30 Day Vegan Challenge - Complete!

I just have to say this: I'm proud of myself! Why? I successfully made it through 30 days as a Vegan!  No milk, no cheese, no butter, no chicken, no shrimp or crawfish (that one's for you Louisianianss to gawk at!), no lots of things.  However, as much as I gave up, I've gained that much more.

I feel different. I'm not a doctor. and I don't understand the intricacies of the fascinating human body, but I've noticed real, positive differences in my body because I've switched to a plant-based, meat free diet. For the first time in a long time, I've probably gotten all the nutrients, vitamins, and fiber that my body needs. I have more energy, feel "lighter" and (excitingly) I have stronger nails!  I've been waiting for that to happen for years. This is likely a result of the increased amount of fruit, vegetables and non-processed garbage I'm eating now.

At first, I struggled with eating enough, and getting enough protein, fiber and carbohydrates in my diet.  Like many Americans, I've viewed carbohydrates as bad and scary for years. So, naturally, I didn't want to eat many of those. I found quickly that I needed this though!  Over the weeks, I got more comfortable with eating food sources that helped me feel full and energetic. I began eating more raw foods, organic fruits and vegetables, natural cereal bars, oatmeal, vegan bagels, salads, sweet potatoes, etc. It's grown to be less of a hassle and more natural. Once I discovered the vegan food pyramid, I began designing my meals to match it. One important thing I learned is that soy products should be an occasional diet option, not a regular one. Too much soy, like too much of anything, isn't good.



So to answer the question many of you have asked, I do plan to continue my vegan lifestyle. However, I'll be more flexible than I have been in the last month.  If friends are cooking or choose a restaurant with no vegan options, I will find a vegetarian option.  Easy peasy.  After all, for me, this is about living a healthier lifestyle.  I believe it's healthier for me to eat a bit of dairy than skip a meal altogether, so that's my game plan going forward.

One last note - this has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.  It's led me to new restaurants and foods that I otherwise never would have tried.  I live in the vegan capital of the world (Brooklyn), so I've had some world class vegan foods in the past month.  I still have more vegan/veg adventures ahead of me!