the “woo-woo” side of wellness, you’ll love her.
5. Essential Apps & Digital Tools
Finally, you need tools to make your day-to-day life easier, especially when you travel.
HappyCow 🐮
This is non-negotiable. It’s the “Yelp” for vegans. It uses your location to show you every vegan-friendly restaurant nearby. (Note: The app costs a few dollars on iPhone, but it is 100% worth it).
Vegan Food Share 📸
Follow this account on Instagram for visual inspiration. It’s great for discovering new products and proving to your friends that vegan food is anything but boring.
🌱 Join the Paradise!
Did I miss your favorite resource? Tell me in the comments: What helped you the most when you first went vegan? Let’s build this list together!
