I did it. Thirty days without any meat. That did include fish and seafood, and other animals products such as milk (although I drank primarily almond milk), eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese. During this experience I discovered just how difficult it must be to eat vegan. So many foods contain animal products, even if you don't realize it. The last time I did this challenge I tried a vegan day and screwed it up by eating something that contained milk without realizing it. I didn't actively try this time, although I did eat many vegan meals and substitutes such as vegan mayo and vegan bbq sauce.
I suppose my biggest block to being successful with the vegan lifestyle is my desire for high protein content due to my goals of exercise and muscle building. However, after further research, I have discovered that protein really is not that hard to get. Protein is included in so many plant sources that do contain all nine essential amino acids. So the concept of protein combining is not really neccessary, contrary to many people's beliefs. Protein is not hard to get as it is contained in nearly all forms of food, and is the basis for so many building blocks of life, including plants, animals, and humans. It is present in the soil and in the earth. The notion that you need animal foods to get protein in your diet is simply not accurate.
The other misconception about protein is that so many people believe they need far more protein in their diet than they actually do. This includes athletes and bodybuilders. Protein isn't hard to get, and the amount you actually need is likely far less than you think. The average person needs about .36 g of protein per pound of bodyweight. Athletes need slightly more, but not to the extent that many "experts" recommend, which can be up to 2g per pound of bodyweight or more! More protein doesn't equal more muscle, and isn't necessarily better. Excess protein is simply more strain on the kidneys and liver, more chance of dehydration and fatigue, and increase storage as body fat. Protein deficiency on the other hand is incredibly rare and extremely hard to achieve.
Anyway, back to my vegetarian experience conclusions. I actually GAINED weight by being vegetarian, something I have struggled to do for a long time. I have not noticed any loss of muscle, and my body fat level seems to be about the same.
My energy level has been as good or better than it was before, so I didn't notice any real change.
I did notice some abdominal discomfort due to the increase in beans, vegetables, and fiber intake. It did ensure I was regular, however. I also ensured I was drinking adequate amounts of water to prevent dehydration.
One major strategy to success for this diet, or any diet, is preparation. Preparing meals ahead of time is the single most important factor for success. This saves time, and ensures you eat healthy when in a hurry. Making shopping lists and shopping for all needed ingredients ahead of time is of the utmost importance.
I enjoyed this journey, and believe I will continue to implement things I have learned into my lifestyle while cutting back on meat. Doing so will help the environment, my own body, and the animals. It will help out soil quality, air quality, reduce emissions and global warming effects, reduce disease easing the burden on our healthcare system, and so many other countless benefits.
I encourage anyone reading this to consider at least reducing their meat and animal product intake. It can benefit you, your body, and the world with very little if any negative consequences. You might even save some money, and feel better. The hardest part will be adjusting to the change, which is like everything in life.
Thanks everyone for reading and please continue to be physically and mentally healthy.
