Veganism is for me

I've decided to go vegan!

With all the issues I've been having lately (stomach pain, lack of energy, etc.), I know I’m not supposed to live like this!

I had planned on eliminating one big thing from my diet each week hoping the elimination process would reveal the underlying cause of the pain. I still think that’s a great idea, but…

Last Friday I had a wonderful lunch date with Ryan of Chase Daylight (Ryan is working on a whole new blog to be revealed soon!) at Designer Greens. It wasn’t until we were halfway through with our salads that I realized she was following a vegan diet. She was just so natural and fresh about it.

We discussed why she went vegan and how it’s progressed. In my mind I realized I always feel best when I abstain from animal products and started thinking taking the vegan leap just might be for me.

I’ve been a vegetarian (only using dairy and eggs) for almost nine years now. I’ve avoided going fully vegan because I was convinced it would be too hard… too weird… and too limiting. But a long, refreshing talk with Ryan certainly changed my mind on that!

So I came home excited about doing something good for my body. I made a few switches in my new big fridge and pulled my copy of Veganomicon off the bookshelf.

I’ve been eating 100% vegan for the past several days and the change has been effortless and delightful. I'm eating nutrient-rich foods and have been feeling great. Goodbye, stomach pain!

I am so excited about this. Veganism really opens my eyes to the possibilities of whole foods since I can’t just fall back on the normal meals I used to make and cover with cheese. I am experimenting with flavors and wholesome foods- all in the name of health.

I know about my B12, protein and calcium needs- so don’t worry about me. :-)

To show the possibilities of eating vegan I will post most of my meals for the next several days.. first post like that coming tonight!

Are you an omnivore, vegetarian, vegan or something else? Have you ever dabbled in a different way of eating?