The August Vegan

August as in the month, not its other definition, that is.

I decided that, for the month of August, I'd go animal-product free.  The decision was impromptu, nudged along by a week in Dallas during which I was so sick of heavy, meat-filled meals.  With a cruise coming in September, I knew I'd be eating lots of heavy, rich foods on the ship, so I figured I'd give it a whirl.

I've done a vegan diet for a week or two here and there, which is honestly no problem at all.  I wondered at the beginning of the month if I'd crave anything specific and if I'd be able to stick to my goal.  I did, and without much effort or unmanageable cravings.  The most difficult of the four weeks was the second week, after I'd become bored with my newly-limited choices in the cafeteria at work and the month seemed to have so many days left in it.

I can't say that I really felt any different or lost any weight.  But, then again, I didn't weigh in to check, nor did I adopt any other lifestyle changes I would if I try this again.  I incorporated no exercise and I made no changes that I know would help me (like going to bed at a regular hour).  And, the kitchen at home wasn't really ready for my snap decision, which makes a huge difference.

If I go animal-free for a period in future, I will have a plan together and try for a couple of months to see what changes I notice.  I'd be sure the kitchen was well-stocked with the right foods, have recipes ready, take my lunch to work every day, set aside time to exercise, and force myself to bed early enough to ensure eight full hours of sleep every night.  Perhaps those changes are more of a challenge than the diet!