Originally Posted by
TheGreenFairy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Id call myself vegan, been vegetarian for around 7 years and over the last six months (after reading a book called 'skinny *****')ive started giving up eggs and milk. Ill eat a banana most days for breakfast, lunch usually a vegeburger and dinner often a soup and or vegetables. I do treat myself every few days with something yummy, like vegan french toast, oreos (which are vegan) soy chocolate or soy ice cream. Apart from that i usually treat myself to yummy fruits, and as often as possible ill have a big bowl of green vegetables to fill me up before dinner. Ive lost around 26lbs from it so far, without exercising.
I think veganism can be hard to define because it is very difficult, and some say impossible, to become completely vegan. Even sugar is not considered vegan by some. Im starting to see it as a blanket term, or something to strive towards. I havnt gone as far as getting rid of my makeup that could have been tested on animals nor have i thrown away some of the leather things i own, like handbags or shoes, although im making a big effort to buy more animal friendly stuff from now on.
A littlle advice for anyone interested in becoming vegan.... pick up the book Skinny *****! Its not the sole reason i became vegan, but its definitely been the best resource for me. They also have a book called "skinny ***** in the kitch" which is a vegan recipe book that will put to rest any fears you have that vegan food might not be as tasty.
I would also recommend not trying to push your beliefs onto other people. Provide advice and assistance to anyone who is interested in having a go but you still need to understand that there will be people who will quite aggressively try to bring you down... its really not worth having a conversation with those types. Usually they just make wrong assumptions but sometimes they will argue and argue until your discussing philosophical things that you dont really care about. In the end whats right and whats wrong is down to the individual so if anyone tries to argue to the death with you about your beliefs my recommendation is to tell them to hit the web for the facts and leave it at that.
It makes me so happy to see more and more considering this lifestyle, indeed its made me feel like a better person, inside and out. I once said i couldnt give up chicken and when i became vegetarian i realised that wasnt true. Not long ago i was completely addicted to cheese and chocolate and nowadays i almost feel sick at the thought, and if i do get a craving for the flavour i have a soy cheese toastie or an oreo. Its great!
It's good to hear that you no longer eat meat either
I think it's great you've lost weight without really trying. I've since lost 10 lbs and slowly but surely losing a little more. The good thing about it is that we ARE eating and can pretty much eat as much of it as we want and still manage to drop a few pounds.
You brought up a good point about the whole Veganism being hard to define. I too have leather purses, shoes, etc.. but I don't think I can get rid of them because, well they were gifts. I do not buy products that were tested on animals, or atleast so they claim not to be. I don't purchase leather materials either. So I do my part and steer clear from those things. It is though 'possible'. I know of a woman who got rid of everything: clothes, furniture, food and even her stove because she insisted on living a truly raw, Vegan life. I know that I wouldn't be able to live that extreme but it can be done.
When you talk about those who push their beliefs onto others, it reminded me of several family members. I've mentioned to them that I no longer eat meats and dairy and they aren't too thrilled about it. So they snarl and bicker to me about how I'm going to hurt myself. I just remind myself that they haven't educated themselves about this lifestyle and maybe if they did they'd have a better understanding.
I've heard about that book Skinny Bit** but it didn't really interest me. I'm just assuming that it's telling you what to and what not to eat? Maybe I'll download it.
Also, I'm excited to hear that Oreos are vegan. I'll do more research on them though because I want to make sure, sure...haha! But that's cool because they're so good
