Going Vegan: The Wild, The Weird, and the Wonderfully Delicious Journey
, by Kiana Admin, 4 min reading time
Going Vegan: The Wild, The Weird, and the Wonderfully Delicious Journey
When I decided to go vegan, I imagined myself as a health-conscious goddess, gracefully munching on kale chips and sipping green smoothies while radiating vitality. Spoiler alert: the journey has been just as chaotic as it has been beautiful. But oh, what an adventure it has been!
Whether you’re vegan-curious or just here for the laughs, let me take you through the wild ride of going plant-based.
Week 1: The Dairy Detox
Ah, cheese, my forbidden love. Saying goodbye was like breaking up with a toxic ex I couldn’t resist. The first few days, I swore I could hear my fridge whispering, “Just one slice of pizza won’t hurt…” But I resisted, fueled by my new mantra: “Dairy doesn’t love you back.”
Pro tip: If you’re giving up cheese, stock up on vegan replacements like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. They won’t fool you at first, but give it time—soon, you’ll be sprinkling nooch on everything like a pro.
Adventures in the Plant-Based Aisle
Going vegan is like opening the door to a magical new grocery world. Suddenly, I was that person obsessively reading labels and googling ingredients like “What the heck is xanthan gum, and is it vegan?” I discovered tofu (which I now consider a blank canvas of protein-packed joy) and learned that jackfruit can be transformed into pulled pork. Who knew?
But be warned: not all vegan products are created equal. That fancy “vegan bacon” might taste like cardboard. You’ll find your favorites eventually, but prepare for a few missteps along the way.
The Unexpected Energy Boost
One of the coolest parts of going vegan is how amazing your body feels. Around week three, I started waking up with more energy than I’d felt in years. My skin glowed, my digestion improved, and I finally understood why vegans can’t stop talking about it.
It’s like discovering a cheat code for life. Who knew plants could do all that?
But What Do You Even Eat?!
Oh, the classic question. At first, I thought I’d be living off salads and sadness, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Vegans eat everything—just plant-based versions. From hearty lentil soups and chickpea curries to creamy cashew Alfredo and indulgent chocolate cake, the options are endless.
The key is learning how to season your food. (Spoiler: paprika, garlic, and nutritional yeast are your new BFFs.)
Social Events: The Awkward Phase
Let’s be real: the hardest part of going vegan is explaining it to everyone else. You’ll inevitably hear, “But plants have feelings too!” or “Where do you get your protein?” (Answer: beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, quinoa… need I go on?)
Social outings can get tricky, but it’s all about preparation. Eat beforehand or suggest a vegan-friendly spot. And remember: your journey isn’t about perfection. Slip-ups happen. Forgive yourself and move on.
The deeper I got into veganism, the more I realized it wasn’t just about food—it was about living in alignment with my values. From reducing my carbon footprint to standing up for animal welfare, every bite I take feels like a tiny vote for the kind of world I want to live in.
And honestly? That’s pretty empowering.
What I Wish I Knew Before Going Vegan
1. It’s not as hard as it seems. Once you learn the basics, it becomes second nature.
2. You’ll make mistakes. Accidentally eat something with dairy? It’s okay. Progress over perfection.
3. You don’t have to be perfect. Veganism isn’t an all-or-nothing club. Every step counts.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you’re thinking about going vegan, my advice is simple: start small. Try Meatless Mondays, swap dairy for almond or oat milk, and experiment with plant-based recipes.
It’s a journey, not a race, and the best part? You’ll discover so much about yourself (and your taste buds) along the way.
So here’s to living our best plant-based lives, one delicious bite at a time. Ready to join me?
What’s the first vegan dish you’re excited to try? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to swap recipes!