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Transition to meat-free, dairy-free
Started
by Bee
on December 6, 2012
Hello, I'm writing to ask for some input/stories/personal experiences. I think I fall into the 'flirt' category: not 100% meat-free diet, still enjoy dairy (but it doesn't agree with my IBS). I want to take baby steps to a healthier me, with food and with my personal care products *which I have started*. But in all honesty, I want to hear how others have gone from (baby steps) first going meat-free. What do you eat instead? What do you cook instead? How did you feel? I'd also ask these same questions about going dairy-free.
I've already gone to more natural personal care items - I couldn't just keep using stuff tested on or made with animals. I also had concerns over chemicals causing illness later in life. I've had good experiences with the natural personal care products, so my next step is taking that same mid set with my food.
I went meat free for 3 weeks... It was crazy the first week because everything I was trying to eat had some type of meat. I felt lost, thinking what will I eat?? Then when i noticed at all the food around me.. Everything had some type of meat and I was actually getting annoyed with it. I found it hard to keep up with the need of groceries because I wasn't planning out my meals right and portion wise so I'd run out or not eat it fast enough before it went bad. So I stopped.. And I was really down on myself. I'm going to start it again. I started one meal at a time, one day at a time until it became second nature looking for things without meat. Then when it comes the time to start letting go dairy and whatnot... I'm going to need help. I know it's not easy. I'm hoping I can't get support from here since some family members make fun of me about this decision. Hope I was of some help :)
Thank you for sharing ~ it means a lot! I have started to find meat-alternatives at my local grocery store. Since I was a child I have had 'allergies' to red meat in general. We have never pinpointed "what" in it caused me to get hives, but there are few brands I can eat safely. So I'm slowly stepping away from meat.
I have to agree - dairy is harder to let go of (>.<) It's so tasty! But again, like red meat - dairy and I don't get along well. It really aggravates my IBS symptoms. I'm going to buy and try some of the Galaxy Veggie Slices (soy based 'cheese') in place of dairy cheese. I already can't drink milk so I drink almond or soy. I hope it will be fun to learn to cook with new foods and try new foods also.
Heyy, had IBS too but since striving for a vegan diet it has massively subsided. Try not to rely on faux meat and diary products and really embrace lentils, whole grains and vegetables. This is my blog http://musingsofashrew.wordpress.com/ I try to update it every day and make really easy, cheap and quick vegan recipes. You'll LOVE cooking in this new way and start feeling amazing too.
Thank you Katerina for advice and support! I will happily check out your blog and read up on things. It's good to know I'm not alone in seeking to lessen symptoms by how I eat.
I'm pretty sure you wont miss dairy after a couple of months ;) if you phase out dairy products and replace it with a vegan alternative you will eventually find that you don't really need it. I've been vegan for almost half a year but it was harder in the beginning, especially by quiting cheese! After a while you will feel better without meat as well. Buy a lot of cooking books and read a lot of vegan blogs! It takes time but try to find your favorite alternative to whatever you want to replace. You have to reward yourself as well, enjoy food and spend more time on your passion!
Hi Bee!!
I am new to being vegan also. I made the full switch and wasn't flirting.... I invested a lot of money to veganize my kitchen. I donated the foods I had that I was not going to eat and purchased all new foods and condiments. Because I am finishing up grad school I am in an unpaid full-time internship for the hours for my degree and I am also working 20 hours a week bartending I've found the the biggest problem I have is finding the time to cook. I've read Alicia's book and a book called "Main Street Vegan" by Victoria Moran (which I highly recommend) and have a good idea of how to build a well balanced vegan meal but lack the time to do so. So I got a vegan slow cooker cookbook and have made some very delicious plant-based meals with all the kind foods in the crock pot and it has helped me stay the course because it lasts for a few days and can be taken with me. I am also a Midwestern gal... Cheese is a staple!! I grew up with a cheese drawer in the refrigerator! That was the biggest thing for me to give up but there are some delicious alternatives! When I make a tofurkey sandwich I use pepper jack veggie slices and I can't tell the difference! Daiya cheese melts so you can make pizza :) I also recommend "Skinny Bitch Book of Vegan swaps" which illustrates what vegan products are close to the real thing from condiments to dairy to snacks and meat. Hope this helps!!
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