Vegan: Where to Start? Your Smart Testing Guide to Going Plant-Based
Order your lab requisition online — then bring it to a local lab to test for common deficiencies.
Thinking of going vegan but unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for health, ethics, or the environment, starting a vegan lifestyle requires more than just cutting out meat—it means learning how to support your body with the right nutrients.
As an acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner, I help clients support energy, digestion, and overall health—especially when making dietary changes like going plant-based.
A well-planned vegan diet can lower your risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease—but only if it’s done right. The best place to begin is by understanding your body’s current nutritional status and food sensitivities.
Step 1: Start Smart — Get Tested Before You Go Vegan
Before switching to a fully plant-based lifestyle, here are essential at-home tests that can give you clarity:
Vegan Nutritional Maintenance Panel
Checks for common deficiencies vegans may encounter if their diet isn’t balanced—like vitamin B12, D, iron, and omega-3s.
Step 2: Wondering “Should I Be Vegan?”
These panels test for allergies to meat, poultry, seafood, or dairy—perfect if you’ve ever questioned whether your body even tolerates animal-based foods.
- Basic “Should I Be Vegan?” Panel
Tests for common animal-derived food allergies. - Standard “Should I Be Vegan?” Panel
Focuses on the most popular animal food allergens. - Comprehensive “Should I Be Vegan?” Panel
A full 38-test panel to evaluate meat, dairy, and seafood sensitivities on a deeper level—including protein and amino acid responses.
Step 3: Test More If Needed
Looking to get a broader view of your overall wellness? These additional lab panels can help round out your health picture:
- Comprehensive Health Panel (CBC + CMP + UA + LP + Iron + TSH)
A full-body wellness panel ordered by physicians to evaluate key health markers. - Standard Health Panel (CBC + CMP + UA + LP + TSH)
Great for tracking thyroid function, lipids, blood chemistry, and more. - Basic Health Panel (CMP + UA + LP)
A solid snapshot of metabolic and kidney function.
Also worth checking:
Why Testing First Matters
According to a 2023 review in Frontiers in Nutrition, a well-executed vegan diet can offer powerful benefits, but:
“A vegan diet must include adequate calories and nutrients, as well as the necessary supplements, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and EPA/DHA.”
Testing ensures you’re not guessing—you’re making informed choices and setting yourself up for long-term success, energy, and health.
Ready to Go Vegan? Start Here
Begin by understanding what your body truly needs. With the right tests, you can build a strong foundation for a healthy, energized plant-based lifestyle.
Click here to explore all vegan testing panels and take your first step. It’s the easiest way to get clarity on where to start with a vegan diet.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making major dietary changes or beginning supplementation based on test results.
