Honest review: 10-week vegan lifestyle

Photo taken by Maria Singh at Sage Vegan Bistro in Culver City, California.

Plant-based protein is essential.

While on my 10-week journey, I lost more than five pounds. This was due to the fact that I didn’t always fill up on protein.

Sometimes, I would eat a few vegetables and fruit and call it a day. Other times I would get creative and incorporate seitan, tofu or soyrizo. All of the weight I lost was muscle. So, I sincerely encourage you all, if you plan on living a vegan lifestyle, treat your body right. From beans to quinoa, there are so many plant-based protein options.

Not everyone accepts veganism.

I remember when I took my friend out to her favorite restaurant for a birthday dinner in April. While ordering, I asked the waiter if there was bacon in the green beans. Believe it or not, he laughed in my face! Another time, someone offered me a piece of their chicken salad. I said no thank you and they inquired why.

After telling them I was vegan, they said
“Just try it once!” However, this is not the sole response I received from everyone. Some people are very accepting and want to help you succeed as a vegan. One day my roommate even brought me home a chocolate vegan donut from Whole Foods. Let me tell you, it was amazing!

Living a vegan lifestyle made me healthier.

For some reason, this quarter at school was filled with endless opportunities for free food, which included pizza, fine cheeses and more. I was unable to enjoy the festivities. However, a lot of it was junk food so it worked perfectly! My vegan lifestyle saved me.

I truly enjoyed being vegan.

Prior to my 10-week journey, I was vegetarian for four years. Since I do have a love for animals and my overall goal is to be healthy, being vegan just felt right. My proactive lifestyle sometimes shields me from leading a fully nourished vegan lifestyle, so my goal is to carry many vegan values for the rest of my life, choosing vegan options when possible. I now “officially” live a vegetarian lifestyle. After much research and after feeling fantastic, I am positive I will never eat meat. So, have no fear, I still have a lot of tips, exciting recipes and my favorite –restaurant reviews. Yum!