healthy

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!