It sometimes requires planning on my part. If I am going out with non-vegans, that means I might have to eat something in advance so that I’m not ravenously hungry at an event (in case there is no vegan accommodation – or if the “vegan” food isn’t really vegan); I may have to pack my own food; I may not eat anything. No matter what, I WILL be ok. Also, it is an opportunity to discuss and educate others. I usually feel very gratified by the experience.

I cannot imagine “dabbling” in veganism. It seems like a frustrating experience. Trust me, it’s far easier to just eliminate. Cravings change IF you allow your body enough time. It’s like salt consumption. If you over-salt your food, everything tastes bland. But after a few weeks of not adding salt, the body adjusts. However, if you keep adding small/moderate amounts of salt to your diet while trying to eliminate added salt, your body and taste buds continue to crave salt.

I went pescatarian w/o milk, but after watching Earthlings, I cut the shrimp & tuna out, then eggs, then… still working on cheese. I’ve cut down for the most part but the cravings come back and the only thing that hits the spot is Daiya’s wedges, but i can’t buy them all the time, so I end cheating with Kraft Dinner. I am just speaking honestly because I know there are people in a similar situation with their transitioning. But as my cooking progresses those cravings do not come on as often.

A Tip: I’m finding it easier to eat vegan by not concentrating so much on how your food is lacking whatever animal product. If it’s plant-based, YES, it’s going to taste slightly different. Different doesn’t always mean bad, but you have to acknowledge the flavours based on where they derived from. In other words, while most of us can taste the difference in vegan desserts from traditional ones (or in my case, real cheese sauce from the nut/soy-based ones), I don’t think it’s fair to choose between them: they are both good but the vegan one is made being in-line with your values.

As time goes on, more and more people will see eating and creating food that is made using ground provisions a great way to help ease much suffering in the world, and by being a living example of that… we make it look “normal” which is the best part. I hoped that helped