Last week I asked you to vote on an Instagram poll asking if you knew I was a vegetarian. Forty-three percent of you did not know about my diet. I felt like the worst vegetarian! I’ve written this post to make up for that.
When & Why
It happened over a long period of time starting the summer of 2018. My partner changed his diet to adhere to a vegan lifestyle and encouraged me to change mine. I did for the most part, but it was an internal battle to consume appropriate foods for a vegan diet.
What’s vegan mean? There are better definitions on the internet I’m sure, but I have a basic understanding of what veganism and similar diets are as I have lived through these lifestyle changes. Simple definitions here:
- vegan – no meat, fish, poultry, dairy; not a consumer of animal products
- vegetarian – no meat, fish, poultry
- whole foods plant based – limits processed foods and animal products
After several months of trying to be vegan, I decided it wasn’t for me. I love cheese pizza and queso and the ease of consuming baked goods without worrying if it was made with eggs or milk. I was also having a hard time letting go of chicken and it left me a little lost with my diet.
The Challenge
Around the time of these diet changes I started my yoga practice. If you read this blog post you know I fell head over heels for yoga. A 40 day yoga challenge seemed like it would be a great way for me to learn and grow in my personal practice.
In addition to completing 40 days of yoga, participants were encouraged to give something up for the duration of the challenge. Because I was having a hard time with breaking away from chicken, I decided it would be the thing I would give up.
Once I started the 40 days, it was easy! I had the support of many others who were also giving up things they thought they needed in their lives. I went one day, then 15, then before I knew it the 40 days were up and I had no desire to consume chicken!
Where I am Today
It’s been a little over a year since I have fully adopted a vegetarian diet and I feel so good about the decision I have made for myself! I’m really not the most observant person, but I do feel lighter on my feet. My weight fluctuates at a lower range than it used to, and my digestive health is better than ever.
I’ve been asked before to share what I eat and I don’t for a couple of reasons. I have never enjoyed cooking, so I limit my time in the kitchen and I can survive eating the same things over and over again that require little to no effort, like fruit! I eat a lot of fruit, dairy free yogurt, and meat alternatives.
There’s a lot of judgement surrounding food that I’ve noticed as a vegetarian. I don’t eat meat so I’m suddenly an “elitist.” I never judge people who consume meat at the same table as me, yet I am judged for not being like them. It has taken work to be proud of the diet I have today, but I have come a long way and I fully embrace the changes I have made!
It feels good sharing my diet with you all, I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey. Are you on a restricted diet? Let me know in a comment below!
XO, Vivian