Going Vegan in Alabama

Posts Tagged ‘Being Vegan’

Many people choose to become vegan because they feel the diet is healthier for them. They also feel it is more humane, and more environmentally friendly.

As a rule, most vegans and vegetarians do not have as many of the diseases that those who eat meat / animal products. Many people who already suffer from certain ailments and switch to being a vegan may begin to feel much healthier.

When vegans eat, they are fully aware that no animal has suffered at their expense. For some, this is one of the main reasons people become vegan or a vegetarian.

Although non-vegans, may view this diet as extreme, it really is not that difficult to switch. In the last few years, vegan foods and products have become much more plentiful and easy to buy.

One of the advantages of becoming vegan is the increased energy most people feel after a few months. With a diet filled with whole grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables, you would be amazed at how full you can feel by eating less.

Many vegans take it a step further and stop wearing any type of clothing that is an animal by-product like leather and fur. Again, in the last few years, more and more stylish non-animal clothing has become available and it is fully fashion-forward.

When people choose to become vegan, they are making an environmentally friendly, animal friendly and healthy choice. It is not as hard as it may have been even just 5 years ago. The availability of vegan foods keeps growing -- try it today.

There are a lot of "leftovers" that are good -- like leftover vegan alfredo sauce or vegan spaghetti sauce.

Yet, some vegans feel their leftover non-vegan items are not so good and give them a sense of guilt. For many it would be a great financial hardship to get rid of items that are non-vegan that they bought before they decided to become vegan. This could include leather furniture, wool clothing, even non-vegan makeup or lotions.

It is very expensive to run out and buy vegan makeup or vegan lotions -- especially if you are stocked up on non-vegan items. So don't and don't feel guilty. It would be more wasteful to throw it away unused imo.

And, replacing leather furniture would be a huge expense -- maybe sometime in the future you will have an opportunity and the finances to replace it with vegan furniture and you can donate it to a "charity shop."

Becoming vegan and sticking with it does make a difference. Make the steps as you can -- going all out, and throwing out could set you back and make you stop this healthy lifestyle.

As you extend your time becoming vegan, you will find that many non-vegans will tell you that they could Never be vegan. Yet, it may surprise you that anyone can become vegan -- even those who think they do not want to cook more, love fast food, or cheese or meat. It is amazing how you can reproduce your very favorite dishes, make them taste almost identical to the non-vegan dish -- maybe even taste better.

For example, for grilled cheese lovers -- try Tofutti cheese between that bread you're making (see 365 list).

In Sarah Kramer's Vegan A Go Go cookbook there is an excellen fettuccini alfredo even your non-vegan family and / or guests will love. It is very deliciously creamy (easily created with cashews and pine nuts).

Learning to cook as a vegan you will find that the flavors in dishes many times can depend on the spices -- not the dairy or meat.

It is quite incredible to be able to continue enjoying flavors and dishes that you love and still stick to a vegan diet!

To buy fresh basil or not? Some may wish to use fresh basil for vegan pizza or vegan italian recipes.

You may not wish to buy it. Ask yourself, will you use ALL of it? Or will it go to waste.

Think about all those specialty flavored products like vinegar. Some people have a big collection of vinegars and oils for special recipes. They use it once or never. They may just sit in your cupboard turning old.

Let's look at spices. Same thing -- alot of spices that are never used. If you can buy spices from a bin it may be a better choice. Buy the unusual spices at just enough for a special recipe.

Trying to figure out what staples that will be used over and over will take time.

There is no need to have a lot of special stuff -- for cookbooks -- there are plenty of good vegan recipes on the internet.

For many people who become vegan they may notice some good side effects:

* Weight Loss -- some lose as much as 10 pounds in as little as 30 days.
* Increased Energy -- with more energy they feel like being more active and may take walks, like 30 minutes a day.
* Sleep better, wake up easier and not tired during the day.
* Skin looks better -- not dry and cracklly, less breakouts
* More interest in cooking, although it takes more dishes and cooking utensils like stand up mixer.

Here are a few vegan products and good recipes found recently ...

Soy Pudding -- favorites include Banana & Chocolate

Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos posted about at Vegan Represent. Spicy and good.

Here are a few Vegan Sites & Blogs you may be interested in:

• Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe
• Vegan Essentials
• Vegan Represent
• Vegan Guinea Pig)
• VegWeb

  The vegan life may have been difficult several years ago -- no longer, there are lots of resources and products available now.