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Bad start, need motivation!
Started
by Kelly Bevel
on December 5, 2009
I have been a meat eater all of my life. I really want to make this work, and so I'm starting slowly. I wanted to start last week, but travelling on a train for 4 days I decided to do my best, but not worry about anything, being that there were limited food options to begin with. I'm home now and getting settled, but on a very tight budget!! I'm at the point right now where I need to take anything I can get so I don't spend money. Therefore I'm just in the flirting stage of being a vegan. I want to live healthier and feel my best, and I hate what is going on behind the scenes of slaughterhouses, etc. I don't think I'll have a problem picking out foods, I just need help with my motivation!! I'm surrounded by all my meat-eating friends and family, so this will be a tough road to start. So, this is also my outlet to keep me motivated to keep going. Thank you to all of you out there who are taking this on as well, and I hope we can all help each other!
Hi Kelly...I'm also just starting out. This weekend I am trying a few recipes for the first time. I'm not sure about the taste yet though...Its a little different than I'm used too. LOL I hope I am able to stick with it. especially since everyone I live with are meat-eaters. I'm also on a very restricted budget. I went shopping today and couldnt believe how expensive some of the stuff is....Everytime I see something negative though I keep reinforcing all the positive things that can come out of this if I do stick with it. Good luck to you!!!
Hi Kelly! Isn't it great to have a website where we can go to find support? You sound like you have really made a conscious decision to move forward and that's really exciting. Remember that a lot of really inexpensive foods are vegan. For example, peanut butter and jelly, rice and beans, whole wheat pasta w/ marinara sauce. I try to avoid spending the big bucks on prepared vegan dishes and save the money for fresh produce. The prepared stuff is a nice treat when you get really busy, but it can be kinda pricey. Good luck with the flirt phase and wherever it may lead you...and remember that we are all here for each other! :)
Hey guys, I am also a newbie (5 days Vegan) and live with omnivores. Although my husband is super supportive of me he has no intention of giving up meat/dairy and refuses to let our 3 yr old give it up. He's concerned about our son's protein and calcium intake. I've explained to him how he can get those nutrients in a plant based diet, but he's unconvinced.
Anyway, even with that going on in my house, it has really been a joy to change my life and become Vegan. I've found it helpful to make batches of soups, polenta, oatmeal and things that, that can last a couple days in the fridge for myself. I've been cooking normally for my guys, and just substituting my pre-made food for the meat/dairy portion of our meals, and we all eat the same veggies.
As for costs, the initial cost of stocking your pantry might be a little high, but after that, your bills will be lower. I bought a 4 1/2lb package of chicken breasts today, it cost me almost $18. you can get several bags of veggies and beans for that much money.
So far I haven't been tempted to cheat. I feel so amazing and I know this is so good for my health. That's what keeps me going, knowing how much better I will feel and look. And the food keeps me full and satisfied. I've eaten less this week than I used to, without feeling deprived at all. I feel lighter and slimmer already.
So hang in there, it only gets easier. And you've got so much to gain!
I"m rooting for you! Like Lauren said, it may be a bit pricey at first stocking up the pantry, but once you get that done, it'll be more budget-friendly. But I'll tell you this - I've been feeling great since starting the diet, and that alone is worth the challenge of this particular way of eating.
Wow, you all are so great for sharing your stories! It is tough starting out, that's for sure. But I like hearing how everyone is getting through it and feeling better health even in the beginning! That gives me even more motivation! =D Thank you all so much!!
Jessica, this is hard. I went lacto-vegetarian about a year ago because I was diagnosed with type2 diabetes, so I researched everything and I am flirting with vegan as some recipes do taste better and with my family still eats meat and fast food, I tasted turkey on Thanksgiving and it tasted terrible. When have eaten meat they were organic there is a difference. but I had my 6 month checkup and my cholestrol isup so I am having to make a decision on moving on to vegan. So I need support, too. I suggest soy, almond milks are wonderful..I tasted regular whole milk and the taste is terrible..You will get used to this and the results will be there to convince family and friends this is the way to go.
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