Choosing a dietary lifestyle, whether it’s vegan, keto, or gluten-free, is rarely just about food. For most people, it’s also about energy, health, clarity, and sometimes healing. But starting out? That can feel overwhelming.

If you’re going vegan, begin by focusing on what you can eat, not what you’re cutting out. Load up on legumes, grains, and leafy greens. Try oat milk or tofu in familiar dishes first. Learn to read labels, some ingredients hide in plain sight. Vegan doesn’t have to mean expensive either. Some of the simplest meals (like monggo or stir-fried veggies with rice) are already plant-based.

With keto, the challenge is balance. It’s not just meat and cheese. Avocados, olive oil, eggs, and leafy greens become staples. Try prepping meals ahead so you’re not left reaching for a carb-heavy snack. And always hydrate, keto flu is real.

For a gluten-free switch, explore naturally gluten-free staples first, rice, corn, potatoes, quinoa. Don’t rely only on processed substitutes. And when eating out, ask. Many sauces and coatings contain hidden wheat.

Whatever you choose, go slowly. Listen to your body. And remember: your lifestyle doesn’t need to be perfect to be worth pursuing. It just needs to support how you want to feel.