| 1) Why did you choose a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle? I didn�t; it chose me. After going from a high fat concentrated diet I plummeted into a vicious cycle of starvation (commonly known as an eating disorder). Low and behold, after dropping 150 pound in little under a year I am now suffering from internal health issues (centered around the stomach and colon) that are forcing me to exclude all dairy products (which I should have from the start since I am lactose intolerant to begin with), pork and red meats. On top of my health abuse I have also discovered that I had inherited a slow moving stomach and colon� all in all it just rounded down to it. Sooner or later I would have to come to this life anyway. Which is fine with me; I have always been fascinated with the idea of being vegan; something inside just says HELLO. 2) Family/friends reactions to the choice. I had mentioned it to my parents two years back when I was in high school. Dad flipped out, my family is pretty much a carbohydrate, meat and potato family (or should I say a McDonalds and chicken family). My father is a large man and my mom is always working so she eats salads and stuff while she is there. Though, since I have recently had an Upper Endoscopy that showed the damage inside they have realized that this may not be such a bad thing. My grandmother is all for it; she is pretty healthy and is deep into the world of herbs. On the other side; her sister is a Vegan and so is her daughter. 3) What sorts of adjustments did you go through? I am currently failing. Not only am I trying to cut out dairy I am also in deep need to cut out carbohydrates as well. Not to mention that I cannot have any pastas (its too heavy of a food and only makes the pain in my side worse). However, since I am lactose intolerant I have had a slight advantage in cutting out most of the dairy�. Until the ice cream comes around. 4) Do you see yourself continuing as a vegan/vegetarian; is it a characteristic you seek in a partner; would you raise your family vegan/vegetarian? I see no choice. I see the world of a vegan as a good one. One that I cannot wait to grip hold of and hold close. My boyfriend however, is recently going on a low carbohydrate high protein diet� he knows my past, my present and hopefully my future. He understands and is willing to help out. As for the family thing, I do not want a family, but if I did; I would. 5) Any personal stories/triumphs/comments? 1.) I hope that my first comment does not cause anyone to crudely judge me. I have learned from the things that I have done and trust me; I am paying for them. 2.) This is going to take a lot off effort. Changing the way you have been for 20 years of your life to something completely structured and new is a hard thing to do. I�ll miss a lot of foods. (Heck, I love food.) 3.) If anyone is thinking about becoming Vegan/Vegitarian; I would suggest doing it with a partner. Sometimes when you have to make a change this large on your own is a little hard. Support, understanding, and encouragement is awesome to have. 4.) And finally, to me� it�s worth it. |
| Why? |