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What if I can't do it?
I really want to but I'm just not sure I can..........
Oh honey, believe me, if I can, you can! :) Don't defeat yourself before you start...little by little, just like Alicia tell flirters - a dish here and there, check out a veg restaurant, talk to us. Don't worry about going all out all at once. It CAN be overwhelming as heck, but don't let it be. Good luck and oh yes you can! :)
I gave up red meat and pork on the 5th of October and decided last week to stop eating poulty. I had a bad experiecen with a fake meat last night and it made me start missing meat. I don't think I miss meat itself, but I'm confused on what to eat as I live with 2 meat eaters.
Thanks for any advice!
I would suggest that you read other supportive books as well, The China Study and Eat to Live are my top 2 recommendations.
I went from eating steak one night to vegan the next day. I never planned to be vegan, only ovo-lacto vegetarian but it happened and I've never regretted it.
Living with meat eaters can be difficult but with some practice, it'll become a lot easier. I tend to avoid fake meat unless I make it myself and even then, it is a rarity. I like relying on legumes, whole grains, veggies, some nuts and fruit. There are some good meat subs and they have gotten a lot better over the years.
Ah, so this is really new to you, no wonder it's so bewildering! Me, I am so with you - had awful run-ins with meat substitutes, so when I went veg (I'm way far from vegan yet - and definitely no super-hero cape for me yet - LOL), I just steered clear - didn't even try to substitute meat...personally, as someone who (PLEASE DON"T HATE ME YOU GUYS :) ) ate it for most of my life, I don't think it can truly be done and that's ok! Again little by little, I'm missing it less and less and less, and absolutely I have moment where I/my body craves it...but that's much MUCH less now.
I've been meat free for a month and have never felt better. Hang in there!!!
Jennifer, I'm a culinary school graduate and cook. If I can do this, you can. My friends all think that I have gone crazy, but that doesn't matter. I am very new to this too. I flirted with vegetarian or pescatarian (fish only) growing up. In culinary school, that all went out the door to eating everything (required). My previous restaurant experience was also meat and dairy. I look at this as a challenge as a person and as a cook. I am not a fan of meat substitutes either, unless you count tofu. I have been vegan for a week, and I feel so much better and lighter already. I am hoping that I find a culinary path that does not interfere with my new vegan lifestyle. I'll work until I do. You can do this. -Patricia
Hi Jennifer! I know how overwhelming it can be. My transition to veganism took many years, as I grew up in a family that ate meat several times a day and still primarily hang out with meat eaters. When I decided to go "vegetarian" (ie still eat fish, eggs and dairy..hmm), I literally had dreams about a fresh roasting chicken, and the mere smell of meat made me salivate. I went back and forth for such a long time. I had been eating only local meat and dairy for a while, but my stomach was still finicky. I read a few books on veganism but never thought I would go all the way. I did it gradually, first by cutting out pork and beef, then chicken, then fish. We are talking a few years of change. You are trying to change quickly, so commend yourself! Awesome job! If you want more great, delicious, easy recipes, check out books by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, namely "Veganomicon," "Vegan with a Vengeance," and "Vegan cupcakes take over the world." These books aren't completely superhero like Alicia's diet, but they aren't unhealthy either, and the recipes are so delicious! For instance, I made chile-corn-crusted tofu, which really satisfies if I'm craving fried food, fudgy-wudgy blueberry brownies which are better than regular brownies, tempeh bacon and Tempeh Lettuce Tomato veganaise sandwiches...and more! Once you see that you don't have to give up old favorites, just tweak them a bit, veganism will seem much more friendly and doable to you :). Until then, keep experimenting and asking questions! And move at your own pace! You make a difference simply by eating a few less meat dishes a week :). Don't think it has to be all or nothing! Good luck! Safe journey!
Evie, I adore Isa Chandra and Post Punk Kitchen, woohoo - LOL!
Jennifer, there's Alicia's book and this site and soooooo many tools - a true embarassment of riches. :)
I love the "Kind" responses here. I've seen forums where people are so harsh to those trying to make a transition. It's definately not easy. I haven't had any meat since lunch two days ago. Its a battle that is going to take me a long time and I'm not sure where I'll end up. I just have to follow my heart, and not beat myself up as I learn things. I waiver hour by hour. One hour I think I can do this, the next I think I don't want to. Not sure where I will end up.
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