I became a vegan almost a year ago. Initially, I did it for health reasons. Even after losing weight and exercising on a regular basis, my cholesterol and blood pressure were a bit higher than I expected so I eliminated the primary dietary source of cholesterol, animal products.

I thought I would miss meat, dairy and eggs more than I do but I have found there are plenty of options available and since I already ate a diet full of vegetables and beans/legumes, I had the building blocks for a sustainable vegan lifestyle.

As I have continued, I've found the ethical component of veganism has become more important to me, especially considering how these animals are treated when raised for food.

Ultimately, I have tons of energy and I feel better living a plant-based life.

@momopeach32 pizza is a challenge and I've yet to find a vegan mozzarella that mimics the taste/texture of dairy. I've learned to go without "cheese" instead of using substitutes most of the time.

@momopeach32 I will have to try their cream cheese. I used to eat more bagels prior to going vegan; now I have one, I usually use peanut butter on it

Hi! I'm actually a lifelong vegetarian (my mom became a vegetarian a few years before I was born), but I'm not a very healthy one. Because there were so few "meat substitute" options while I was growing up, I ate a lot of carbs, starches, and fats: pastas, potatoes, cheeses, etc. I got used to eating that way. It didn't really affect me much until about 10 years ago, and it's been a rollercoaster since then.

TL;DR: life circumstances have made it so that I really need to rethink my food intake.

Fast forward many years: I started really gaining weight around 2012. I lost some when I started running (but decided I hated running). Then I got a terrible gut infection in 2016 (c. diff, if you know it) and lost the extra weight, but then, while recovering, I discovered that my "comfort foods" were those same carbs and starches and fats, plus things like tapioca and vegan jello. I also learned that cruciferous vegetables - you know, the good leafy greens - ruin my gut. I can't eat broccoli or brussels sprouts anymore.

Between 2017-22 I went through a few more stressful events (fertility treatment, law school, moving twice, losing three relatives, bar exam), plus the pandemic, and... long story short I gained almost 50 lbs and became pre-diabetic.

I've now gained a better understanding of what healthy foods I can eat (and will enjoy) following the infection and my recovery. I have a food scale and a lot of kitchen tools, and I love to cook. What I'm lacking is a support group - and enough time to make good meals! I can work on finding the time; I'm hoping you all can help form that support group.

momopeach32 wrote: »

@infinicca - thank you for sharing your story with us! The last few years have been especially tough for everyone, and it sounds like you've also had other stuff going on too. Sending good vibes your way ♥️

I don't think we have many members in this group, but I hope we can help! It's good to have folks to talk to Welcome!

Thank you! Not to worry, I'm glad to meet you and I'll be around online a bit more - joining a challenge starting next week and I'm going to stick to it. I have to

Happy to be friends on here if you're interested, feel free to send an invite!

momopeach32 wrote: »

@infinicca Good luck with your challenge! What sort is it? A virtual one?

Yes! One on here actually, a Hogwarts challenge I've done before and where I know a handful of the admins. I stopped for a few years (yes, years) because I went back to school and couldn't pay enough attention, but it's been going strong forever.