One Year Into Veganism: My Thoughts

It has been a year since I became a vegan! Although, in my perspective, it has been at least two years. I feel like 2022 has been ongoing forever—which is as interesting as it is nice. Today I wanted to sit down and think about what has changed ever since I decided to stop consuming animal derivatives. For starters, I want to compare it with vegetarianism, because prior to becoming a vegan, I followed a vegetarian diet for five years.

Veganism and Vegetarianism

It is impressive how much can change when you stop eating animal by-products. You quickly realise they are used in pretty much everything you can imagine. Desserts, most meals, frozen food, condiments (thankfully I was only ever a fan of mustard). Becoming a vegan means having to read all food labels, and always avoiding foods with unknown origins. This can be a positive habit, especially for people that can be sensitive to certain foods—gotta avoid an upset stomach!

Gotta read and reread those labels!

I am thankful for my years as a vegetarian, because they made the transition to veganism much smoother. About the vegan-vegetarian comparison, these two darlings are—in my opinion—rather different. They may come from the same mindset, like for instance loving and respecting animals, but there is a big gap between them. This does not mean one is better than the other, I believe both of them to be incredibly positive life choices.

What Has Changed?

The Physical Aspect

Ever since I transitioned into veganism, I have felt much better physically. I make more mindful choices, and I care more about my overall well-being. This could also be because I started to work out more, but I would like to give veganism credit too—fruits and vegetables allow me to do all the activities I want, after all!

Another factor that contributes to my happiness is the fact that I no longer feel nauseous after eating. I am lactose intolerant, you see, so even just a sip of milk or a bit of cheese would make me feel bad the rest of the day. Those problems are long gone now, hurray!

Various brands of vegan milk. They are perfect for my morning coffee!

The Mental Aspect

This is the most significant change I could perceive. Back then, I thought everything was all righty so long as animals were not killed, but my mindset is different now. I do not think it is okay anymore, though I do not usually say it. Why? It creates conflict, and—more often than not—it leads nowhere. There are many assumptions about vegans and vegetarians, so people might think you are this or that without actually asking for your opinion on the matter. 

As soon as you say you have a different diet from most people, everyone suddenly has something to say about it. It becomes a debate, when I simply want to eat my veggie soup. I get that it may be an interesting topic and perhaps they are curious, but sadly it does not feel like that. ‘Why do you do this?’ Is that why you are losing weight?’ The most common assumption is that I am not getting enough nutrients. I appreciate their concern, I do! I have read my fair share of articles about the topic. I also happen to feel great physically and mentally, so there is no need to worry—thanks, though! 

Vegan pizza balls, because why not!

Frozen goodies! We got vegan burgers, glizzies, and falafels.

I always say that health comes first, so if the time ever comes for me to change my diet because it is lacking something, I would not be stubborn about it. I wish to remain alive and happy, that is all. I am not here to judge anyone, I merely want to have a nice time. But how can I have a good time when the smell of meat is all around me? I have noticed that I do not tolerate certain smells anymore. But then again, this is all on me. I was the one who decided to change, so I have to remain determined and unfazed. I may not be able to have fish sushi anymore—my old favourite food—or cheese pizza—although it made me nauseous—but now I can have vegetable sushi and vegan pizza. Life goes on, everybody! Speaking of vegan sushi…

I Cook Much More Now

I have never been a cook. I was more of a baker back in the day, even though I only made vanilla-flavoured biscuits and muffins. After going the vegan way, I tried making biscuits once. It turned out too greasy, because I added too much coconut oil. It was also raw on the inside. My stomach did not enjoy it, but no problem! I do not crave sweets that much anymore, so no more oily biscuits for me. Although vegan almond ice cream is still a ten out of ten! There is always an exception to the rule.

I love having these as dessert from time to time!

Back to cooking, though. The prospect did not sound fun, and neither was the execution, plus having to clean up afterwards. However! Ever since my diet stopped me from eating most meals at restaurants, I gave cooking a shot. I started with simple dishes, like pasta and… actually just pasta. But now I can make more things! One of them being vegan sushi—I love it! Aside from vegan sushi, I also tried making onigiri, or rice balls. I was fun! Cooking might not be as bad as I thought!

Although wonky-looking, these rice balls were delicious!

Funny story, it took me two tries to find out how to properly cook rice. The first time, I boiled the water and the rice got stuck to the pot. The second time, I added too much water so the rice was mushy and stuck. The third time, I did some research and found out it needs to be cooked in medium heat. Since then, my rice has been fluffy and non-stuck to the pot. I was so happy that day! I love rice!

My second attempt at cooking rice. We getting places!

Hopes for The Future

I would like to continue down this path of carrots and corn, as happy as I can be. Maybe I will make an update when I reach my fifth veganversary, which will happen in 2026. Until then, I will most likely try some more recipes, hopefully it will be fun! Shout-out to fruits and veggies, they are naturally perfect in every way. 

Thank you for reading until here! Wishing you a happy day,

Shad.