It was shortly after my 42nd birthday, that I decided to become a vegetarian. The decision felt great, but even better, was the confidence and empowerment I felt when sticking with it.
Eating more vegetables meant going to the grocery store or local farmers market more often, and putting more thought in making creative meals that not only I enjoyed, but the rest of my family enjoyed too. It was challenging at first because I didn’t want my family to feel like they were being deprived of their favorite (usual) dinner protein, but at the same time, I wanted them to benefit from healthier eating. The family was very accepting though, and the vegetarian (trial) weeks turned into easy-going months and years. I’m happy to say that all members of my family embrace healthier eating habits now!
I turned 45 just a few weeks ago and my low-fat, meat-free, processed-free, mostly whole-foods regime has become more and more natural for me.. so much so, that making the decision to to go vegan just seemed to make sense. I did wonder, for several months, how difficult it would be for me to give up eggs and dairy, but when I finally dropped them from my personal choice of options, it really wasn’t a big deal after all.
However, there is the matter of eating out. Choices get severely limited in restaurants when you take away the dairy. All the dishes I favored had some dairy in them.. either in the cheese, or the dressing. My choices are to continue to order my favorites (like spinach enchiladas) without the cheese and salads with their vegan-option (usually oil/balsamic variety). This is fine, once in a while, but honestly, I usually just opt to stay home and make the meal myself.
I like having more control over low-fat, whole-grain, organic, and vegan choices. I”m not the best cook, so I have a lot to learn as far as making great tasting vegan meals, but that’s okay. I can be a picky vegan and learn along the way. I tell my husband to look at the bright side too. I’m saving us some money (by going out less often) and helping him get healthier too.
Thanks for reading!
by 
 |
