Hey guys... I'm a newbie to this group. I feel already like I'm in fantastic company :) I've been a vegetarian for a little over 2 years now and in the past year I've been trying to cut out as much dairy as possilbe. Milk and butter weren't the least bit difficult to give up but I've struggled a lot with eggs and cheese so unfortunately I can't say that I've been successful switching to a completely vegan lifestyle... although I do hope to get there! Watching Food Inc several years ago forever changed the way I look at food and I've been soaking up information about animal welfare and nutritional benefits of a plant-based diet ever since. It just becomes so much more than what you eat doesn't it?! It feels like it is at the heart of who I am and who I was created to be.

Anyway, I'm so thankful for this community and am looking forward to learning and sharing ideas with you guys.

Hi Amy,  I gave up red meat and pork years ago and recently gave up fish, chicken and turkey.  I have been meat free for about a half a year.  I understand about the heart part.  The main reason I gave it up is because I am an animal lover and don't want to be responsible for the death of another animal.  I also study Environmental Science in college and am conserned with the environmental issues associated with the meat industry.  I am new to this site too and just wanted to say Hey! 

Hi Amy!

Where are you in SC? I just moved to the Aiken area two months ago (from Michigan). :)  I love it!

I felt the same away after becoming vegan...that it is the way I was always meant to be, I just didn't know it yet! Best of luck getting rid of the last shreds of dairy...it's much easier than you think it will be, trust me!  There are so many yummy substitutes now, that I never miss anything. 

Take care,

Jen

Hi Amy,

It took me years to go completely vegan (and I'm still a very new vegan!), but the benefits of cutting out cheese have been pretty immediate! Good luck.

One of my favorite foods now is a pita pizza with marinara and tons of veggies and maybe, if I really crave cheese, a sprinkle of Daiya mozzarella. This has gotten me through many cravings so far, and I found some awesome whole-grain pitas at my local supermarket.

Cheers,

Alisha