Vegan Pledge Day 1: Man, this is for the birds!

I don't even know where to begin, except on a reflection on what today really meant.  This was day 1, meeting 1.  We sat in a circle, we shared our "whys," talked essential nutrients, recipes, experiences, met people at all different stages of life, lifestyles similar to and far different from our own.  It wasn't granola kum-ba-ya (spelling?), it was educational, provocative, and downright eye opening.

What I loved about the group is that nothing was physically or metaphorically shoved down my throat: no soy products, no vegan junk food, no animal abusive treatment stories, nothing.  It wasn't preachy.  I know that's what matters most to my husband. If he feels like you're selling him something, he automatically wants to buy the opposite, even if it's a super bad decision, like a universal studios fanny pack (god, I had one as a child). 

I don't want to get ahead of myself, but this 30 day vegan quest is more like a 30 day measure of my first 30 days as a vegan.  I'm going to experiment, probably have some tough moments, and then keep on keepin on.  This lifestyle appeals to me in every way possible, from the environmental and animal life impact to the health benefits.  I've got quinoa, sunwarrior, and kale by side, so don't ask me how I'm going to get my protein. I did my research. I'm good.  A vegan mentor of mine says "you do you" and that's what I'm going to do. 

Something that really stuck in my head was about dairy.  The growth and sex hormones in the milk that a cow produces is meant to bring a 40 lb calf to a 1,000 lb cow teenager in one year.  Holy shit. I wonder what that does to humans. Life without dairy feels great--its amazing when you do a mini-detox, then follow it up with a re-introduction of the product, what you learn about your personal self.

Day 1 was discussion, food tasting, cooking demonstrations, etc. Ate a fantastic salad with crisp spring mix leaves, apples, raisins, red peppers, cucumbers, and a delicious white wine vinegar maple mustard dressing.  I immediately went out and bought everything after the meeting.  For those coming over my house soon, expect that salad. :0)

The lifestyle will be tough. It takes a bit more planning, a bit more cook time, certainly a real commitment. It's so much easier to grab a few pretzels, than it is to grab and slice that apple.  But since pretzels are vegan, I can still have some. See, even my vices align with veganism.  

Day 1 was also a re-examination, a reaffirmation, of my personal why. Why make the change? Why introduce something that sets me apart from those I know, that makes eating out with others a bit more challenging? 

I hear people criticize and na-say, "Man, that's for the birds."  

And to you I say, well you're right: Man, this is for the birds. I'm doing this for all the birds, chickens, cows, cats, dogs, lambs, all those "Kevins" out there.  

Laugh away, I did my research. I'm good.