60 Days of Being Vegan: What I've Learned
On April 16th of this year, I went fully vegan.
There were a few contributing factors to this experiment and even some surprising results.
Photo by Pasja1000 on Pixabay
Background
For most of my life, I was never a serious carnivore, especially during the last few years. The only animal-derived food products that I really consumed was chicken, few types of fish, eggs, cheese, and cream (I quit drinking cow milk years ago simply because I didn’t like the taste). Even then, I rarely ate cheese unless it was already mixed in with food, and eating red meat was out of pure convenience rather than craving. Basically, I was never a fan of animal food products and I really only ate limited quantities of it.
Aside from the obvious ethical and environmental reasons, I underwent this experiment because I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to know if I was capable of making a significant lifestyle change on my own accord and sticking to it. A test of personal willpower, if you will. I didn't set a finish line for myself; if I liked it then I’d continue, if I didn’t then no problem. Having already eaten plant-based foods before, though, I had a strong feeling that I’d be able to manage without much difficulty.
Unlike some new vegans who take their transition slow and gradually drop foods from their diet, I went in cold turkey. Like I mentioned before, I didn’t really eat much animal products to begin with. The positive part of this was that it wasn't hard to find substitutes at all. Plant-based diets are booming nowadays and you can now find vegan meats and cheeses with ease, at least here in the United States. This meant that I could easily “veganize” all the foods I would regularly eat.
Changes I’ve Noticed
By far the biggest change I’ve experienced is that I feel full with less food. The quantities that I eat now would almost certainly not satiate Alan from two months ago. I also just eat less now; not purposefully fasting but just eating when the need arises. In this respect, veganism has taught me moderation.
My digestion has also improved. Gone are the sensations of lethargy following a meal. If I happen to eat a particularly filling meal, it only lasts for a short time before my energy levels balance out. I’ve witnessed firsthand just how significantly meat affects not just your digestive system, but also your energy.
Lastly, I feel and look(?) slimmer. Maybe it’s just a placebo or wishful thinking. But my face and stomach area appear a few ounces lighter. I didn’t weigh myself or take before and after photos just because weight loss wasn’t a goal of mine, but I’m not complaining if it’s happened.
Obstacles I Faced
Okay, maybe the word “obstacles” is a little dramatic, but there were some things that I had to learn to overcome in order to make this change as easy as possible. For one, I really had to step up my game in the kitchen. I really only knew the basics of cooking but vegan diets inherently require creativity. Luckily I had the help of another vegan friend who was always there to clear up doubts and give me advice.
As someone who exercises regularly, the matter of protein was a big concern. Luckily, most plant-based alternatives contain nearly identical protein amounts. (Pro tip: beans in particular are full of it, especially edamame.) If I still felt like I needed supplemental protein, a protein shake did just the trick.
Conclusion
Going vegan has been a decision that I’m very happy with and I don’t have plans to stop. It doesn’t shake up my life nearly as much as I thought, and it’s helped teach me new skills and cultivate virtues. There are times where I crave cheese sticks or tuna sushi, but it doesn’t persist. In fact, It’s actually a great companion to my regular mindfulness practice.
Additional Resources
The Vegan Society is a website where you can learn more about veganism. It’s full of resources suitable for beginners or just those with questions.
r/vegangifrecipes, a subreddit designed to give you inspiration for your next vegan meal.
A study about veganism’s impact on the environment. The results will surprise you (in a good way!)
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