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newly vegan in chicago - need advice!
Started
by Kimberley Curda
on September 30, 2010
Hi everyone! I became vegan about four weeks ago after reading Alicia's book and watching the documentary Earthlings (if you haven't seen it, check it out). I've dabbled in vegetarianism for quite awhile now, only eating meat once a week or so, but after learning about the horrific things that go on in the meat and dairy industries, both my boyfriend and I decided to commit to a vegan lifestyle. The first three weeks were great - I loved experimenting with new foods/recipes, and I noticed my energy level going up and my waistline going down. I also noticed that I had more stamina for my daily yoga practice. But this week, I've hit a wall. I'm suddenly craving meat like crazy (and especially cheese!), and I'm feeling pretty grumpy and uninspired about what I'm eating. I haven't fallen off the wagon yet, but I feel like that's where I'm heading. I started re-reading The Kind Diet to remind myself why I became vegan in the first place, but still, these cravings and this grumpiness is overwhelming! Has anyone experienced this when first becoming vegan? Does anyone have any advice to share? Thanks so much! :)
Peace and love,
~Kim
Hello Kim,
I want to preface this by saying I am still on this Vegan journey myself, having made the switch in April of this past year. I definately have my days where I re-evaluate why I'm doing this when there is cheese in the world! However, I've found that living in Chicago is a blessing for Vegan options. My suggestion would be to have a "date night" and try some of the Vegan friendly places in the city for a meat-less meal (they tend to do it better than I can).
Suggestions:
The Chicago Diner, Karyn's Cooked, Pick Me Up Cafe
Also, I check in with this Kind Life blog pretty regularly to get new ideas and support. I always feel re-inspired.
Best,
Jessica
You picked a great time to become a vegan in Chicago! On October 9th, Chicago will be home to a fantastic free vegan festival called Chicago VeganMania. There will be wonderful speakers, chef demos, and live vegan bands all day, plus vegan food from some of Chicago's best restaurants, and dozens of vendors including nonprofit vegan groups, as well as a lot of fun, interactive ways to make new friends and get tons of loving support. Bang! Instant community! Saturday, October 9th, 10am-6pm at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse at 1419 W Blackhawk in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Also, that night, Mercy For Animals will be hosting a wonderful afterparty at Funky Buddha at Halsted and Grand. chicagoveganmania.com
Hi Kim, I know it can be tough at times. I at times get these cravings (all the while remembering the reasons I went vegan) and have found that they tend to get worse when I am hungry or upset. I try to avoid getting to the point where I am overly hungry and also have had to practice waiting the craving out. (They usually go away, especially if I don't allow myself to start fantasizing or thinking alot about what I am craving) I really agree with Jessica about treating yourself to a delicious vegan meal to re-kindle the motivation to stick with it especially since you are feeling bored with your food. Good luck and hope this helps!
Thanks for all the advice, I truly appreciate it! I'm excited to try out a few vegan restaurants around Chicago. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make VeganMania - hopefully next year! Thanks again. :)
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