Hello there! Let’s start off with a confession: I’m Sarah, a lactose intolerant with a self-sabotaging love of cheese and ice cream. In high school and early college I noticed that dairy (particularly cow’s milk and cheese) upset my stomach. Rather than address this developing allergy at the source, I purchased lactose pills, which, to the chagrin of my friends, I rarely remembered to keep on me, popping slices of cheese pizza at those fabled free-food events with gassy abandon. Stress only exacerbated my allergy: the higher my cortisol level, the lower my ability to process milk and dairy.
My second year out from college I worked at a vegan-friendly café (Alchemy) here in Columbus. To my immense surprise, with a few simple substitutions, I could eat everything on the menu without stomach pain. I tried smoothies and smoothie bowls, salads, and jackfruit sandwiches, portobello bacon and puffed quinoa. After every meal I held my breath, fully expecting my stomach to roil with rebellion as it always did, only to exhale when the torment failed to arrive. (Though I no longer work at Alchemy, it remains one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the city.) This experience taught me that I do not need to either a) rely on lactose pills or b) be in pain after every meal while still enjoying delicious, tasty food.
After leaving Alchemy I started experimenting in my own cooking and baking at home. Over the course of many months I introduced more plant-based substitutions for milk, cheese, and even eggs (hello, aquafaba!). I even tried a full month of vegan eating in 2019 before my trip to Japan. As of today, approximately 75% of my weekly meals are vegan.
A year has passed since I made a conscious effort to eat 100% vegan. What better time to try again than January – or Veganuary? I’m of the belief that, whether or not you’re the New Years Resolution type, January can provide an opportunity to try something new and push the boundaries of what’s possible. (I also love the optimism and ambition of New Years Resolutions, regardless of their statistical success rate.)
The Basics
What comprises a vegan diet? The vegan diet includes all veggies, fruits, grains, oils, and legumes and excludes animal products like eggs, butter, milk, cheese, and meat.
Why eat vegan?
My main, personal reason for why I eat vegan is that it makes me feel my best! I love the feeling of being able to eat without fear of stomach pain.
Additional reasons for “why” that I will delve into in future posts include: factory farming, environmental sustainability, and cost effectiveness.
I have given thought and consideration to my protein, vitamin, and amino acid intake. As I learn more about plant-based nutrition I will post about it!
So here we go! I started Day 1 of Veganuary this morning with a mug of steamy matcha tea with rosewater followed by chocolate, coconut-milk oatmeal topped with almond butter. I’ll be sure to include my weekly meal planning so you can follow along with me in my journey.
Comment below! Have you tried eating vegan? Share your favorite recipes or questions in the comments section.