For the first time since this adventure started, I was faced with the fact that this may be a life long commitment. I had always just assumed that I would last the month and then go back to consumption of animal products but heavily reduced. I didn’t eat a lot of meat before, but I figured I would have found healthier alternatives to everything I need making it easier to sustain a reduced meat diet.
The thought of a life long commitment got me thinking about what a vegan really is? While I am not a fan…okay I hate being labeled, vegans are very accepting of people wanting to adopt the lifestyle. I have come to find that the lifestyle is not as hard core as I previously thought. Minor infractions do not take away from the overall mission, and I completely agree with this. I was almost afraid to call myself a vegan after my day 1 infraction, but I now realize that is not the point at all. While in general, veganism is about excluding meat, eggs, dairy, and all other-animal derived ingredients, it is a very personal decision for each individual.
As for if I will stay, I am just going to say, “we will see…”. I will continue to explore what veganism means to me, and this process has been very positive and educational.
As for my physical state, all things are great. To many uncontrolled factors to determine if this can be attributed to the vegan diet, but I do feel better than normal. Weight and all other body stats are on target. I just started a 3 week training block and plan to up the volume and intensity as the racing season is in full swing. That will be the true test…
April 6, 2010 at 7:36 am |
Among the most important thoughts here: “[v]egans are very accepting of people wanting to adopt the lifestyle.” I am pleased to learn about this observation. Most vegans have strong feelings, but many (myself included) sometimes forget that derision will not win hearts and minds. That this community has responded favorably bodes well for its efforts.
April 6, 2010 at 8:26 am |
i love this definition of veganism:
Veganism is way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
As far as is possible and practical, that’s the part we need to remember before we beat ourselves up in our own heads. great post!
~wendy
http://conradvisionquest.wordpress.com/
April 6, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
As for if I will stay, I am just going to say, “we will see…”. I will continue to explore what veganism means to me, and this process has been very positive and educational.
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I agree with this approach. I take it day by day. Every day that I make the choice not to eat animal products is a day that I’ve done the right thing for my body, for the animals, for the planet, etc. But I’m only human. Mistakes happen, or I may have a weak moment where I lose focus of why I’ve made this choice. When that happens, I just pick up where I left off. Veganism isn’t about perfectionism or judgement. It’s about doing our best and celebrating our successes.
April 6, 2010 at 1:21 pm |
I appreciate the positive feedback, very thought provoking. I will continue to refine my definition of what it means to be vegan, and I love the idea behind ‘as far as is possible and practical’. It goes a long way to promote the lifestyle.