It's been almost three whole months since I declared my veganism. I had made the choice and done some research prior to taking the plunge for an initial 30 day trial to avoid my typical commitment-phobic tendency's and I am still going strong. As a matter of fact I feel wonderful, physically and mentally and plan on seeing how long I can remain a vegan. That's right me, the former steak and potato loving cheese addict is staying veg! I have to be upfront about the reason I call myself a Simple Veg, while I love animals and have cats a dog and make baby voices at just about anything creature I can cuddle I am far from an activist. I am however outraged at the marketing that has been pushed on Americans and what seems to be general cover-ups on the real conditions animals whom are raised as food producers. Yelling has never been my strong point so for reasons of wanting better health and the feel good side effects for animals and the environment I continue to my decision to avoid all dairy and meat products.One thing I hadn't anticipated was the backlash I got from friends and some family. Besides the outright disdain for my choice, from people feeling that my choice was a personal attach on their lifestyle in some way I have had to reteach myself to shop, cook and order from menus. I consider myself to be an outright food lover so I am not going to pretend I am some superhero that wasn't totally alone and terrified about "being different"... I literally teared up the first shopping trip I made to my regular grocery store and almost quit on the spot. The second day of my challenge I went to a BBQ where family was visiting and everyone enjoyed prime rib and butter slathered veggies and cheesy smashed potatoes. If ever there was a test for me this was it. I passed and honestly was a little hungry, but I couldn't manage to bring myself to eat a baked potato with nothing on it. I needed help and after the party went straight to the web where I found the Vegan Pledge and The Vegan Society . I had already been challenged and thought what the heck... some support couldn't hurt. They sent me a lot of great links to recipes and even assigned me a mentor.
Today I am proud to say I have yet to eat a salad as a meal... contrary to what most people think being a veg is about... I eat very well and don't feel the need to take naps after a filling meal. I have more energy and a mental fog that I felt was not being cured through caffeine. I'm serious, my local conglomerate espresso shop knows me by name and instead of my order they write my name on a cup. Scary. At least we only see each other one a day if that and now they write my name and soy.
In the end I want to reach out to people that are looking to talk to someone or learn about what it is to be vegan. Like anything in life it is a personal choice and degrees of commitment can vary. I just hope to share or help find resources, yummy recipes and knowledge as I go along... free of the preaching style influence I am very turn off by.
Until next time, Keep It Simple Veg
