So I decided to become a vegan for 8 weeks starting January 2010. Not just vegan, but wheat-free as well. I had been upset with my efforts at weight loss and figured this would jumpstart things. In the months before my decision, I’d watched “You Are What You Eat” with that awful Gillian McKeith. I had no idea why I wanted to listen to her. She was judgmental and mean yet her clients all lost about 2 stone (24 lbs) in an 8 week period of time. So I figured what did I have to lose? Hopefully 24 pounds!
I did a lot of research regarding the various fruits and vegetables, vitamins and minerals. But part of my problem was that I am a really picky eater. Even though my taste buds have been opening up in my thirty-fourth year, I am still selective about what I choose to eat. So I went into the whole experience vowing to eat more vegetables and trying to find vegan substitutes for the foods that I liked. I experimented with wheat-free, dairy-free macaroni and cheese. I also tried wheat-free, dairy-free lasagna and cookies. Some stuff I liked and other stuff was disgusting.
I did a lot of research regarding the various fruits and vegetables, vitamins and minerals. But part of my problem was that I am a really picky eater. Even though my taste buds have been opening up in my thirty-fourth year, I am still selective about what I choose to eat. So I went into the whole experience vowing to eat more vegetables and trying to find vegan substitutes for the foods that I liked. I experimented with wheat-free, dairy-free macaroni and cheese. I also tried wheat-free, dairy-free lasagna and cookies. Some stuff I liked and other stuff was disgusting.
The first day wasn’t so hard. I was happy with the smoothies, soy burgers, and nuts. By the second week I kept smelling meat and chicken broth that no one else could smell. Also during this time, I started craving the pepperoni pizzas my roommate made on a nightly basis (this is no joke…every night). I don’t even like pepperoni but I swore that I was going to order one as soon as this experience was over.
At the beginning of the third week, I’d discovered these delicious wheat-free, dairy-free cookies. They were really good! Especially the chocolate chip kind. But I’m still craving the meat and dairy that I used to eat. There are really good substitutes for some things, but other things just can’t measure. As I type this, one roommate’s delivery pizza from Papa John’s arrived. The scent of cheese, pepperoni, green peppers, and dough waft over and envelop me. I feel like tackling him to the ground and eating every last bit of that pizza. Gorge myself. Mmmmmm…
Weeks four through five were really rough. I was getting tired of this regime and frankly, while I was still technically a vegan, I started venturing into the junk food side of things. I loved salt and vinegar potato chips, and experimented with candy that was vegan. As a result, I didn't lose quite as much as I wanted to. But still, 15 pounds in 8 weeks isn't too bad for a woman over 30. And so many times I wanted to cave. So many times I was a grouch because I wanted to eat "real" food. All I needed was a damn sandwich!!!
Around week 6 I started to freak out. I knew that the time was coming when I could partake of FOOD again and it was coming fast. Would I just go crazy at a buffet and gain the hard won 15 lbs back on again in one sitting? I started to evaluate myself and what I'd learned on this whole journey. Of course with some good talks with Sara, I determined that I needed a step-down process. I devised a plan that I would become a vegetarian for a week. Then add fish the next, follow it up with chicken the week after that and then finally beef. I don't really eat a lot of pork because it disgusts me so I don't see where I need a plan for that.
So where does that leave me? Am I going to be a carnivore? Vegetarian? Vegan? I've decided to become a flexitarian. I'd decided at the beginning of this adventure that I would only consider giving up a food if there was a vegan equivalent that tasted just as good. Milk--Vanilla Almond Milk is DELISH! Cheese--no good substitute and I won't give it up. Beef--MorningStar Garden Burgers are really tasty but I won't give up beef altogether.
The ultimate lesson I learned--salads SUCK when there isn't any cheese or chicken on them. So perhaps I'll eat more salads now apres-vegan than I did while vegan!
Weeks four through five were really rough. I was getting tired of this regime and frankly, while I was still technically a vegan, I started venturing into the junk food side of things. I loved salt and vinegar potato chips, and experimented with candy that was vegan. As a result, I didn't lose quite as much as I wanted to. But still, 15 pounds in 8 weeks isn't too bad for a woman over 30. And so many times I wanted to cave. So many times I was a grouch because I wanted to eat "real" food. All I needed was a damn sandwich!!!
Around week 6 I started to freak out. I knew that the time was coming when I could partake of FOOD again and it was coming fast. Would I just go crazy at a buffet and gain the hard won 15 lbs back on again in one sitting? I started to evaluate myself and what I'd learned on this whole journey. Of course with some good talks with Sara, I determined that I needed a step-down process. I devised a plan that I would become a vegetarian for a week. Then add fish the next, follow it up with chicken the week after that and then finally beef. I don't really eat a lot of pork because it disgusts me so I don't see where I need a plan for that.
So where does that leave me? Am I going to be a carnivore? Vegetarian? Vegan? I've decided to become a flexitarian. I'd decided at the beginning of this adventure that I would only consider giving up a food if there was a vegan equivalent that tasted just as good. Milk--Vanilla Almond Milk is DELISH! Cheese--no good substitute and I won't give it up. Beef--MorningStar Garden Burgers are really tasty but I won't give up beef altogether.
The ultimate lesson I learned--salads SUCK when there isn't any cheese or chicken on them. So perhaps I'll eat more salads now apres-vegan than I did while vegan!
2 comments:
I like the Flexitarian thing. That sounds like the way to go to me. :)
Yes! Yes! Last night (at midnight) I baked up some MorningStar "chicken" patties. Which sounds vegan, but I wasn't doing any wheat. The chicken patties were breaded and I ate them on bread. It was so satisfying and tasted like real chicken to me. So if I can afford it and it tastes good, I'll do it! (When ya get a chance, take a look at my political views on my FB page. LOL)
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