I live a “mostly vegan” lifestyle.  So what does that mean?

Vegan-ish types like me believe in the same core values as regular vegans do; we want to avoid consuming animal products to offer certain health advantages, reduce animal mistreatment and slaughter and lighten our footprint on the environment. However, I’m 15 weeks in and I’m still learning how to be a true vegan in this meat and dairy consumed world.

I decided to become “mostly vegan” to live a healthier lifestyle and I promised myself I wasn’t going to feel bad if I slipped up or made exceptions.  I try my best to avoid eating animal proteins & products, but sometimes certain ingredients fall through the cracks. These ingredients usually appear when I go out to eat or have social gatherings where the options for a fully vegan meal may be slim. When I don’t have full control of creating my meal, I try my best to make the smartest choices with my options, but I don’t hate myself if something I consume has an animal product in it. In fact,  I eat seafood (from the wild) on occasion. Yeah, I know. Eating seafood disqualifies me from being a true vegan. But having just moved to Florida from Arizona, I’m now surrounded by water and fresh seafood. How can I always say no? So I created a rule for eating seafood. I won’t prepare seafood in my kitchen, but I may have it when I’m out and about… aka: socially.

Because of this, I say I’m “mostly vegan” to not offend those true vegans out there who live 100% animal-free. I do hope one day, I can say I’m a true vegan.

Benefits I’ve Experienced So Far:

Well, looking for a way to lose some extra weight? Give up the meat and dairy! I have lost a total of 15 pounds since I gave up meat and dairy products. 15 pounds may not seem like a lot, but I am a “tny” girl. I have learned how to incorporate more vegetables and fruits in my daily diet. I feel fantastic! I never feel depleted of energy because I am getting twice, if not triple the amount of nutrition than when I ate meat and dairy daily. I feel lighter! I never feel full after a meal…I feel satisfied. I’m at a point now where I no longer crave the taste of meat or dairy. The smell actually, bothers me now. The smell of my co-workers yogurt makes me cringe! It’s crazy how your senses can change!

Negatives to a Vegan-ish Lifestyle:

My clothes don’t fit me anymore! Time to go shopping for new clothes!

Have questions for me? I’d love to help. Feel free to contact me here or via Facebook.