I admit … I still have a lot to learn about being vegan, but I think my feet may be planted in the right direction.  I “went vegan” two weeks ago. No dairy (cheese or milk), eggs, chicken, fish, beef, pork, snake, rabbit etc. have entered my gullet.  Animals or animal products boycotted!  When I told my family I changed my diet, they all looked at me like I was a vampire who just decided to stop sucking blood.

—->”Why!?!” They all wanted to know. <—-

More than wanting to know “why,” they wanted to know how…

I am creating this blog to explain my process.  It is one of the most LOVING things I’ve ever done for myself, and in keeping this diary of my progress, I am hoping that others can benefit from my experience.

My decision has been right-on for two reasons.

1.)  Pure health – After eating a plant-based diet for two weeks, I feel like I did when I was 7 years old (I am almost 44 years old).  I have an exorbitant amount of energy.  My physicality is not stifled by pain.  I get hungry, but when I do, it is REAL hunger, not cravings.  I used to take Doxycycline for acne, Ambien for insomnia, and Advil on a regular basis for tingling, stabbing pain on the bottom of my feet.   I just threw all the medications away yesterday!  My body feels invincible.  Sleep comes very easily now, and my acne is no where to be seen.  Now for the good part:  I do not feel obsessed with my weight.  Something happened to my brain.  Instead of using my willpower to resist that Mocha Frappuccino or slice of cheesy pepperoni and sausage pizza, my brain actually ‘feels’ like bypassing the sugary, gluten-y, fatty choices.  Which means, I feel like bypassing the sugary, gluten-y, fatty choices.  And no, I don’t crave meat.  I do want cheese, but the good news:  There are some incredible vegan cheeses out there, and I will elaborate as I share recipes and tips.  My body is responding so well to this new wholesome eating, that pounds are dropping off slowly.  Simply by eating plant-based, I have been able to quell all my physical ailments and cravings.  PLUS, I eat as much as I want of the best kinds of foods.  This is the main reason I am such a enthusiast.

2.)  Respecting all Life – I love animals, and they share the planet with us. I am not going to say anymore about this now, but respecting life is a big reason why I have decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle. This connection is just happening now, after all those years of being an omnivore.  A late bloomer, no plant pun intended. 😦

Planning ahead is very important in order to ensure a healthy day.  If you truly want to see a change, a commitment is necessary.  You WILL feel unhealthy if your vegan diet primarily consists of processed vegan food and frozen vegan burgers.  Once you become familiar with all of your choices, it becomes easier.

Just because you decide to change your lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean your family is going to change with you.  If you are anything like me, there is a possibility you share meals with non-vegans (children, husband, wife).  That’s okay.  So do I.  Many of the dishes prepared will be palatable for everyone.  You may have to cook a hamburger or chicken every once in a while, but for the most part, everyone will enjoy vegan cooking.  I usually cook one vegan dish an evening.  Some vegan dishes are so complete from a nutritional and satiation standpoint, there is only one necessary.  I also cook chicken or beef (a sauté, oven-baked, or a bbq’d, marinated item) with a simple salad or vegetable, especially if I’m worried that the vegan dish will get the thumbs down.

Rule #1:  Get a crockpot! Many vegan dishes are delicious slow cooked.  Throwing everything in the pot at 9am will give you a delicious meal by 3pm.

Rule #2:  Don’t overwhelm yourself.  Buy the ingredients for one vegan dish, and try it.   There are so many recipes out there. I will start you off with some good ones.

Rule #3:  Find a grocery store that has a vegan section.  Always buy organic fruits and vegetables.

Rule #4:  Enjoy your food.  I mean really enjoy it.  If you don’t like something, don’t eat it.  There are so many options.

Rule #5:  Use Google.com to search for everything vegan – There are some informative websites out there, and I will leave you with one I love: www.theppk.com (Post Punk Kitchen)

Stay tuned:  more to come