So, This Happened Last Night

I've been vegetarian for over four years now. In the back of my mind, I always saw this as a stepping stone to veganism but wasn't sure when I would be ready to make that leap. Because in my mind, it is definitely a leap. Giving up meat is relatively easy. Giving up eggs, butter, milk and ice cream? Now that's a commitment. 

Someone recommended Alicia Silverstone's book to me weeks ago and I finally had time to sit down and read it last night. Two hours later, I had finished the book and made my decision. I'm becoming a vegan. Alicia's book is called, "The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet" and if you are at all interested in veganism or macrobiotics (veganism on steroids), I would recommend it. It's engaging and personal and she shares her journey with humor and honesty. I appreciated her candor.

She admits that being strictly vegan can be challenging, which I found interesting coming from someone who lives in California. I assume that to be the best place to live if you want a plethora of vegan options and variety in the markets and restaurants. Apparently, that isn't always the case. Her advice is to "make the best choice in the situation." Sometimes you have to slip back to vegetarianism to make things work and that has to be okay. It's more important to enjoy life than stress over an ounce of cheese that comes melted into the entrée.

This is going to be quite a journey for me but I'm ready for it. Wish me luck.

Comments

[Mary]

Wow! Good for you. This is a big step. Are you going all the way - not only food, but no leather shoes/bags/belts/etc and only buying vegan products? I've read Ms. Silverstone's book too. I liked it very much.

[Sandi]

I see myself moving more and more to vegetarian or vegan as I get older. Right now I'm focusing on teaching my kids to eat real foods. We still buy processed things like granola bars, crackers, tomato sauce etc. but I want to teach my kids that cooking is an important skill in life.