As many (all?) of you know, I have gone vegan. I am not going to go into the ethical reasons for my decision here, since it has been explained much better elsewhere.
Instead, I thought I’d write a bit about what I have discovered/learned/found out about my food and myself in the process. Much more enjoyable, no?
1) It’s really easy. Actually eating a vegan diet is pretty darn simple actually. The four vegan food groups are way simpler to deal with than the “food pyramid”. B12 (the only vitamin not present in a vegan diet) is easily gotten through cereal, fortified soy milk, etc) and so poses no real problem at all.
2) It’s amazing how much of what we eat (even for dedicated “foodies”) is the same dozen or so ingredients. Switching to a vegan diet forced me to find and try new foods, new ingredients that I might never have otherwise ever encountered (Manioc anyone). My kitchen is now a whirlwind of new ingredients coming in and landing on my plate.
3) I feel great. Better than I have in years actually. I eat 3 meals a day and three snacks, and I have shed quite a few pounds (I was getting a bit “fluffy” there for a while). While not a good reason to go Vegan, it is a nice side-effect. Weight is down, energy is up, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.. are all now in the enviable range.
So far, so good. The effects of this choice have been nothing but positive so far. Of course, now I am more of a social pariah than I was before, but that’s just fine with me. I didn’t make my choice to impress (or annoy) anyone, and if my presence at their meals challenges their enjoyment or restores the missing referent on their plate, then they can choose to exclude me as they see fit. Their reaction had nothing to do with my initial decision, and it has nothing to do with it now. Their insecurity isn’t my cross, and I’ll not be nailed to it.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
Tags: cooking, food, living, vegan
These are the ramblings of 
I totally like the way you write and YaH for going vegan!!!! Definitely, check out http://www.buykind.com It is one of the most awesome websites. At buykind.com you can order online from some of the best award-winning vegan restaurants from across the country and in just a few days, a spectacular, mouth-watering CRUELTY-FREE feast is DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR!!! It is amazing and the best food I’ve ever experienced! ( - and OK - yes, I am a bit prejudice because this is my new business and when you get in touch I’ll give you a gift certificate!!) It is sooo much fun and sooo delicious and it is all about helping animals. Profit from buykind goes to help farm animals. I don’t think until it is seen first hand that anyone could imagine the hell that farmed animals endure.
Thanks for spreading the word about buykind - we are new and could use it. Cruetly-free food done right is the absolute best - the most delicious, healthiest , good for the environment and KIND! Vegans, those who choose kindness for all always, are my heroes!!
Interesting concept you’ve got there. I would recommend however that you tone down the screaming-eight-year-old design and aim a little higher on the professionalism scale. Nothing says “don’t give me your credit card number” like amateur web design.