Vegan in Review

In place of my regular post about today’s eats, I’d like to talk about what veganism has been like for me so far.

Almost three weeks ago I decided to go vegan (after being a vegetarian for 9 years) after a good talk with Ryan. The week after my decision I saw Food, Inc. which really made going vegan so much more important to me.

I don’t have any doctor’s results to share, and it has only been three weeks, so here is my casual review of what veganism has done to me so far.

Stomach- One of the main reasons I changed my diet was the horrible stomach pains I had been experiencing. All stomach pains went away within a few days of eliminating animal products.

 

Food- My food has been so much more fresh, healthy and whole. I’ve tried amazing  vegan dishes in my own home and out that I would have never tried otherwise.

Cooking- Before I had a few dishes I would rotate. Now, I am using cookbooks and my own creativity to come up with yummy meals and snacks. I don’t think I’ve had the same meal twice!

Freedom- This  might seem contrary to what veganism is, but by removing all animal products from my diet, I actually feel more free. I feel empowered when I cook and eat food and I’m getting more excited about it now than ever before.

Energy- Before I was so tired all the time. Now, I have much more energy and have no problem staying awake in the evening. I sleep better, too.

 Skin- My skin seems brighter and more even-toned.

Complexity- Eating vegan has been unbelievably simple. The transition was definitely easier for me since I was already a vegetarian

Cost- Vegans win :) A can  or bag of beans will always be cheaper than yogurt, cheese or meat! Although I have been spending more on quality produce, so I think it evens out.

David- David has been eating so many vegan and vegetarian dinners. The food is whole and filling and he seems to like it.

 

Weight- My weight has not changed.

Cravings- I have no cravings for animal products. A while ago I did eat some cheese (and my stomach hated me for it) and it was out of habit, not craving.

Overall- Veganism has been great. I feel better, I am eating better and my actions are good to animals and the environment. I am most surprised at how easy it has been. I plan on continuing eating a vegan diet.

Going Green

Women's Health put out an article on 18 Ways to Go Green. Is it just me or is Going Green everywhere lately? Everyone seems to be paying a bit more attention to how they treat the environment and use our resources. Maybe rising gas prices have something to do with it? I'm paying $3.70 a gallon- and that adds up commuting 3 hours each day and driving to Orlando every other weekend... But this new movement is a huge step in the right direction. Anyway... a few highlights from the article:

- " Cut down on your food miles Food typically travels 1,000 miles before it gets to you, and each of those miles involves the emission of CO2." Whole Foods incorporates a lot of local produce. And all of the fresh farmer's markets I've been to have lower prices than regular grocery stores.

- "Let the dishwasher work Scrape your dishes off rather than pre-rinsing before loading the dishwasher. You'll save as much as 20 gallons per full load, and your dishes will be just as clean."

One more thing to mention: The St. Petersburg Times put out an interesting article on natural medicines to common ailments such as migraines, dandruff and the common cold.