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Why Veganism?

I’ve been a vegetarian since boldly declaring in the 7th grade that killing animals for food is the worst things a human can do. Have I eaten meat since 2003? Yes, particularly during a study abroad in Brazil when NOT eating meat meant missing out on rich cultural experiences. This is an approach I plan to take with veganism as well - there’s no reason veganism should get in the way of trying new things and having “big picture experiences”.

Since 7th grade, my reasons for sticking to vegetarianism have evolved from animal rights advocacy to desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I will eat meat on “special occasions” but I just don’t think about meat in my day-to-day meal planning.

Here comes a confession: I’m a bit of a cheesetarian… I’m currently lunching on naan bread smothered in leftover spinach and kale dip, topped with melted asiago cheese. I estimate I eat cheese at 14 out of 21 weekly meals. I love cheese and I default to cheese. I mean, what’s a New York transplant to do in the great state of Wisconsin?! I went to cheese fest this fall and it was glorious! But cheese two-thirds of the week? No bueno. I know my tummy will be happier without it and I’m exciting to be adding veggies into my ‘default’ meals.

Why Now?

I had a chance to catch up with my dear college friends Kate and Betsy over winter break. This year for the holidays, Kate is gifting to people some of her favorite books and I was lucky enough to be the recipient of “The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Over 100 Vegan Recipes to Glow from the Inside Out” by Angela Liddon. This book is BEAUTIFUL! Kate jokes that Angela feels like a friend and I can see why. Her approach to veganism is very, well, approachable. I was 3 minutes late to work on Tuesday because I was reading this book. Sitting down and reading this book has become my new favorite hobby. It finally makes veganism something I am ready to tackle. I remember trying to go vegan once in the 8th grade, about a year into my vegetarianism.This amounted to me eating lettuce and strawberries for a week, neither of which I am particularly fond. Not sustainable. Angela’s book presents a whole foods approach to veganism: no 24/7 tofu, fake cheese, and empty substitutes. I’m ready to approach veganism by educating myself and trying as many new standards as I can.

2014 was also plagued with tummy-issues and running injuries. I’m hoping veganism will leave me happier and with more energy!

My Approach:

I’ve decided to come up with some steps to make this transition to veganism gradual and to not become overwhelmed. Here are my initial goals:

1. Cut back on cheese/dairy consumption using a 7,6,5,4...etc. approach. The first week I will allow myself to have dairy products 7 times during the week, the next week I’ll cut back to 6, then 5, and so on until I have cut dairy out of my diet entirely. I will track this in my planner.
1. Why not the same approach to eggs? Well, I don’t really eat eggs. I’m not imagining eggs/egg products to be as much of a struggle. Who knows, I may re-evaluate and add a similar approach if eggs seem to creep up on me.
2. Make a new recipe from Angela’s book twice a week, documented on this blog.
3. Use MyFitnessPal app to monitor fat/protein consumption. MyFitnessPal shows me that my current diet is very fat/protein heavy and I’ve heard that veganism tends to shift the tilt in the other direction. My goal is to find a BALANCE and I believe MyFitnessPal paints a good picture of where one needs to increase/decrease carbs, proteins, and fats.
4. Write in this blog three times a week. Evaluate how I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Report on ups/downs/progress. Keep flowing in a positive direction.
5. I am giving myself a three month time frame: January, February, March. I am allowing myself to “really make up my mind” about veganism come March. (Final evals due in March, so to speak.)

That’s it for now. I’m going to take it easy going into the New Year - for today, at least! Time to do some dishes, take a shower, and roast some green beans for an afternoon snack. Happy 2015 and wish me luck!

P.S. I will add that I welcome comments and suggestions, as I’m willing to take all the help I can get!