Vegan Day 7/7

First off, Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! I'm so grateful for all he did to end some real awful crap going on in our country.

On a more vegan note, the week wasn't very difficult for me. Not anymore difficult than it normally is to meal plan, anyway. But I can see how long-term there can be some tough situations. I felt hungrier more often. I ate a ton of fruit. Overall I felt good, not noticeably fantastic or anything. Turning down cookies sucked. I might have lost some weight; Agid says I look skinnier. He made it to day 6. Meat, cheese, and milk are his favorite things to eat, so I was impressed he made it that long.

As long as what we eat keeps us healthy and happy, I don't think it matters much. I'm not sure that adhering to a strict vegan lifestyle is for me, but I will try to continue to be mindful about my food choices. It's important to consider the effect food has on your body and how it arrived to your plate, if you have that luxury. This was a mostly fun challenge but I'm glad it's coming to an end.

I believe that love and kindness matter most.

Here's an only slightly related MLK quote:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. 

Life-Changing Stuff About Things

I consider myself a happy person. That is a HUGE CHANGE from me just a few years ago. I've battled with being miserable for a long time. I would like to share my secrets to happiness:

1. A book called "Buddhism for Mothers." Highly recommend. Let me know if there is a book like this for the general population as opposed to just mothers.
2. Practicing mindfulness <<<<SO EXTREMELY POWERFUL I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH
3. Meditation - even just a little.
4. Giving up what I want now for what I want most (example: smoking cigarettes, lots of alcohol, excessive sugar in soda for better health). Advice courtesy of Ronda Rousey's mom I found in a magazine article.
5. More fresh produce.
6. Finding an activity I love and do consistently (running). Bonus - it gets me outdoors.
7. Getting outdoors.
8. Replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts. The benefit is doubled. Practicing positive thoughts (true example: I am grateful for hot showers) takes up headspace so there is less room for negative thoughts (true example: I am so awkward). Emphasis on practice.
9. Work-life balance. For me, that looks like a 20-30 hour workweek instead of the traditional 40.
10. Accepting my imperfections (I am enough) and practicing being kind to myself and others.
11. It's not about being fearless - it's about having courage and feeling that fear but doing it anyway.

For me, happiness is a constant work in process. It doesn't come easy, but it was so empowering when I learned that my happiness is in my control. I'm not a victim to depression or anxiety anymore. Oh my gosh you guys - these are my secrets to happiness.

Hippie Dippie Vegan Big Dealio

"I could never be vegan. Meat tastes too good. I wouldn't get enough nutrients. Where would I get my protein? I've eaten meat my whole life, and so have my parents and grandparents, etc." - Non-vegans when veganism is brought up.

I am living the vegan lifestyle for a week. Why? Several reasons, in no particular order. 

#1 I like experiments and the feeling of accomplishment after I complete a challenge. And I suspect it will be challenging. 

#2 To piss my husband off. That's what he thinks, anyway.

#3 I freaking love animals. Questions like, "Why the hell am I eating cute furry/feathery/fuzzy animals?" have presented themselves in my thoughts over time. 

I am fortunate enough to live in a time and place when and where eating meat or animal products is not necessary for survival and health. The more thoughtful I am about the origins of my food, the less I enjoy eating things like meat and dairy. It actually tastes less pleasurable. Try being thoughtful about where your food comes from the next time you eat. Visualizing celery growing out of the ground is way more fun than visualizing an underpaid worker lop the skinned leg off a lamb. (Sorry to rock your world like that)

However, if I were able to ascertain that animals making my milk or eggs were raised in humane conditions (air conditioned, carpeted houses with butlers and silver platters HAHAHAHAHA great joke) I would be able to really enjoy some cheesy scrambled eggs. I am not binding myself to any absolutes (ie I'm never eating any meat again!) because I am not a Sith, and certainly my values and thoughts on the subject will continue to evolve. Maybe I'll be eating a 4x4 with bacon next month. Who knows?

One thing I've experienced already just by nearly eliminating meat from my diet is the lack of support. Very few people have told me, "Great job!". I have gotten weird looks (from family!) and side eyes and have heard jokes that are sometimes funny but also hurt just a tinge. If coming out as partially vegetarian is uncomfortable, I can't imagine the courage it takes to come out as something more controversial. Kudos to the Caitlyn Jenner's of the world.

I'm not saying eating meat is wrong and I am right. I'm saying that for some people, giving up animal products does not need to be such a big friggin deal.

I'm starting in one week. I've already starting meal planning and I'm SUPER EXCITED. Please ask me questions or share some comments!