Vegetarian of 7 years considering going vegan, or virtually vegan
This summer has been a strange one. I'm not exactly sure how I got here (i.e. considering veganism) as I have always told myself it would simply be too hard because of hidden ingredients and the social aspect. I have been experiencing a lot of food aversion this summer maybe due to some medication I am on or perhaps some OCD tendencies and it has driven me to consider veganism.
I have been vegan for about 2 days now and frankly I am scared. Becoming a vegetarian was the easiest thing I have ever done in my life. And while I know I am perfectly capable of being vegan, I know it is going to be 200 times more difficult than being vegetarian ever was. One of the big things for me will be giving up a lot of processed foods and restaurant fare. Health-wise, I know this will be beneficial but I have always been a lazy cook.
My family is pretty much totally against my becoming vegan and I am pretty scared of their judgement as I am very non-confrontational. I also do not want to offend people by not eating food they offer me or make.
What was the biggest adjustment for you when you decided to go vegan?
I really want to go vegan as well, but most of the same things are holding me back. Like my parents wanting me to come over for dinner, its hard enough getting them to make a veg meal now, or going out with friends, etc. I have decided to take small steps though to make sure its a lifestyle I can live by forever, right now I only buy vegan food for my home, but will occasionally "cheat" if im out or at my parents, but avoid it if I can. Good Luck :) and if you pick up any tips please share : D
Being a college student, being a vegan can sometimes be extremely difficult. I tried last year, but living on campus and not having money for grocery shopping made it impossible; I lasted about a week and was so disappointed. Now that I live off campus and can buy my own foods it is MUCH easier. I've been vegan for only about two weeks now, but I feel that the storm has passed and now its a lot easier than I even thought it would be. Going out to eat is definitely a struggle with friends. I always have to make sure I have some sort of snack in my purse in case I find myself out for much longer than I intended. Skipping meals while you're out can lead to some bad consequences. I think as long as you want to go vegan, you can do it! Families always have the worst criticism (my mother's side of the family grew up on a farm with cows and pigs...being a vegetarian was bad enough to them). Have faith and you will be a happy vegan in no time! :D
Hi there. I am brand new here and this is my first post...
I am not actually a vegan, but I faced a lot of the same problems just becoming a vegetarian. I think the family issue is especially hard to deal with. On the one hand, you don't want to offend them or disappoint them when they make something for you, but on the other hand if they are really against you becoming vegan then making you non-vegan food might be a way of keeping you from making a choice that is right for you. Maybe try getting more involved with them and what they make -- like if they invite you over for dinner you can offer to go over early and help them cook so you can show them a new recipe you want to try. And if that doesn't work, just be honest and polite. You can still appreciate their efforts even while you stick up for your personal lifestyle decisions.
The same goes for the restaurants. I think it starts off being really hard, but you just have to remind yourself that this is your choice and will be ultimately rewarding. Then after a while there comes a point when it just isn't hard anymore. Like you'll get used to what kinds of things you can order, and you won't even want to order the non-vegan options. Anyway, that's how it was for me becoming vegetarian. I can't say it will be the same for you becoming vegan, but I hoped to offer some encouragement. I think it just takes time to get used to a new change like that, but after a while it will just become natural, and others will catch on too, until it just becomes a given. Good luck!
Hi there. I guess I'm lucky with the whole family thing: going vegetarien and then vegan was very smooth. My dad didn't and still doesn't fully understand, but I never get comments.
What I suggest for you is to take it a day at a time. If you eat an omelette, or have a dish that has cheese in it, no big deal. Maybe you could try being a vegan-at-home, and vegetarian when you're out. I recommend you read Victoria Moran's "Main Street Vegan" because it's basically like a Veganism 101, and it covers dealing with omni family and friends, and eating out.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
I went vegan for a number of reasons - animals, health, environment...I am also looking for support here, since I don't get a lot of it elsewhere. Luckily, my DH is veg, but we are Jewish living in Texas...Oy!
Well, I've been pure vegan for one month already. It's not as hard as I thought, although I have to make my own bread & bread products. And I haven't found a good ice cream replacement, but I find I don't miss it.