Ok, so I am being very quiet about my exploration into Veganism at this point. (Here is where you say: Hey! You have a blog and posted it on Facebook. You are OUT, girlfriend) Uhm, not so fast.
I mentioned to my mom today that I am eating a mostly vegan diet and got no reaction, which surprised the HELL out of me, quite honestly. lol I had a few coworkers give me this look (ok, you Vegans out there know what I am talking about, I bet you do!). It made me giggle slightly inside, because they looked at me like a 3-headed martian from space. Then it just got awkward. LOL Now, I really can't blame them, because we just had a conversation about the vegetarians in the office about 2 months ago and I had said I wasn't one and now, just a few short months later, I am touting the vegan flag (quietly for now) lol.
I am very hesitant to really say anything for several reasons. This is the first time I have seriously considered Veganism. I mean, I have gone on several bouts for several weeks at a time and even eaten primarily vegan throughout the week. But this it the first time I have paired my food intake with information. Information changes people. I feel enlightened. I feel violated (by certain industries and certain 'associations'), I feel liberated, I feel a little bit confused, and I feel a lot disgusted, but I am also excited about food.
Honestly, I started this journey with the idea to just really learn as much about nutrition as I possibly could and one thing was consistent; the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. But then, I kept asking why. And the more I asked WHY, the more I read about things that just thoroughly disgusted me. And how can I really consciously be a party to what I have read about and seen? I just can't do it.
But I do have a bit of anxiety about certain situations. Like family dinners. I am not well equipped to deal with too many outings right now. I keep finding myself in situations that are "less than vegan". But my plan is to meet these challenges head on and document them and try to avoid them in the future by coming up with different ways to deal with things. For example, I need to start carrying some of my own food with me. Like more nuts and fruit, etc for "emergency" situations. Also, I need to stock my work shelves with vegan soups, and such. Again, in case of "emergency". So if anyone is watching, I fully expect to slip up often for a while. And that is ok, because I will learn more and the more I learn the better prepared I will be in the future.
As a matter of fact, I am going to make a "Vegan Emergency Kit" and post it here! LOL
For now though, I am going to try to keep this a little hush, hush until I am better educated. But I know I am going to have to come out of the closet soon with a few close friends. I'm a little scared lol
Love the idea of a vegan emergency kit Andee! I often carry foods/snacks with me if I expect there to be few (or no) vegan friendly options somewhere :)
ReplyDeleteFamily dinners were a bit of a struggle for me at first as well, but they accepted, and adapted. If your family are even an ounce as compassionate and loving as you, I'm sure they'll do the same.
Any suggestions on what to put in my kit? I actually signed up for The Conscious Box (vegan version) so I am hoping I will fine some little gems to stock my emergency kit. I know nuts will keep well and dried fruit. I used to get these little bars at the local coffee shop (which essentially were fruit and nuts LOL) but they were really good, and vegan. My seaweed packs are good and will keep. Hmmmmmmm choices, choices!
DeleteI think it depends on the situation you're getting into. I like to keep Nakd bars at hand (http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/nakd/ - not sure if you can get them over there), and dried nut/fruits are as you say, excellent healthy snacking foods. Maybe sneak some chocolate in there too ;)
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