First two weeks in review
by parkcity, July 14, 2009 | Permalink
Today is day 14 of the vegan experience. I will admit it has been quite the adventure both physically and emotionally. Today is the first day I feel completely balanced both in mind and body.
The first week I did not eat enough as it took some time to adjust to the change in options and convenience. This caused my energy and spirit to take a beating. Once I realized what was happening I spoke with Corinne and got back on track the second week. Now I’m balanced in routine and conscious of the fact that I need to plan better to sustain the calories I need to be effective. At first I thought that I was feeling badly because of the lack of dairy, meat, and poultry. But in any change in diet the body will go through detox so you just have to power through.
Some great changes have happened to me since starting the vegan experience. I sleep so well now. Before I found it very difficult to wind down and stay asleep for longer than 2 hours at a time. Now I can sleep straight through the night until my alarm goes off. I now wake up with instant energy. Before I would wake up still tired and not feel fully awake until I was out the door and at least one cup of coffee in the belly. Now I wake up and am ready from minute one. I don’t drink coffee until I get to work and drink half the amount through out the day. I don’t eat late at night anymore. Before I would snack up till bed time and now I eat dinner and don’t feel the craving to snack anymore. I fell like this is a big reason why I’m sleeping so well.
Adjusting socially has been a learning experience as well. I went to a vegan BBQ the first week and it was great. Everyone there was eating the same foods and I felt no difference than any other BBQ I have been to. Then I went to a BBQ for the 4th of July, most in attendance were non vegan. Evan the host was very gracious in providing options but it was a reality check that things will be a little different when eating out with friends. It was the first time I really felt that I have changed my lifestyle. All of the foods provided and snacks were most of my favorites and I couldn’t touch them. It was like a kid in a candy store but the candy was behind a locked door but there were other kids inside having the time of their lives. I no longer crave the foods I used to eat and don’t really crave anything that is a substitute. I have no interest in a philly cheese steak vegan style. I would rather eat something that was created to be what it is.
Eating out has been an adjustment as well not only for me but my friends. Restaurants that have vegan options are where we go that simple. Most restaurants have options but you must be savvy enough to know how to order and communicate what you want. The ones who have notations on the menu are simply just awesome. I find that my friends often are eating better choices even though they are not vegan when we go out. Now going to a restaurant that specializes in vegan food is just the most amazing feeling. There are choices, confidence in preparation, and you are surrounded by people with similar passions. The restaurants I have dined at promoting vegan options are Vertical Diner, Oasis, Mazza, and Squatters. Mazza has been my favorite so far. My dinner was the most flavorful vegan meal I have had so far. Now a pleasant surprise can be in store if you go out to eat and vegan options are not on the menu. Just ask the waiter what is the most popular vegan meal ordered and cross your fingers. Twice the chef has prepared me something not on the menu vegan. Both times they were to best meal at the table hands down. When a chef can prepare something outside the box you know it will be special.
I was very worried that my energy levels would be at risk during this experience. I am very high energy everyday and can sustain those levels from start to finish. When my levels were low it had nothing to do with what I was eating it was all about the fact I wasn’t eating enough or drinking enough water. My energy levels are higher than before but I can wind down and relax when needed something I couldn’t do before. I also feel like I don’t need caffeine like before to get energy when I need a boost I eat my energy instead of drink it.
Tonight I’m preparing pesto from scratch for the first time. I love pesto on pasta and most if not all are prepared with cheese (didn’t know that). My fresh basil on the porch is out of control huge and a friend suggested I make my own and freeze it. I made a small batch tonight enough for 2 serving so I’m off to have dinner with my old friend pesto!
Tomorrow I will blog more about the emotional side of this experience.
Sincerly,
Jeff
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4 Responses to “First two weeks in review”
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July 19th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Sounds like you are having a life-changing experience - I’m glad you’re writing about it and have someone like Corinne to see you through. I went vegan 9 years ago, and I think that choice has been one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. The impact on my health, the lives of animals, and the environment is worth it!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Hi Jeff,
I’m not vegan (I love fish and sushi way too much to go that route) but I think it’s great what you are doing as we all need to expand our way of thinking and so many of the vegan food is and can be tasty. I’m looking forward to trying some of the recipes that are online.
You said you went to a vegan BBQ. How about a vegan BBQ Saturday instead of the beef burger BBQ? I think most of us think of grilled tofu and veggie burgers but it would be fun and educational to try some vegan BBQ foods outside your store.
Sincerely,
Camilla
July 27th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Ooo, I haven’t been to Mazza. I can’t wait to try it.
And I second Camilla’s suggestion for a vegan BBQ outside the store some Saturday. Throw Field Roast sausages or some BBQ Tempeh on the grill and everyone will love it.
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Very nice site!