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!