I think the word “vegan” can unfortunately bring all of these preconceived ideas about a person. I know this first hand, because Big T and I experienced a failed adoption, and the excuse used by the birth mother was that she wasn’t comfortable with our diet. It made me think long and hard about how much I should share on here, but in the end I decided it’s a big part of my life, so here’s the short version about why I eat the way I do:
While I try to do my best, I think it’s fair to say that I’m technically not a vegan. I do have honey every once in a while, and I know there are probably some things in our house that were made with animal products (shoes, car tires, computers). I use the term vegan because it’s the easiest way to describe the way I eat. I don’t eat any dairy, meat, or eggs, and I try to keep the oil to a minimum. So technically, I follow a plant based diet. I started following a plant based diet about ten years ago. I was having some health issues, and was offered a scholarship for the McDougall Clinic. I had nothing to lose, so I went and followed a plant based diet for ten days, and to my surprise-I felt amazing! I’ve stuck with it ever since because it works for me and my body, and my doctors agree it was a great change. The big question I get is, “don’t you miss all of that good food?” I really don’t! Changing my diet has opened up my eyes to good food! I am giddy if someone presents me with a plate of roasted balsalmic brussell sprouts!
I’m probably the least judgmental plant-based-person you’ll ever meet. My diet was a personal decision, and I write about it on here because it makes me happy and it’s a big part of my life! (side note: Big T is a vegetarian for environmental reasons.)
Big T and I are raising Little T on a plant based diet. This is because he was also born with a few health issues that have since disappeared. His doctor and physical therapist all agree that he’s doing great, so we’re sticking with it until he’s old enough to make his own decisions about food. So far, Little T is a super eater. He loves curry, beet juice, kale, peas, carrots, and is a blueberry fanatic. It makes me happy to see him scarf down good food. 🙂
So that’s everything you ever wanted to know about the way we eat. We try to make all of our own food around here, and I love to share recipes and food pictures. I hope you enjoy it too, and please feel free to e-mail me if you ever have any questions about our lifestyle.
This Little Blog of Mine 
I know what you mean. Technically Im not a vegan but its easier to explain my diet using that term. But yes, theres a lot of jUdgment that can come along with that label!
My hubby is dairy free & pork free. Anything aside from chicken & fish is pretty rare for him. My stepkids eat absolutely everything unfortunaty (junk food included) as they are 18 & 24. My toddler is crazy fussy & has some food allergies. He is dairy free & pork free for sure. But he rarely eats meat, although he NEVER eats fresh fruits & veggies. Hes all about wheat & smoothies & rice milk. (I make my own rice milk & almond milk)
I found your blog through circle of moms
So glad you found my blog! I’ve added your blog to my google reader, can’t wait to get to know you and your family. 🙂
And wow, you make your own rice milk, I bet it’s delicious!
Thats actually just my secret blog whereI can vent without family members & inlaws viewing it, hehe. My main blog is http://fraugutentag.blogspot.com/
& I also have a recipe blog on blOgspot as well. So glad I found your blog
Veganism is a lifestyle. I know what you mean. People tend to use the word vegan very loosely which is ok as it can often help other people to cater for you rather than telling them you are allergic to such and such. A vegan diet can eliminate lots of allergy problems apart from nuts and seeds. The majority of meat eaters suffer from milk intolerance and allergy to animal protein but they are not aware until they cut those out of their diet.
So true! It is a way of life. I avoid products made with animals to the best of my abilities, but I could never say I’m vegan. I also eat honey every once in a while.
It did eliminate all of my allergies and intestinal issues. The biggest relief was getting rid of the migraines. So glad I made the change.
I had no idea you were a vegan. I became a vegetarian about a year and a half ago. My two kids and husband slowly followed. Once my husband joined me his acid reflux vanished. NO MORE CHEST PAIN!!
My daughter is almost 6 and still is struggling to understand why i don’t want her eating meat. I explained that if we don’t eat cats and dogs then we shouldn’t eat pigs chickens or cows. That makes sense to her for now.
We live in New York city so its very common here to be a vegetarian. Their are about 10 vegetarian restaurants within a mile of our house.
I enjoyed reading your entry about plant based diets. It’s been very interesting hearing the response I get when describing what I do as a plant based health coach and mommy. Glad to know I’m not the only one! Have a great day!
Oh, and my blog is theplantbasedhealthcoach.com in case you needed any new plant based recipes 🙂
I HANE BEEN ON PLANT BASED DIET FOR 1 1/2 YEARS AND CONTINUING. ALL ARE DOWN; CHORELS 120, LDL 65, WIGHT, BLOOD PRESSURE EVERYTHING FENDING OFF DR’S HEART PROCEDURE SO FAR. MY LATEST AIM IS TO ELIMINATE STATIN. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN FIND MORE PEOPLE LIKE ME SO THAT WE CAN FIND COOK FOR US. I DO NOT COOK. LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANYONE. WOULD APPREICATAE. NOW I HAVE A PERSONAL COOK JUST FOR ME.
THANKS