Starting a Vegetarian and Vegan diet – Making and Managing the Changes

Last updated on 25 February 2026 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team

More and more people around Australia are deciding to go meat, animal products and/or dairy-free. Whether you are doing this for ethical reasons, or because of the health benefits, it is important to ensure that your body continues to receive all the nutrients (particularly micronutrients) which it needs for good health.

Discovering the Benefits of a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

Making the decision to embrace a plant-based diet, whether as a Vegetarian or as a Vegan, can have a life-changing impact on health and well-being.

Many people report feeling healthier, having more energy and notice an improvement in the progression of chronic illnesses once they remove meat and/or dairy products from their diet.

Changes in the Nutrients Your Body Receives

If you have always eaten a conventional western diet, which incorporates animal products in fairly large quantities, eliminating them from your diet can cause significant changes in the type of nutrients your body receives and the quantities of vitamins and minerals provided.

Sometimes adjustment to a new way of eating takes time or requires the ingestion of larger amounts of particular foods to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Get Support in Making the Healthiest Permanent Change

If you are eager to embrace the benefits which a Vegetarian or Vegan diet may bring, but are concerned about the impact a diet free of animal products may have on the quality of your nutrition, read on to discover why there is nothing to fear and how your Dietician or Nutritionist can help you adjust.

For example, they can show you how to get enough protein on a vegan diet and help you learn how to avoid gaining weight on a vegan diet.

Recipe for a Healthy Vegetarian & Vegan Snack – Avocado Hummus Dip

For individuals trying out or already committing to a vegetarian or vegan diet, this Avocado Hummus Dip is an ideal snack or starter. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, creamy avocado, and a dash of zesty lemon, it’s nutrient-dense and delicious, making it a wise option for those wanting to incorporate more healthy, plant-based foods into their diets. For added taste and nutrition, spread it on sandwiches or serve it with fresh veggies and wholegrain crackers.

Ingredients

400 gm Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 Garlic clove
4 tbsp Lemon juice
3 tbsp Tahini
2 tbsp Olive oil
½ Avocado (pitted and skin removed)
1 tsp Curry powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

2 Lg Carrots (peeled and cut in to sticks)
Add all the hummus ingredients into a food processor or blender. Mix on high speed, scraping down sides occasionally until it is a creamy, paste consistency.
Serve with carrot sticks (or preferred vegetable stick).