The Vegan Experience

Our vegan journey has ended. We have all made it without incident and here's the review.

The King's Response 

How was it? 

It was good - in that, it was a good experience to have done it. I didn’t necessarily enjoy the vegan culinary experience because there were many foods that I enjoy that I couldn’t have. The fact that most vegans are vegans to save other living things as opposed to health reasons is commendable but I am not as passionate about that part. However, I’m all for the health benefits though as I’m sure there are many. I steadily lost weight and my insides are likely cleaner to boot.

Were there any noticeable changes to your health? 

Yes. In terms of weight management, veganism works. I steadily lost weight. On the other hand, I have a nagging injury that I’m not sure wouldn’t have been better off if I had been able to have my animal proteins for regeneration.

What did you enjoy about it? 

I enjoyed trying new dishes, new food products and understanding that meat (nor dairy) is a required part of all meals.

What did you dislike about being vegan? 

Missing some of my favorite foods, which just happened to be barbaric.

Was it difficult?

Not necessarily. Can it be done? Obviously. Do I want to do it exclusively? No.

Will you consider adapting a vegan lifestyle? 

I would make veganism a larger part of my diet. However, I will save room for the occasional fish, beef, chicken and other things that I enjoy. Everything in moderation, I say.

Ally's Response

How was it? 

Veganism was a challenge but enjoyable.

Were there any noticeable changes to your health? 

I noticed that my energy has been boosted. My desire to hit the gym was organic rather than having to take a pre-workout.

What did you enjoy about it? 

My appetite increased, I snacked a lot on vegan treats. Also there were some more physical changes that I noticed. 

What did you dislike about being vegan? 

      It was tough being vegan, constantly looking at the ingredients to make sure that there were no dairy products. 

Was it difficult?
     Yes.

Will you consider adapting a vegan lifestyle? 

I will incorporate a vegan diet into my life but won't fully commit.

My Response

How was it?

  The vegan journey was an adventurous one. It was an opportunity to try a totally different way of eating. It was a sacrifice for lent to give up my usual diet and it served as a bonus - offering a chance to shake up my digestive system for 40 days and 40 nights. 

Were there any noticeable changes to your health?

      I lost a few pounds and that's a very good thing. 

What did you enjoy about it?

   I enjoyed having some of my family members joining me on the journey. It was also a cool experience finding new ways to prepare meals without the products that we usually use. I've also created some vegan dishes. We were also exposed to new ingredients to add to our seasoning section. 

What did you dislike about being vegan?

           There were too many restrictions. Honey was a no. I did not enjoy the vegan cheese. If it's made of cashew then say it's pizza made with cashew as a substitute for cheese. If it's soy/tofu with curry or barbecue sauce, then it's not vegan chicken or fish in curry or barbecue sauce. It does not taste like chicken or fish, the texture is unlike chicken or fish - especially for those of us who were not born into the vegan life. 

Was it difficult?

      It was a challenge for sure, the dining out options were also very limited. We have had countless spirited debates on what was vegan approved and what was not. There were way too many restrictions that I found to be a bit much. 

Will you consider adapting a vegan lifestyle?

    Absolutely. I can actually go some days where I have a vegan meal or a vegan day/s. However, it is important to note with respect to the vegan lifers, I will not consider myself a vegan but will take advantage of having the option of having no dairy days, no meat, poultry or fish. 

Overall, we can all say that we have experienced the vegan lifestyle. Now, on to the next phase.