Three weeks and two days ago, I decided to go vegan for a month-- giving up my cherished organic milk, eggs and every other animal product there is...it has been an epic struggle. I am that nutty chick looking at each ingredient on food labels, Googling foods in the middle of the restaurant or supermarket to ensure that they are truly animal free, and secretly tossing the Honey nut cheerios a coworker gave me as a mid-morning snack because those damn buzzing bees we love to hate produced the honey...ridiculous! Nevertheless, it has been worth it.
Biggest realization: Even as a vegetarian for the past 10+ years, I was not getting enough fruits and vegetables in my diet as I should have. I would have much rather had a bowl of cereal than a bowl of zucchini & red pepper stir fry, believe that! I feel like the past three weeks have served to diversify my portfolio of recipes and foods to go to on a regular basis. Contrary to popular belief, I have not lost all my friends, all my common sense and have not been completely confined to myhome during mealtimes. I survived a week with my carnivorous nieces, a family BBQ with the world's best Brazilian cake and cheese bread appetizers. I have not drunk an ounce of the Haitian Cremas my BBF's mom made for me a few months -- NADA. I have been on my best behavior. DC is a very vegetarian/vegan friendly city so it has been great help to my 4 week journey. Shout out to Sticky Fingers Bakery http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/ for holding me down with the most amazing vegan cupcakes and the most orgasmic Breakfast Burrito on the planet! I cannot wait until Sunday to stop by for brunch again :-)
All in all, I am pleased with what I have learned. Hell, do not get me wrong, somewhere in my body, the gorda within is dying for Breyers Vanilla Bean Ice Cream but I would be almost as happy having a Tofutti Cutie next Wednesday http://www.tofutti.com/c-v.shtml
Bigger than the food challenge, I am continually proving to myself that anything is within reach and can be done. These insane mini challenges and adventures I put myself through every few months just reaffirm my inner "Rosie the Riveter", a woman that can conquer anything and anyone. If you cannot part with your glass of milk or cheese omelette to save the world, cool. Find another way to exercise your resilience, your will and ability to get the job done -- physically, professionally, etc. Never give in to the "rat bastard" within that constantly second guesses and doubts your own capabilities.
On another note, I have resurrected my pre-summer waistline and it feels great...*cues "Conceited" by Remy Ma*
I commend you. If I go more than 36 hours without some kind of meat or dairy product, I'd feel odd. I don't know if I have the fortitude to do the vegan lifestyle.
ReplyDelete