@JoeWillis,
If you're vegan consider eating grains too, not just two food groups. Because you have just started, you might want to talk to a natropathic doctor or nutritionist to help you balance your daily intake of vitamins. I suggest you talk to a natropath because they are great for helping you with almost anything including diet concerns. Natropathic doctors can prescribe supplements so you don't have vitamin deficiencies. You can read more online, or ask your doctor possibly.
Also, the ultimate food is a grain called quinoa ( keen-wa). You can eat it like oatmeal, turn it into salad, or eat it like rice. Tell your friends that protein can be found in other foods too. If you feel you're lacking protein, eat nuts of mostly any kind. You can also buy protein bars. Once again, supplements are also useful for B12 an protein.
I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I am still highly knowledgeable about healthy eating. Yes, we should eat healthy. and yes, hurting animals is mean. In todays modern society there are more unhealthy eaters than healthy ones. I strongly believe all processed/packaged foods should be gone, but I don't try to inflict my beliefs on others! I do agree that humans should eat basics because we are meant to, but humans have almost always hunted/eaten meat! I'm not saying your choices are wrong, I am only stating the truth.