I've decided to go vegan...really

[Critters2]

After watching a disturbing video (another one--don't know why this was the one that finally did it) sent from my friend the pres of the Christian Vegetarian Association, I've decided to make a change. I've been vegan in my own home for 7 years, and vegetarian in other settings. I've felt less than good about this for some time. It's hard to be vegan when you have so many meetings over lunch at restaurants with few vegan options, or when the lunch provided is pizza (how did the Church survive for so many centuries without pizza deliveries?!). But I need to do it. I'll simply eat before I go to places where I know there won't be vegan options, and politely turn down the pizza and other non-vegan meals.

This won't be easy, but I need to do it, if only because my conscience has been gnawing at me for years.

So, I guess I'm asking for both support and advice, and I know I can find both here.

Thanks!

[pberq]

1. Congratulations and good luck!

I have also struggled with this issue - vegan at home, and vegetarian elsewhere (when there are no other options).

My latest plan is to carry nuts and seeds to go with a garden salad when eating out. Also, I have been checking out these vegan meal replacement products called Vega. They are not available in my town, but just by adding hemp protein powder to my diet has been a big help. Here's a post about this on another thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=231x15482#15578

[Critters2]

2. Carrying nuts and seeds is a good idea

And I'll look into the meal replacements. I've read about Brendan Brazier, and will look up his diet.

Thanks!

[flvegan]

3. Congrats!!!

I don't really have any advice, short of what you already know. You certainly have any support I can offer, though!

[Critters2]

4. Thanks!! My first test could come tonight.

Lenten soup supper at church. Usually, the vegetarian option is some kind of cream soup. But there's always salad, too.

[Critters2]

5. Tonight wasn't a test at all.

One soup was labeled "Vegan Lentil". Salad with oil and vinegar.

That was easy!