The Kind Life
Tinkering with the idea of veganism!
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I have been an avid meat eater most of my life, but I just can't deny that I try not to think about where it comes from.  I'm owning up to it now, and just would like to know where to start...any suggestions?
Get Alicia's book.  Start out slow, as she says in the book, "flirt" with the idea of eating healthier.  I just started this past Sunday- I went "cold turkey" and stopped eating meat.  Added some whole grains, brown rice, and organic fruits & veggies.  If you get the book, try one of the recipes.  I know it's overwhelming, but just make a committment to yourself for 1week and see how it goes.  Good luck!!  After just 4 days, I am feeling great!
Definately try new things. I have found so many healthier replacements that I don't feel the need to ever go back to being a flesh eater. I wish you the best.
Start reading!  If you haven't picked up The Kind Diet yet, do that first.  Then, look at the library or bookstore for all their vegan cookbooks.  There's so much online information as well.  The vegan blogs are pretty entertaining to read, too.  Go slowly and don't be too hard on yourself.  Just wanting to stop eating meat is a huge first step.  I went from a lazy vegetarian to vegan in a few weeks, just tweaking a few things I buy.  I'm still not perfect, but I've made huge steps forward.  Alicia has some great suggestions for products to buy.  I now have an addiction to veganaise!  Wow, is it good!  And the Eden soy/rice milk blend is actually pretty yummy!  I cook a lot more now, and eat out a lot less, and I feel much better.  Cheese was my enemy, but no more!
I'm starting off with vegetarianism and hopefully veganism. I'm just starting with eliminating meat which isn't that hard for me. I still eat eggs and some fish but I'm trying to cut dairy too. Start small and work into it. I feel so much better and my body seems to really like a plant based diet. I always had problems with constipation but not any more. I hope that's not TMI  :) 
 A book I read many years ago stopped me from eating hamburger and red meats, especially fast food. "Toxin" by Robin Cook. Scared me to death.
 I'm waiting for "Mad Cowboy" to arrive from Indigo. Its about a cattle farmer who won't eat meat. Should be interesting.  Good luck.
freebird~ I just recently bought Mad Cowboy at the salvation army. Please let me know how you like it. I've not even opened it yet.
Don't forget about convenience foods. I have enjoyed many recipes from Alicia's book since I started in January, but when life got busy I was glad I had stocked my freezer & fridge with a couple of easy things. Sunshine burgers are great. Saute in a pan w/ no oil for about 10 minutes, put them on your plate w/ some lettuce & whatever quick food you have available & you're good.
Amy's makes a vegan burrito, it says "No Dairy" on the package. Takes about an hour in the oven so it takes a little planning ahead. Ezekiel bread & lots of nut butters & nuts help fill gaps in the day. I do think you need to add in the greens to feel your best. I really notice when I'm not doing that.
Good Luck!!
Last edited Feb 8, 2010
I am  new to this, I haven't had meat for months, but i don't think I am eating too healthy eiher... Reading the books are helping me thouh, going shopping this week though. Anyone in the NYC area, and can suggest a good store to buy the products? I was thinking f Whole Foods...
Hi Kizzy -- 
I live in NYC, and haven't eaten meat in months either, but I was also feeling like I was not eating well; I wasn't, I was living on refined carbs and I've found that Whole Foods has the whole shebang when it comes to following Alicia's recipes (and TONS of other vegan goodies to supplement).  I'm currently studying for the bar exam, so I'm back on coffee (whoops) but Larabars are my savior.  If you're looking for easy, yummy, vegan treats I highly recommend them -- the cashew cookie flavor is ah-mazing.  
Hope that helps! Melissa

congrats Dianne,good luck with your new decision. it's really not as hard as people may think... and there are some really great meat and cheese alternatives now to get your feet wet til you go all the way :)
ps: Whole Foods is amazing... also my local Stop and Shop has really expanded it's organic vegetarian/vegan selection as well
as for NYC I'm on 2nd Ave. in midtown... and there's a fantastic juice place, Juice King as well as a place called Health Nutz ! ! !
check 'em out ! ! !
Last edited Feb 8, 2010
thanks for the advice, will go there soon....
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