Anniversary

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day I decided to "go vegan." After a year of being mostly vegan (I made it all the way to the end of August before eating an egg) I have a few observations: 1. I think I will remain a vegetarian since my body feels amazing without meat or dairy 2. Learning to cook with totally new ingredients is a blast and nowhere near as difficult as I thought 3. Most restaurants that claim to be "vegan friendly" are either bland, boring and unimaginative OR are what my mother would refer to as "hippy/crunchy" (no disrespect, she's a product of the 60s). What the former lack in flavor, the latter lack in atmosphere. 4. "Vegan" is as frightening to our society now as "vegetarian" was when I was growing up - it's a vastly misunderstood movement 5. There are TONS of reasons to become vegan, only some of which have to do with animals (and some pretty surprising posturing about which reasons make you "vegan enough" or "a true vegan") 6. Much to my amazement, I can function without coffee (I've had less than a cup a month!) 7. I love introducing friends to totally vegan meals and watching their surprise when they enjoy every bite 8. I've gained a new appreciation for anyone with a food allergy or sensitivity 9. The general public needs a serious education in what is found in and on their food 10. I am totally horrified/annoyed by the repeated question, " How do you get your protein?" 11. You do not need to invest in a bunch of crazy ingredients you've never heard of in order to be vegan (case in point, check out the Vegan Stoner blog) 12. It was completely worth trying! I hope everyone will give it a go (or at least commit to Meatless Mondays). Wishing you all a happy, healthy 2012! Valerie - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone