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How to Go (and Stay) Vegan
The expert guide to veganism from leading vegan content creator, activist and bestselling author Ed Winters (@earthlinged)
'The perfect companion for sustainable vegan living' VEGANUARY
So, you want to go vegan. The big question is how?
Deciding to become vegan can feel daunting, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. Drawing on years of experience, vegan advocate and educator Ed Winters is here to guide, inform and empower you on your journey.
From explaining the ethical and environmental benefits of a vegan lifestyle to showing you how to eat a nutritionally balanced diet and what to do if you experience setbacks, this book is your non-judgemental companion to thriving as a vegan – for life.
'The perfect companion for sustainable vegan living' VEGANUARY
So, you want to go vegan. The big question is how?
Deciding to become vegan can feel daunting, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. Drawing on years of experience, vegan advocate and educator Ed Winters is here to guide, inform and empower you on your journey.
From explaining the ethical and environmental benefits of a vegan lifestyle to showing you how to eat a nutritionally balanced diet and what to do if you experience setbacks, this book is your non-judgemental companion to thriving as a vegan – for life.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2025
About the author
Ed Winters
11 books506 followersEd Winters, "Earthling Ed", is a vegan educator, public speaker and content creator based in London, England. Winters is the co-founder and co-director of Surge, an animal rights organisation determined to create a world where compassion towards all non-human animals is the norm.
In 2016 Surge founded The Official Animal Rights March which succeeded in a growth from 2,500 participants in London in 2016 to 28,000 participants across the world in 2018. In 2017 Winters produced the documentary Land of Hope and Glory and launched the on-going moving activism project The Big Vegan Activism Van. He has spoken at over 1/3 of UK universities and at 6 Ivy league colleges, including as a guest lecturer at Harvard University. He has given speeches across the world, including two TEDx talks in early 2019.
In October 2018 Winters opened Unity Diner, a non-profit vegan diner in London where all of the profits go directly back into helping animals. He launched The Disclosure Podcast in 2019.
In 2016 Surge founded The Official Animal Rights March which succeeded in a growth from 2,500 participants in London in 2016 to 28,000 participants across the world in 2018. In 2017 Winters produced the documentary Land of Hope and Glory and launched the on-going moving activism project The Big Vegan Activism Van. He has spoken at over 1/3 of UK universities and at 6 Ivy league colleges, including as a guest lecturer at Harvard University. He has given speeches across the world, including two TEDx talks in early 2019.
In October 2018 Winters opened Unity Diner, a non-profit vegan diner in London where all of the profits go directly back into helping animals. He launched The Disclosure Podcast in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 13, 2025
This is the book I wish I had had when I was starting out on my vegan journey!
Everything you need to know is in this book, from what's going on in the meat and dairy industry to how to read food labels, get enough protein and eat out with friends without being the "difficult vegan".
I've been vegan a few years now and there was a lot in here that I had discovered on my way, but having a book like this with everything all in one place would be an amazing guide for those just starting to think about going veggie or vegan, or vegans who are finding it a bit tough and lonely out there.
Highly recommend this for anyone who is thinking about going vegan, trying to stay vegan, but also for people who have vegan loved ones who may want to understand the people close to you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ed Winters and Penguin for the ARC copy.
Everything you need to know is in this book, from what's going on in the meat and dairy industry to how to read food labels, get enough protein and eat out with friends without being the "difficult vegan".
I've been vegan a few years now and there was a lot in here that I had discovered on my way, but having a book like this with everything all in one place would be an amazing guide for those just starting to think about going veggie or vegan, or vegans who are finding it a bit tough and lonely out there.
Highly recommend this for anyone who is thinking about going vegan, trying to stay vegan, but also for people who have vegan loved ones who may want to understand the people close to you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ed Winters and Penguin for the ARC copy.
August 9, 2026
a comprehensive guide to veganism intended for anyone who has ever found themselves pondering the question of going vegan. covers every issue connected to this topic, even those well beyond food and nutrition. highly recommend to anyone interested in animal rights or ethics in general.
January 15, 2026
Demolished this in a couple of sittings. It gives a really informative account of 'veganism 101'. In just under 300 pages Ed covers a wide variety of topics about what veganism means, it's impact and how to (per the title) go vegan. it's impressive how much ground Ed covers in this book but each section is incredibly detailed, educational, and very engaging. Even after 5 years vegan, I learnt new things from this book and I'll definitely be reccomending this book to anyone who is interested in living vegan. I also like how Ed refers to so many academic and scientific papers which are all referenced and included.
Got hold of a signed copy at Ed's book/lecture tour.
Got hold of a signed copy at Ed's book/lecture tour.
Review of advance copy
Always happy to read a book by Ed.
I went vegan around 5 years ago, but I still found the book quite an useful resource. It would have definitely helped my former self, and it'll surely continue to help me in the present.
Easy recommendation.
I went vegan around 5 years ago, but I still found the book quite an useful resource. It would have definitely helped my former self, and it'll surely continue to help me in the present.
Easy recommendation.
May 1, 2026
Merci Ed pour cet ouvrage si bien articulé! Quel plaisir. Toutes vos questions seront répondues… génial!
September 21, 2026
I guess the real rating will be to see where my diet is in 3 months time, but I found this mostly pretty good and concise. I feel guilty now, but in a productive way
April 7, 2026
I started slipping and losing touch with my vegan roots, but this book reminded me of who I am. Since reading, I have been more mindful of my choices and I am thankful to have read it.
October 27, 2026
I've been vegan for over thirty years so this perhaps isn't the book for me, but I'm trying to help get a vegan book group off the ground so best show willing!
I have to admit, I have a slight aversion to prominent vegan campaigners. This comes from the inevitable placing of them on pedestals and hero worship of them, which makes their often likely fall from grace hard to stomach (you know, turning into a conspiracy theorist, fascist or meat eater). I'm not saying Earthling Ed is anything like that, but I am a little suspicious of people who build huge personal campaigning platforms very quickly and become spokesmen (and yeah they are usually men) for the movement.
Putting those feelings aside, I did try to approach this book from a perspective of how I'd view it as a new vegan, or someone thinking about veganism and how the book aligns with my thinking. I also endeavoured to put my views about vegan influencers to one side and assume the book is written in good faith for the animals only.
As one would expect, I pretty much get the ethics and rationale which forms the early part of the book. That said, I guess it's always a good idea to get a reminder as to the 'why' and it is interesting what Earthling Ed places a focus on at times (he dedicates a decent section to antibiotics use in animal agriculture, which whilst he is not wrong, feels like a 'post-COVID passion' of his). I appreciate how he tackles issues like animal companions, animal entertainment, clothing and toiletries, and also the challenges of going vegan when you live with parents, have a family or have children. He broadly tackles these challenges well (although some of his discussion ideas are cringeworthy in human communication contexts! - no one human talks like this Ed!).
One thing I LOVE and is something I think is important to recognise is what slips mean in the context of early days of veganism. They don't invalidate everything you did before and will do afterwards. They are just that, a mistake to dust off and go again. The nuance between guilt and shame is quite powerful here. I have strong opinions that you can't be a part-time vegan, and that there is a difference between someone who is vegan and someone who is trying or transitioning. I don't think someone who slips every five minutes can call themselves vegan but I also think that with any change, mistakes do not mean that the change is over.
I also think that the observation of vegan burnout and making sure you don't stop all the other things you like, and also how you view people who are not vegan. He makes a point that will be uncomfortable for some in vegan activism - that non-vegans are not bad people even though they do things you are 100% ethically against. I do see some of the more 'isolationist' perspectives (considering non-vegans evil, ending relationships) from people less than a couple of years in. It comes from a position of 'being awakened' and unable to unsee what you see. I get it, but it doesn't help you. I think Ed recognises that we are vegans in a carnist world and whilst that may hurt, it doesn't change that it is currently a fact.
The advice on transitioning could be a little better, but it is helpful. If you're going vegan in stages then having a plan rather than an aspiration is good one.
I also like how he focuses on how relationships to food change, and that you are not 'giving up', you 'choose not to'. I still use similar phrasing today still. He also shares how your taste buds change, and something I resonated with, how veganism can bring about a love of cooking. One thing he doesn't really address is that whilst veganism doesn't need to be expensive (I was a homeless vegan briefly) and that it doesn't necessarily need to be time consuming, but the 'healthy recipe ideas' do have a certain inference that people need time, space, and capability to cook. Veganism changed my relationship to food for the better but not everyone has the capacity to whip up colourful salads and grains for a 'quick' lunch.
There are a few ethical grey areas I don't necessarily agree with (particularly around fast food restaurants), and maybe that's something he could have addressed a little more (when you find vegan communities you can often find debates which can be exhausting). New vegans can walk into minefields and whilst there are some really obvious absolutes being aware of what some of the debates in the communities are will help people stay vegan.
That said, I found the book, short, accessible and hopefully an incredible resource for those early in their journey.
I have to admit, I have a slight aversion to prominent vegan campaigners. This comes from the inevitable placing of them on pedestals and hero worship of them, which makes their often likely fall from grace hard to stomach (you know, turning into a conspiracy theorist, fascist or meat eater). I'm not saying Earthling Ed is anything like that, but I am a little suspicious of people who build huge personal campaigning platforms very quickly and become spokesmen (and yeah they are usually men) for the movement.
Putting those feelings aside, I did try to approach this book from a perspective of how I'd view it as a new vegan, or someone thinking about veganism and how the book aligns with my thinking. I also endeavoured to put my views about vegan influencers to one side and assume the book is written in good faith for the animals only.
As one would expect, I pretty much get the ethics and rationale which forms the early part of the book. That said, I guess it's always a good idea to get a reminder as to the 'why' and it is interesting what Earthling Ed places a focus on at times (he dedicates a decent section to antibiotics use in animal agriculture, which whilst he is not wrong, feels like a 'post-COVID passion' of his). I appreciate how he tackles issues like animal companions, animal entertainment, clothing and toiletries, and also the challenges of going vegan when you live with parents, have a family or have children. He broadly tackles these challenges well (although some of his discussion ideas are cringeworthy in human communication contexts! - no one human talks like this Ed!).
One thing I LOVE and is something I think is important to recognise is what slips mean in the context of early days of veganism. They don't invalidate everything you did before and will do afterwards. They are just that, a mistake to dust off and go again. The nuance between guilt and shame is quite powerful here. I have strong opinions that you can't be a part-time vegan, and that there is a difference between someone who is vegan and someone who is trying or transitioning. I don't think someone who slips every five minutes can call themselves vegan but I also think that with any change, mistakes do not mean that the change is over.
I also think that the observation of vegan burnout and making sure you don't stop all the other things you like, and also how you view people who are not vegan. He makes a point that will be uncomfortable for some in vegan activism - that non-vegans are not bad people even though they do things you are 100% ethically against. I do see some of the more 'isolationist' perspectives (considering non-vegans evil, ending relationships) from people less than a couple of years in. It comes from a position of 'being awakened' and unable to unsee what you see. I get it, but it doesn't help you. I think Ed recognises that we are vegans in a carnist world and whilst that may hurt, it doesn't change that it is currently a fact.
The advice on transitioning could be a little better, but it is helpful. If you're going vegan in stages then having a plan rather than an aspiration is good one.
I also like how he focuses on how relationships to food change, and that you are not 'giving up', you 'choose not to'. I still use similar phrasing today still. He also shares how your taste buds change, and something I resonated with, how veganism can bring about a love of cooking. One thing he doesn't really address is that whilst veganism doesn't need to be expensive (I was a homeless vegan briefly) and that it doesn't necessarily need to be time consuming, but the 'healthy recipe ideas' do have a certain inference that people need time, space, and capability to cook. Veganism changed my relationship to food for the better but not everyone has the capacity to whip up colourful salads and grains for a 'quick' lunch.
There are a few ethical grey areas I don't necessarily agree with (particularly around fast food restaurants), and maybe that's something he could have addressed a little more (when you find vegan communities you can often find debates which can be exhausting). New vegans can walk into minefields and whilst there are some really obvious absolutes being aware of what some of the debates in the communities are will help people stay vegan.
That said, I found the book, short, accessible and hopefully an incredible resource for those early in their journey.
October 8, 2026
This book needs congratulations- it single-handedly stopped me from becoming vegan.
That’s hyperbole of course, I think the book ‘Eating Animals’ by JF Foer is much more powerful, accurate and better researched. This book was painful to read in places, but has a very irritating air of reasonableness like when you’re having a debate with somebody who seems knowledgeable about a topic because they can project their voice well and use complicated terminology.
It’s not all bad, but for one thing it feels like it’s aimed at converting teenagers to veganism - a large part of the earlier part of the book is dedicated to what you’ll tell your parents when they inevitably flip out.
I pretty much lost my patience with the book when he refused to call dogs and cats that live with him pets and instead call them ‘animal companions’ and waxed lyrical about the merits of feeding cats and dogs a vegan diet.
The only time he stops short is when he suggests that it might not “always” be a good idea to give a baby vegan formula. He’s always very careful to cover his back when he makes a point making it appear like he’s weighing up the pros and cons of what he’s talking about but realistically he’s quick to quash any real sense of balance by pulling a research paper from his back pocket after every point. He seems to be very keen to inform us of the misinformation surrounding the animal farming industry which is a fair point and something that I happen to believe, but at the same time he’s content to base his entire evidence based on research papers and fragile statistics which is exactly what his opponents are doing - picking research papers to aid your agenda.
Honestly; read “Eating Animals” it’s a much better researched and evidence-supported book than this.
Eating animals actually made me want to make changes, this book made me feel the opposite.
That’s hyperbole of course, I think the book ‘Eating Animals’ by JF Foer is much more powerful, accurate and better researched. This book was painful to read in places, but has a very irritating air of reasonableness like when you’re having a debate with somebody who seems knowledgeable about a topic because they can project their voice well and use complicated terminology.
It’s not all bad, but for one thing it feels like it’s aimed at converting teenagers to veganism - a large part of the earlier part of the book is dedicated to what you’ll tell your parents when they inevitably flip out.
I pretty much lost my patience with the book when he refused to call dogs and cats that live with him pets and instead call them ‘animal companions’ and waxed lyrical about the merits of feeding cats and dogs a vegan diet.
The only time he stops short is when he suggests that it might not “always” be a good idea to give a baby vegan formula. He’s always very careful to cover his back when he makes a point making it appear like he’s weighing up the pros and cons of what he’s talking about but realistically he’s quick to quash any real sense of balance by pulling a research paper from his back pocket after every point. He seems to be very keen to inform us of the misinformation surrounding the animal farming industry which is a fair point and something that I happen to believe, but at the same time he’s content to base his entire evidence based on research papers and fragile statistics which is exactly what his opponents are doing - picking research papers to aid your agenda.
Honestly; read “Eating Animals” it’s a much better researched and evidence-supported book than this.
Eating animals actually made me want to make changes, this book made me feel the opposite.
Read
September 3, 2026Amazing book as expected! Throughout the whole reading, it feels like we are talking with a friend who knows a lot about something we want to learn about. It's a really good experience.
This book is particularly helpful for someone who already pondered to go vegan but never did for whatever reason. More than encouragement, it provides what's needed to have the best approach when going and staying vegan. In a world where we can find thousands of tips and ways to go vegan on social media, I think starting with this book is a bold choice: a less overwhelming approach, just one book to start in with reliable sources.
This book is particularly helpful for someone who already pondered to go vegan but never did for whatever reason. More than encouragement, it provides what's needed to have the best approach when going and staying vegan. In a world where we can find thousands of tips and ways to go vegan on social media, I think starting with this book is a bold choice: a less overwhelming approach, just one book to start in with reliable sources.
December 29, 2025
Even though I’ve been vegan for almost a decade, this book was truly refreshing to read.
Especially the chapter on living in a non-vegan world really resonated with me—it felt like someone finally put into words the challenges I sometimes face, and gave advice that is realistic and compassionate. Overall, this book reminded me why I chose this lifestyle in the first place.
Highly recommend for anyone—vegan or not yet vegan.
Especially the chapter on living in a non-vegan world really resonated with me—it felt like someone finally put into words the challenges I sometimes face, and gave advice that is realistic and compassionate. Overall, this book reminded me why I chose this lifestyle in the first place.
Highly recommend for anyone—vegan or not yet vegan.
January 22, 2026
been vegan for 6 years but I have been curious about some of the non-food vegan ideals. This book answered every question I had. It was well written and easy to digest. I'll definitely keep it for reference if/when I ever struggle.
the book was written in a way that took out any judgment and was really encouraging and relatable. this would definitely have helped me at the start of my vegan journey.
the book was written in a way that took out any judgment and was really encouraging and relatable. this would definitely have helped me at the start of my vegan journey.
March 12, 2026
Ed Winters slays once again in reminding us all the importance of veganism. It’s really re-motivated me to keep my plant-based diet at a healthy, nutritious level as I’ve recently resorted to unhealthy habits… The book is also full of various lifestyle information & tips to help anyone who is trying to be more conscious about what they consume (both in a food manner & materialistic manner). Easy 5 stars.
September 12, 2026
This is the second book that I have read by Ed.
Just as good as the first ( Vegan Propaganda) but less about the cruelty involved in animal welfare. This book is more of a companion reference book. It's full of interesting scenarios and gives really concise and thorough guidance- encompassing any possible challenges that you may face becoming a vegan.
Non judgemental and a very supportive approach.
Just as good as the first ( Vegan Propaganda) but less about the cruelty involved in animal welfare. This book is more of a companion reference book. It's full of interesting scenarios and gives really concise and thorough guidance- encompassing any possible challenges that you may face becoming a vegan.
Non judgemental and a very supportive approach.
Review of advance copy
I'm in the UK so this book was published on the 18th December 2025.
Whether you are thinking of going vegan, in the early stages of it or been vegan for some time this book gets so much supportive advice. It is non-judgemental and covers so many aspects of life. The research is phenomenal and all the sources are listed at the end. It brings calmness to a tortured world.
Whether you are thinking of going vegan, in the early stages of it or been vegan for some time this book gets so much supportive advice. It is non-judgemental and covers so many aspects of life. The research is phenomenal and all the sources are listed at the end. It brings calmness to a tortured world.
September 29, 2026
After loving Ed’s two other books, I found myself a little disappointed by this one. Maybe as I am already vegan I’m not the target audience as such - but I thought there would be a bigger focus on staying vegan, not just going vegan. In places, especially surrounding food, I felt that the book read like a blog post. However, the introductory and final chapters were stronger.
May 18, 2026
Sadly didn't grip my attention as much as Ed's previous books, but I attribute that to the fact I've been vegan for almost 9 years now and none of this is actually news to me.
However it still feels like a succinct guide for newborn vegans.
However it still feels like a succinct guide for newborn vegans.
December 20, 2025
My favorite Ed Winters book yet! Both informative and incredibly empathetic. Highly recommend!
January 23, 2026
Libro bellissimo, mi ha aiutato tanto nel mio percorso da neo-vegana. Grazie Ed ❤️
January 26, 2026
A good addition to Ed's other books, even if you are already Vegan.
February 5, 2026
Ed’s knowledge and experience are essential for anyone looking to align their values with their actions. Includes guides and useful tops on how to live in a non-vegan world.
March 3, 2026
Great vegan guide! There were some insights I hadn't thought of before. I am mostly vegan but slip into vegetarianism more often so this was a great read for practical tips.
March 30, 2026
Very comprehensive! wish I'd had this book to reference when I went vegan.
April 30, 2026
🎧 listened to audiobook
June 1, 2026
My first ever audiobook! Very convenient for driving or while I’m on a walk. Lots of good info in this book!
July 3, 2026
Amazing non judgmental but informative guide. The first chapter is so eye opening, really interesting for everyone to hear
October 23, 2026
Especially good information around the planet, climate change in regards to factory farming, and the animal entertainment industry.
January 22, 2026
Ed Winters aka Earthling Ed's voice is just so soothing and this new audiobook is no exception.
While far from exhaustive he does a lot of heavy lifting in just 6.5 hours (or 254 pages) summarizing how animal exploitation has become normal in our societies, why that is, what's wrong with it, and how to move away from it as an individual, without distracting the reader with all those yummy recipes as some other books do!
Shortly put he goes over the Why first, and then the How, addressing all areas of veganism, including raising children.
After replacing meat for plant-forward meals for a long time and relatively recently gone vegan once admitting I was lying to myself and in fact realizing just how inhumane the egg and —especially— the dairy industries are, as well as learning of the unhealthfulness of these animal products despite the propaganda we've all heard from that industry such as "drinking milk will make you tall and you need it for strong bones".
One thing that was new to me is how sheep are selectively bred and exploited for their wool, at the expense of their health and well-being (i.e. pain and suffering) for example by creating breeds with folds which host pests and get cut through, one of those breeds yield "merino wool", marketed as a fibre for sporty/outdoorsy people, a marketing that I fell victim to, ignoring the welfare issues associated with mulesing (i.e. strips of skin being cut from the live animal, not even with pain relief), flystrike, how wool is definitely not "just a haircut".
Another is how leather is not a byproduct, but a key driver in the profitability of slaughterhouses and how its ecological impact (land use, deforestation, waste, human rights abuses) is far worse compared to petroleum-based fabrics. In any case there is nothing natural about leather nor fur, which as I've also now learned is found in cheap products and often not clearly labelled (you would assume it is "fake fur" because it's cheap or not labelled, but it often is the real thing).
When you transition, what to do with animal-based food isn't too hard (my advice: don't treat your body as a trash can, the harm is already done, forcing yourself to eat/use animal products will not make you feel better), but he addresses the opinions on clothes, thrifting, etc. For example, what are the consequences of buying fur/leather/wool at a thrift shop and then wearing it, for yourself, for the animals, and what effect this can have on non-vegans.
Finally one section that was quite relevant to me was about raising children and dating (or living with other people in general such as roommates, or your parents at home), subjects that are quite a bit down the list of topics addressed by the vegan community in general.
It's an easy recommendation if you are interested in the subject, wherever you are in your journey.
While far from exhaustive he does a lot of heavy lifting in just 6.5 hours (or 254 pages) summarizing how animal exploitation has become normal in our societies, why that is, what's wrong with it, and how to move away from it as an individual, without distracting the reader with all those yummy recipes as some other books do!
Shortly put he goes over the Why first, and then the How, addressing all areas of veganism, including raising children.
After replacing meat for plant-forward meals for a long time and relatively recently gone vegan once admitting I was lying to myself and in fact realizing just how inhumane the egg and —especially— the dairy industries are, as well as learning of the unhealthfulness of these animal products despite the propaganda we've all heard from that industry such as "drinking milk will make you tall and you need it for strong bones".
One thing that was new to me is how sheep are selectively bred and exploited for their wool, at the expense of their health and well-being (i.e. pain and suffering) for example by creating breeds with folds which host pests and get cut through, one of those breeds yield "merino wool", marketed as a fibre for sporty/outdoorsy people, a marketing that I fell victim to, ignoring the welfare issues associated with mulesing (i.e. strips of skin being cut from the live animal, not even with pain relief), flystrike, how wool is definitely not "just a haircut".
Another is how leather is not a byproduct, but a key driver in the profitability of slaughterhouses and how its ecological impact (land use, deforestation, waste, human rights abuses) is far worse compared to petroleum-based fabrics. In any case there is nothing natural about leather nor fur, which as I've also now learned is found in cheap products and often not clearly labelled (you would assume it is "fake fur" because it's cheap or not labelled, but it often is the real thing).
When you transition, what to do with animal-based food isn't too hard (my advice: don't treat your body as a trash can, the harm is already done, forcing yourself to eat/use animal products will not make you feel better), but he addresses the opinions on clothes, thrifting, etc. For example, what are the consequences of buying fur/leather/wool at a thrift shop and then wearing it, for yourself, for the animals, and what effect this can have on non-vegans.
Finally one section that was quite relevant to me was about raising children and dating (or living with other people in general such as roommates, or your parents at home), subjects that are quite a bit down the list of topics addressed by the vegan community in general.
It's an easy recommendation if you are interested in the subject, wherever you are in your journey.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews