The Emotional Side of Being Vegan

by parkcity, October 16, 2009 | Permalink

Hello All,

It is October and I am still vegan!  Come November 1st it will be four months and couldn’t imagine not being feeling the way I do right now.  I have a few stats to share 3 1/2 months later.  I now weigh 168 pounds from 195,  I made it down to 162 but felt I needed to get in the gym and build some muscle back.  I work out everyday after work at Silver Mountain Sports Club at Kimball Junction.  I feel amazing and feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.  My energy levels are off the charts and feel like I could acccomplish anything right now.  

Emotionally this has been an adventure in itself going vegan.  Patterns in life were all out of the norm and sometimes I felt lost in what direction to go next with my vegan experiment.  So when I felt lost or out of my life pattern I just ate the most amazing vegan foods I could.  This gave me focus,  great nutrition,  and a balance to what I was doing.  There were many times when I felt alone in a crowd or amongst friends because they were sharing a great meal together of which I could not partake.  But I quickly remembered what flavors they were talking about and I’ve eaten everything so why couldn’t I join the conversation about the incredible flavor they were enjoying.  I still love food and sharing it with others so I learned that just because I don’t eat it doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate it.  

Another area of emotional debate within myself was the feeling around friends and family who didn’t know what a vegan was.  There were many comical statements made which get old but are still funny here and there.  The thing I had to adjust to the most was making people ok with the fact a vegan was in the house.  People would try and not serve certain things or change the menu.  I just wanted everyone to continue as normal and I would fit my way in where I could.  No waves was what I wanted most but the first time at someone’s house will always be waves just be ready.  I eat before I go anywhere, just in case.  Nothing worse than having low calories and trying to be funny.  I struggle enough with being funny so with low calories I have no hope!  Anyhow I’m always full when I arrive anywhere so if there is food I can eat great,  if not I’m still good.  You learn after leaving enough places hungry,  grumpy,  and tired.  

Being vegan for health versus politics.  This stance has allowed me to keep my distance from heated debates where there are not appropriate…like trying to have fun with friends and family.  I am always ready to debate.  Those that know me agree with that statement.  When it comes to animal rights I believe what I believe and want to focus on being a healthier part of my community first and when I ready to engage in that arena I will.  I have so much still to learn about being vegan I want to stay on track.  My goal is to sell the best foods available to my community and we do that well with the incredible team we have at the Park City store.  I felt I was on a path with my health that might not be great long term.  So I searched around and came to the decision that what I put in my body is the answer for me.  What I do with my body after would take focus and dedication.   So 3 and 1/2 months ago I changed what I put in my body,  workout daily,  and feel better than I ever have.  Going vegan for health reasons has been great for me both mind and body.

The first 2 months were very difficult to find my emotional place being vegan.  Having a supportive coworker structure was a must to turn the corner.  My friend Marc in Salt Lake City was very supportive in being open to cooking and going to vegan friendly places to eat.  Now I have great strength emotionally in my veganism.  This comes from the support of the team I work with daily,  friends I spend time with,  the fact I live near Whole Foods Market,  I live in 2 towns with great vegan cultures,  and the fact I really want to be a vegan.  Some of my friends now enjoy more vegan meals than ever before.  I like the fact that others would want to try their own vegan experiment…there is no better emotional compliment! 

Thanks,

Jeff

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