Here I Go Again

Going Vegan- Take 5......


I can hear the skepticism in their voices as I announce my intent to go back on a vegan diet. They have all heard this before. All of my reasons (health, compassion, the environment) No one believes that I will stay vegan for long. Sure, maybe I will be a vegan for a month, maybe for  a year- but eventually someone will make chicken wings and then it's over. It's because I lack will power, and despite my best efforts, I always relapse on cheese and meat. This upsets me- I am not one to enjoy cruelty, which is basically what a chicken wing is...

I know a few things.

I feel happier, healthier and lighter when  I follow a vegan diet.
When you put garbage in your body, you get bad results.
I love fruits and vegetables.
I don't like cruelty.
Vegan diets are full of fruits and vegetables, and lack cruelty.

I should be a vegan.

My diet affects my family. What I eat is what my children eat. I am a mother of two sons, one who hasn't even started to enjoy the art of eating, outside of the occasional baby cereal, and one who is going on three, and lives off chicken nuggets and hot dogs. The more fruits and veggies I consume, the more they will consume. If they see me making healthy choices with my diet, they are more likely to follow suit. I hope. At least I can take comfort knowing that if they grow up and want to eat crap, it won't be my fault. Exposing the boys to the many styles and flavors of vegan cooking will help them to appreciate the art of eating, making it a pleasure, and not just an event that is crammed in to a jam packed day, usually occurring in the car, with fast food as the main fare.

I want my children to grow up with home cooked meals and peace of mind. I want to set a good example by following a compassionate and healthy lifestyle.
 Will they learn from me?
Who knows?
Will the husband join me in veganism?
Probably not.
Will he eat my vegan cooking (which is rusty from neglect) and shop with my dietary habits in mind?
Of course he will, as he has encouraged me to follow the diet I feel the best with. His support is crucial in the entire escapade. Without him, I just might fail...

The first three days of giving anything up are the hardest, and if you can stick with a change for at least 21 days, it has a better chance of becoming permanent. Vegan food can be epically good, but also very terrible and bland. My cooking skills need to be reinvigorated, and I need to relearn my way around the spice rack. I have faith in myself, despite the fact that my dinner last night was less that stellar (overdry falafel and under done tabouleh left a lot to be desired in the wow and taste departments.) My lunch today was better- Black bean and spanish rice burritos with homemade guacamole.... I was quite proud of my thrown together meal, full of freshness and flavor.

Then my three year old looked up at me and said "Mama, this would be better with some chicken..."

And so it goes...