As you may recall, back in December I revealed that I had started following a whole-food, plant-based diet.  This was primarily for health reasons (as opposed to ethical ones), and since then, folks that know me (or read this blog) have not been shy in asking about my progress.

Yes, I’ve heard all of the “vegan” jokes.

“How do you know if someone is a vegan?”  Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.

“What does a vegan zombie eat?”  GRRAIIIINNS!

“How many vegans does it take to change a lightbulb?”  No idea, but where do you get your protein?

All jokes aside, some people are genuinely curious about the day-to-day aspects of my eating habits now, so I thought I’d share what I’ve learned thus far:

Where Do You Get Your Protein From?

The short answer is – everywhere.  There are numerous food items that provide plenty of protein that are NOT meat.  Examples include nuts, seeds, peanut butter, beans, chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms – the list goes on and on.  I have found it very easy to incorporate many of these foods into a salad or side dish, so the belief that “vegans don’t get a lot of protein” is really a myth.

Is It All Just Salads and Fruit?

Actually, no.  There are plenty of meatless alternatives (i.e. “Impossible”/”Beyond Burgers”, etc.) available at the supermarket, and a quick internet search can reveal hundreds of interesting recipes for vegan options.  I’ve picked out a few new recipes to try each week, and I keep detailed notes on the recipe itself on changes or alterations to get them “dialed in” regarding flavor and mouth feel.  For example, this week’s menu includes chili, a lasagna, potato soup, and a “chicken” tetrazzini. That being said, I do eat a whole lot more salads, vegetables, and fruits (which is not a bad thing).

Is It More Expensive to Grocery Shop?

Yes and no.  In the beginning, I found that I just didn’t have a lot of the vegan ingredients in my pantry (like nutritional yeast, tamari, miso paste, tahini, etc.) so the first few shopping runs were a bit more expensive than usual.  These days; however, I find that produce itself is much less expensive than shopping in the prepared food aisles, plus I find I’m eating more of what’s “in season”.  Additionally, since I’m not a “militant” vegan, I will opt for lower cost substitutes (such as a bottle of lemon juice instead of freshly squeezing lemons for each recipe, etc.).  Truthfully, if one chooses to go completely organic, the price tag rises pretty fast.  I also try to find recipes where the ingredients will pull “double duty” (for example, using two different recipes that call for cauliflower – that way I use the whole head), so I reduce food waste in my fridge.

Isn’t It Hard to Cook for Your Family?

As I’ve stated, I’m doing this for health benefits, not ethical ones.  So no, I’m not opposed to anyone eating meat and dairy (if that’s their preference).  It’s not like I suddenly forgot how to cook a piece of fish. In my house, I don’t “force” this diet on my girls.  If I make a total plant-based meal, I’ll often cook some meat on the side for the gals to add in (if they care to – which they often do – the eye-roll when I announce the entrée usually seals the deal for adding something in).  So, from a prepping and execution standpoint – yes, it takes a little more effort to please everyone, but since I like being in the kitchen, I appreciate the challenge it offers.

Aren’t You Hungry All the Time?

When I first started this style of eating, I found that I was often hungry between meals – due to the simple fact that eating a big salad fills you up quickly, but “wears off” just as fast.  I compare it to eating a Chinese take-out dinner.  You are stuffed when you get up from the table, but an hour later?  You’re hungry again.  To combat this, I tend to eat smaller meals, but more frequently (sometimes four or five times a day).  I’ll regularly snack on a banana or apple in the afternoon, or keep a bag of sunflower seeds or roasted peanuts in my office drawer to munch on when a hunger pang strikes.  I’m also trying to drink more water on a daily basis, which keeps the cravings down.

Don’t You Miss Meat and Dairy?

There are times – certainly.  I miss the wild and wonderful world of cheeses (but there are some vegan options).  I miss a good medium-rare steak.  Chicken wings.  Seafood.  I miss fried eggs.  I woefully miss crispy bacon.  As for dairy – I don’t have issues with plant-based milks (I just use them for cooking, anyway).  Sure there are other substitutes, but some don’t even come close.  I was gifted some vegan “jerky” for Christmas and it was like chewing on a wet mop.  Does that mean I won’t sneak a bit of my old favorites now and then?  Absolutely not, but overall?  I’m pretty disciplined.

Overall, Are You REALLY Noticing a Difference?

Honestly?  Yes.  My energy levels are up.  I’m sleeping better.  I haven’t had an acid-reflux episode in over two months.  I’m certainly more “regular” than I was before (and after a two week battle with excessive flatulence, even that has calmed down [and without the aid of any “Beano”]).  I’ve lost ten pounds thus far – without any portion control.  During my last eye appointment, my pressure readings were the lowest they’ve ever been (I’m on the front edge of glaucoma – where high pressure readings are a bad sign).  All good things, in my opinion.

Others in my family are also seeing a difference.  My brother in California has surprisingly also joined the bandwagon and states that his knee pain (from walking stairs) has subsided.  My wife has taken the “vegetarian” route and even she has seen some benefits.  Her joints don’t hurt as much.  She has fewer stomach issues than she did previously.  I’m not saying that this is all due to diet, but we’ve all seen some overall health improvements and the common factor in our stories is a change in eating habits, so draw your own conclusions.

So, is a whole-foods, plant-based diet in your future?  That’s completely up to you.  Do some research and talk to your medical professional before doing anything drastic.  All I’m saying is that it’s not as bad as you think.