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How to Get Started for Real

Started by Shar Dalziel on October 12, 2011
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Shar Dalziel said #1 Oct 12, 2011 at 2:54am

Hi,


I get it in my bones it doesnt work to eat animals. And I am challenged. A few years back I read Joel Fuhrman's 'Eat to Live' and it totally changed my perspective on food along with all the environmental and ethical information I had already taken on. My question is, 'How Do I make being vegetarian a permanent change?' How did you get started, how did you stick to it, was it easy, hard, what were the things that made the transition easier? For the record I eat very little meat already, though I would love to get to the space in my head and my heart where there is just no way I can do it again. I look forward to your advice,


Shar x

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Arlyn Mabunga said #2 Oct 12, 2011 at 4:44am

Hi Shar,


Just remember that you're on the right path. This journey will be different for everyone.. I started by accident. I did Dr. Cabot's liver cleanse in 2003- it was 6 weeks and you are vegan the last 4 or 5 weeks. (The 1st week allowed eggs and seafood? Can't remember) Anyhow, I felt SUPERB. I gradually let go of meat, and became "pescatarian" (I ate seafood, eggs and dairy but no red meat, chicken or pork.) It was the easiest transition.


Of course I ate vegan whenever and continued to explore restaurants and recipes. It wasn't until I watched Food Inc. and read the Kind Diet that it really sunk in. Then I cut out all seafood and was mostly vegan, and occasionally ate dairy and eggs.


It just happened over time to be 100% vegan. My biggest weakness is dairy, because I LOVE cheese and french food.. I've been vegan for over a year now and had dairy 2-3x this last year.


Everytime I feel weak, I read the Kind Diet, watch Forks Over Knives, and watch the gruesome PETA videos on the mistreatment of animals. Going vegan has now spilled over to everything in my life and I feel wonderful.. I plan on making my own soaps and lotions to cut down on paper and plastic consumption, and only purchase eco friendly/vegan as much as possible.


That's what works for me.. Aside from no longer suffering acne breakouts and being "regular" and overall feeling of happiness, it's been a wonderful journey to adopting the vegan diet.



Good luck and hope that helps..


Arlyn


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Shar Dalziel said #3 Oct 12, 2011 at 3:53pm

Thankyou that is a great help, and yes, I have watched Food Inc. but will definitely checkout Forks over Knives and some PETA information. that will definitely help with my resolve. And of course the Kind Diet. Of course education is key. Small steps to start and soon it will be natural.


thankyou


Much love


S

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Kim T. said #4 Oct 12, 2011 at 4:02pm

Two good short online videos are Meet Your Meat, and If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls. Those really shocked me into viewing animals in a totally different light. I have found in the past with "diets" that I don't stick to the regimen because I don't have the commitment to do the best for myself. But, for some reason, after seeing these videos and reading Alicia's book, I find it pretty easy to do what is best for the animals. This has become a way of life over the past year and a half. And yes, I slip (usually on the occasional non-vegan baked good), but the idea of eating meat, a plate of eggs, or drinking a glass of milk...things I did multiple times a day for 38 years seem out of the question to me now. Good luck on your journey! And be kind to yourself. We'd all love to be perfect all the time, but life isn't always perfect. Just do your best, and feel good about the progress you make. Kim.

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