After spending a summer in Europe, I came back to the States a pescatarian in 2008. Because I completely cut out meat, I found I was eating a lot of fish, shrimp, and other seafood. I Googled researched about our friendly sea creatures, and found that they have mercury in them. And me eating mercury freaked me out. So by that December, I was a full out lacto-ovo-vegetarian.
Being a dairy-eating-vegetarian is tough when you are lactose intolerant. I would eat ice cream and have the WORST gas ever within 10 minutes. Plus, I have fitness and health goals I want to attain. I felt like becoming a vegan was the next step for me. In December of 2011, I stopped eating all dairy products and went vegan.
You can do this, too. And it doesn’t have to take so long. Here are some tips:
- Research. Research. Research. Knowledge is power, and when you know of the dirty ways our animal friends are being treated, it will absolutely make giving up meat an easier decision.
- YouTube is a great option. There are amazing vegans who post videos daily on YouTube. Life Regenerator and Running Raw are my favorites!
- Learn the nutrition language. Carbohydrates, fats, protein, antioxidants, vitamins. What are they? What are some beneficial forms of each and some harmful forms of each?
- Talking to your family and friends about going veg isn’t always the best thing. In doing so, they might become judgmental of your choice. They may also tease you if you slip up and generally be unsupportive.
- Realize this is one of the healthiest decisions you can make for yourself. Your body is going to thrive and you will have all the energy to chase your dreams, live life, and deal with your personal struggles. Love yourself and your body, and go vegan!
- Baby Steps! This lifestyle has been sustainable because I took my time learning about it and really felt my body change throughout the process. I loved how every little healthy decision made such a significant difference to my body – whether it was weight loss, a boost of energy, feeling light on my feet, my running improved, etc.
Even if you decide NOT to go completely veg, having one vegan meal a week will make all the difference. You will feel the difference in your energy level, digestion discomfort, and mood. I challenge you to try it!
April 6, 2012 at 11:14 PM
This is great! Great information all in one blog. Hopefully someone will read it and will help change their mind. Wish I could reblog it!
April 7, 2012 at 6:34 AM
Thank you! That is my hope too.
April 10, 2012 at 2:23 PM
I went vegan only during fasts but I have been considering on making it into a part of my lifestyle. But talking about it with your friends and family is definitely not the way to start.
April 10, 2012 at 6:55 PM
That’s awesome! I’ve only been vegan for about 5 months and it’s changed my life. Amazing choice. All my best to you
April 11, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Good job ^_^! My longest has been a month and that wasn’t even completely vegan. But yeah, thanks for the encouragement.
April 11, 2012 at 2:22 PM
Did you like the way you felt when you didn’t eat meat or dairy? It really isn’t a lifestyle for everyone, but I believe it can be possible if you take your time with it. Don’t think because you had some “slip ups” that you can’t do it. You just weren’t ready. It happens! Experiment with different foods and spices, and you will be sold. The food is to die for. I’m working on some new recipes for my blog. Stay tuned.
April 13, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Yes, I felt really good when I wasn’t eating meat or dairy. I didn’t feel slowed down. But yeah I think I’m going to really be patient this time and go way longer. But yeah I’ll keep an eye out for your recipes and I’ll try them out ^_^.
June 1, 2012 at 8:17 AM
[...] * A Marathoner that switched to vegan raw food [...]
June 21, 2012 at 8:56 PM
I got to admit I’m not a vegan, but if I were with someone as beautiful as you are I’d consider it!
June 23, 2012 at 2:23 PM
ahhh
September 13, 2012 at 10:28 AM
8 day’s no meat cheese milk eggs or honey. I feel better physically, but mostly mentally. I will never agian assist in the harm of animals I am 32 and never in my life seen how bad the slaughter house were till 8 days ago Now my Boy friend and 16 yr old daughter are on board and I make it a point to post the truth about animal abuse and consumption everyday on my Face Book page
October 28, 2012 at 8:05 PM
Not vegan yet, although that is my next step from vegetarianism. I am taking it one step at a time. Great post.