The KInd Life Community Forum

I just wanted to introduce myself. (Stand Up..)
My name is Julie and I am working with The Kind Diet also.

I live south of Chicago where eating a Vegan diet is not "popular" like where I work in Chicago. There is a small section in my local grocery store with organic products and a few vegan products. There are no Vegan restaurants local to me. I wish that we had some of the convienences like I see in Chicago closer to me.

I have already given up meat and am working on converting my dairy products. Reading this book and the other literature on Vegan diets, I am surprised that I didn't do this years ago. I realized that meat, mainly beef, and dairy have caused stomach upset as a teenager. I continued to eat them because of people around me saying "Where else are you doing to get your protein?" Even my 12 year old daughter asked me that question this past week when I was talking to her about changing my diet. Interestingly enough, she has the same problems with beef and dairy and I think that a diet change would be good for her too.

I am finding that I have plenty of questions and am looking for another Vegan resource book. Any suggestions?

I am also in a household of meat lovers and am having trouble wanting to fix their meals with meat. Are any of you successful with this?

I look forward to learning my way with you all!

Hi Julie,

I'm from West of Chicago, and though I have a Whole Foods nearby, I can't always afford to go there. I get most of my food from the local grocery store. If your store doesn't have something you want, ask if they'll stock it for you. I found that most grocers are willing to help.

I started my vegan research about a year ago when my 4 y/o had eczema that wasn't clearing up. Got rid of dairy products, and her skin cleared right up. My husband wasn't as excited about my research as I was. He loves his animal flesh! However, since I am the homemaker, and the cook, I took it on myself to just start trying different vegan recipes and have my family try them. We found a lot of delicious recipes that even my husband asks for again. I no longer buy or cook animal products in my house, and my family is better for it. My hubby says he feels better, so I am continuing my journey.

Tell your family you are going to try an experiment for just three weeks. Cook and buy strictly vegan for that 3 weeks, then allow your famliy one meal with meat. They will feel the difference right away, and know that your way of cooking is best. They won't want to go back to animal products (neither will you).

For more resources, check out anything by Dr. Neal Barnard. His website is www.PCRM.org. You can check out many of his books through the interlibrary loan system at your local library. I get his books and other vegan books from libraries all over Illinois. It's great!