It's been such a long time since I actually wrote something on here. This blog has definitely become a repository of Ella photos and quick updates on our busy lives. But I'm going to try to take five minutes to write a little something. If you find this kind of thing boring, feel free to check back when I've uploaded some cute photos. If not, read on...
Ok. I've been vegetarian for over fourteen (14!) years now. With no lapses. So after watching the documentary Forks Over Knives a few months ago, I decided to see if I could cut out (or at least significantly reduce) my dairy intake. The part where the surgeon was removing the cholesterol from someone's arteries was what did it. Really, really disgusting. But I highly recommend the documentary. It's streaming on Netflix if you have access to that sort of thing...
So I went a few weeks only having dairy every once in a while. And then I cut it out completely. It was easy. And I haven't really missed it. I am now starting the third month of eating vegan and it's been great. I never really considered doing this in the past because I always thought I couldn't live without things like cheese and ice cream. But I don't miss them. Instead, I'm spending a little more time cooking and am relying less on butter and cheese to add excitement to our meals. And we're not eating stir fry and rice every night. I've even been baking cupcakes and pies—all vegan. It's really easy to just not add the butter and the eggs. And there are so many great resources out there now, too.
Some people think I'm crazy. Even Brady is reluctant to embrace my new way of eating. But we've been eating lots of great meals (butternut squash curry, potato & kale soup, vegan spanakopita, calzones...). And I'm the one that does the cooking around here, so the family better get used to it :-) We still keep string cheese, yogurt and milk around for Ella. But I'm now using soy, almond and coconut milk in my coffee and baking. And last week, I found out that my cholesterol is still high. The nurse told me to eat more fiber (not humanly possible) and exercise more (now going to the gym 4-5 times/week). But the problem is genetic, so it's a good thing that I have no problem cutting out all animal products from my diet. I can't even imagine what my cholesterol would be if I did eat meat. I'd probably be on statins. So it's my plan to continue eating this way.
What I'm asking of you is to be supportive. I know that for most people it's a major pain in the ass to accommodate for a vegan. So if I'm coming to your house, I'd be happy to cook/bring something over/share a recipe. But I also don't want to hear any judgment on my decision to eat this way. Because it's just that—my decision. I'm doing it for myself and for my family—because I want to be around for a while. And who knows, you might just like it too :-)
