On Sunday January 11th, I committed myself to going one month completely vegan.
For me, this was not that huge of a task. I have not eaten read meats for years, and only eat chicken when my boyfriend is there to prepare it for me. For the first 3 weeks of this month I was living alone in Victoria, therefor having control of everything that came into my house was a great help. I had already been in the habit of using nut-milks in my coffees and teas at home, and do not eat much yoghurt/eggs regularly.
Here were my biggest challenges:
PIZZA
There was quite a few days where it had been a long day and I would give anything to simply order a pizza for dinner and call it a day. I LOVE pizza - it’s one of my favourite foods. The thing is, it is extremely hard to find vegan versions UNLESS you order your pizza without cheese. Like seriously, vegan cheese exists it sucks they can’t afford that option. I made quite a few homemade pizzas either without cheese or using vegan cheese (which in my experience has been DELICIOUS every time). The day that pizza chains carry vegan cheese will be a grand day for me, but for now, this commitment is helping me break an unhealthy eating habit!
COFFEE
I am also an avid coffee drinker, and enjoy my coffee with some milk. As I mentioned, I am fine with milk alternatives and usually do this at home and will ask for these when ordering out. However, at many coffee chains there still is not always non-dairy options. This issue did not come up a lot to be honest but is worse when I moved back and would go through Tim Hortons craving for a coffee with my boyfriend.
Let me tell you: one month vegan. I was strict, I asked for vegan options, I informed people when staying at their place. IT WASN’T A BIG DEAL. I lost 4 pounds on accident - mostly just from cutting out dairy. I also managed to never get that gross feeling you get after a greasy (or cheesy/dairy/meat-filled) meal. Food is something to make you energized and feel good and being vegan really positively impacted me in that way.
Now, the first day I had completed my month of being vegan I had a coffee with milk. HOWEVER, I do plan on continuing these habits.
I believe that you can make your diet however you want and can make up your own rules.
I am going to continue to be vegan until... whenever I want... I am completely finished with meat. I am also keeping dairy out BUT will make exceptions to when there is no other options for my COFFEE. However, only after asking for dairy free options. This way the company knows there is a want and need for it - but I don’t have to deprive myself from something I enjoy in my life.
Another thing to consider is a title called "Freegan". This concept I find pretty amusing however very reachable for myself. It is basically when you are vegan UNLESS you are given something for free. So a freegan would never buy/consume dairy or meats however if they were at someones place and there was a cheese tray it would be fair game. I find this debatable as it somewhat goes against the ethical/ environmental/ health reasons for becoming vegan. BUT for those who do not want to take the step as they do not like to ask for their own special plate this could be something that makes it feel more attainable for them.
What do you think? Should I be expelled from the vegan community? Would you try being vegan? Or vegetarian? Or meatless Monday? Whatever choice you make remember that when you make a purchase decision you are making a political decision.
For now, I’m going to call myself simply plant-based!
Have a happy Monday!
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