When it comes to the vegan life, I am a complete novice. My initial attitudes towards veganism evolved around the notion that no meat means no happiness. After exploring vegan lifestyles, vegan commitments, vegan recipes, and vegan beliefs, I definitely see the attractiveness and benefit. Am I ready for a metamorphic vegan life? I’m not sure, but I am ready to find out after a week of living the V life! 

In high school, I was a committed vegetarian. My cousin was, and still is, a vegetarian, and it was a phase in my life where Birkenstock sandals and animal rights were the focal points of my early years. The collapse of the vegetarian life occurred a year before graduation where I just could not take another Thanksgiving without meat. Trying to convince a Colombian mother to appease to my food choices was inconceivable. Rather than setting aside a meatless dish, I had to find a way to feed my vegetarian stomach- pb&j sandwiches for dinner!

Needless to say, after abandoning the vegetarian life, I ate what I wanted, when I wanted, and without a care. Now in my thirties, I am forced to re-evaluate food in a completely new light. Paying attention to what goes in my body is more important now than ever. Little did I know that most people who are vegans, crossed over due to excessive bloating, food allergies, dietary restrictions, and the environment. I can definitely get on board with these concrete causes.

Before setting off for vegan week, I selected four resources to share that have helped me further grasp the vegan life:

• The Reluctant Vegan Podcast
  

• Jessica Seinfeld Food Swings (recipes/tips)
  

• Gwyneth Paltrow It’s All Good & The Clean Plate (recipes/tips/physician input)
  

• Alyssa Rimmer Simply Quinoa (Holistic Nutritionist)
  

All of the above resources did the leg work with their extensive researches into vegan lifestyle, cooking, and holistic measures to a healthier life. I thoroughly enjoy these, and hope you do too.

It’s a new year, and what a better way to start it than to try something completely new. I will share the joys and trials of each day being a vegan, and see what transpires. It’s all about the V Life! 

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The Vegan Life Journey

Personally, I prefer a balanced diet which includes fish, meat, and poultry. Every body is different with different dietary needs, and I noticed that my body performs better when I consume meat products. Am I disappointed at myself? Absolutely not! I will, however, feel pretty optimistic of having future days devoted to being a vegan and/or having vegan meals from time to time. (Vegan Banana ice cream just so happens to now be my favorite!) 

Thank you for being with me on this small vegan journey. I enjoyed it immensely, and look forward to adding more variety to life!