Vegan for Lent

In several of my posts I've talked about this internal battle I have to eat well and to be aware of what I'm putting into and doing with my body. My childhood suggests that this is super granola, and I would have probably snickered at reading someone post about this when I was younger. However, we all have the right to grow and change and realize the errors of our ways. And the more I learn, the less I can ignore my food and lifestyle choices.

Speaking of choices...it is incredibly difficult to avoid things like brownies, cookies, candy, etc when they fill your counter space. It is also really frustrating when nearly every attempt to get to the gym is thwarted. Today will be a success (I hope). And anyway, no one is perfect...even though I might try my darndest.

And back to being vegan for 40 days. I recently shared with a friend my decision to be vegan for Lent, and her first response was "you celebrate Lent?" Well, not exactly. But I think the idea of giving up vices for a set period of time and meditating on the giving up and it's impact is useful in a spiritual sense, and I think it might be a great reminder to focus on my spirituality. In addition to that, one of the struggles I've been having is the fact that while I'm vegetarian for moral, ethical, health and political reasons, I still eat eggs and dairy which aren't much better than meat (and in some cases are worse). That's an internal dilemma, and I'm curious to see if being vegan brings more peace in that sense. Will it change my views? Reinforce my vegetarianism and help eliminate some of the guilt of not being full-blown vegan all of the time? Will I find that I feel better and have more energy and lose weight and lower my cholesterol?

And the experiment has begun. I've purchased non-chocolate soymilk, earth balance butter spread, soy yogurt and tempeh. Last night (aside from the crostini with mozzarella) was a vegan dinner (I actually make a lot of vegan dinners without trying because I rarely use butter unless I'm baking, I don't usually cook with milk or cream, and cheese is a treat for us because it's so pricey, eggs are the animal product I use most for dinners). And I'm trying to be aware of the things I'll have to give up or modify so that I can ease myself (and Mr. K) into this. No, I'm not forcing Mr. K to join me, but I'll be cooking food that I'll be eating, so it will be vegan. We'll be negotiating this process at some point for sure, because I certainly have no hesitation about buying him milk.

I've also been doing some reading on the nutrients and such to watch out for, and I'm focusing on organic soy (read The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals and Harvest for Hope: A Guide to Mindful Eating to find out why), cereals and "milks" fortified with calcium, Vitamin D, B12 and folic acid (in addition to my daily vitamin). I also plan to read Kathy Freston's Veganist as my next book (I'm about 3/4 done with Escapeby Carolyn Jessop about her escape from Warren Jeffs' polygamous community in Colorado City--one I'd definitely recommend, but more about that later).

I know it will be a challenge but I'm actually looking forward to it.

And so far here is a list of things I enjoy that I'll cut out of my diet come March 9th (just 22 days away):

• flourless chocolate fudge brownies (milk solids, eggs, butter)
• egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches (eggs, cheese)
• italian food with copious amounts of cheese (cheese)
• quickbreads (eggs, butter)
• most cookies (eggs, butter)
• vegetable gratins (eggs, butter, cheese)
• soda bread (buttermilk)
• hot cocoa (with milk)
• greek yogurt (haven't found a non-dairy alternative yet)
• bruschetta
• quesadillas

But here are some things that I can still have, and that still taste really good

• yeast breads
• many cookies (I have several vegan recipes, and they're tasty!)
• vegan chocolate cake (made with oil instead of butter, and cocoa)
• lentil dishes, soups, roasted vegetables, stuffed peppers, a lot of dinners!

I think it'll be good, and looking at the list of things I miss...it's mostly desserts and baked goods, which I could do without anyway.

Anyone want to join me going vegan, even if it's just once a week? I'll be posting the recipes I use and some of the dinners and desserts I make, along with how well the experiment goes.

I'd love to hear from any of you who've tried to cut back on animal products in your food or make changes in your diet.