I’m constantly asked how I exist on a vegan diet. A question asked so often, my face assumes that “Not again” expression. I’ve pared my response to a simple; I exist whole and healthy in front of you. I use my body as proof of my lifestyle choice. However, for those truly interested, I always explained in detail the variety of healthy choices nature provides for a meatless existence. But I’m finding many people lack a true understanding of veganism. There’s a major difference between vegetarians and vegans. The Vegan Society defines veganism as:
“A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
Vegans Diet:
The vegan and vegetarian diet are dissimilar in that Vegans exclude all animal foods and products. It’s a plant-based diet which excludes meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, and products such as leather and any products tested on animals. You might be thinking, No way! No pizza or ice cream? I admit it’s rather limiting and not for everyone, but there are great alternatives for every delicious dish you fear relinquishing. Vegans are a rather creative bunch, crafting plant-based alternatives for foods such as ice cream, pizza, pastries, even burgers. Okay, I’m not trying to sell my lifestyle but enlighten those considering a change.
So, is a lifestyle of veganism better? Hmmm . . . from personal experience, I can only answer yes. But there is no right or wrong, better or worse, between a carnivore, vegetarian, fruitarian, breatharian or vegan lifestyle. It’s a personal choice, and you do what feels right for your body.
But if you are considering a change to veganism, there are a wealth of resources. I’ve listed a few of my favorite links below. Enjoy!
Vegan Lifestyle and Recipe Sites
The Vegan Society: https://www.vegansociety.com/
Vegan Health: http://www.veganhealth.org/
My Lighthearted Kitchen: https://mylightheartedkitchen.com/
Cook The Beans: https://cookthebeans.blog/
Plant Based Web: https://plantbasedweb.wordpress.com/
Crazy. Sexy. Healthy: http://kriscarr.com/
Vegan Recipes News: http://www.veganrecipesnews.com/
Eat Drink Better: https://eatdrinkbetter.com/category/nutrition/eating-vegan/
Cadry’s Kitchen: https://cadryskitchen.com/
The Full Helping: http://www.thefullhelping.com/
Vegan Richa: http://www.veganricha.com/
The Minimalist Baker: http://minimalistbaker.com/
Pickles and Honey: http://www.picklesnhoney.com/
E. Denise Billups, Author 
I’m not a vegan. I guess I fall more closely in line with the “traditional food movement”, but it is funny to me how people look cross eyed at those who choose a different way of eating. Like… don’t you know there’s more than margarine and beef? lol It’s hard to understand. My own mother took a picture of me scooping avocado out of its peel (using it as a bowl) to feed my baby, laughing the whole time. Then she sent it to my sister. She’d never SEEN such a thing! lol I’m like… okay… It tastes good, it’s healthy, and I’m sparing myself a dirty dish. Just good sense here! 😉
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Hahaha! I like the avocado bowl , and you’re right there’s more than one way of being on this planet. And some are down right healthier alternatives. I’ve tried to live to the beat of my own drum (pardon the cliche) and admire others who do the same. You look like one of those individuals and I can’t wait to read more of your writing!! 🙂
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Cliches are useful. My mom always said my dad marched to the beat of his own drum, and I was marching beside him, marching to my own, too. My dad had his head run over by a hay wagon when he was a kid… I’m not sure what my excuse is. 😉 But as time goes on and my mom tells me more of the juicy details of her life, I can see she’s the same… She just hides it. 😉
Thanks for reading and following my blog! I definitely look forward to digging into your writing, too. 🙂
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This post is very helpful and I will certainly visit the sites you have listed. I decided to commit to a vegan lifestyle 7 weeks ago and my transition has been easier than I thought it would be, which I’m pleased about. Learning from people like yourself helps a lot in my quest to be as informed as possible. Thank you for sharing
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I’m always happy to see another person make the change to a healthier lifestyle. Although veganism is challenging at best, it’s doable once you commit! Congratulations on your new lifestyle!
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