For some reason, I can stay on track 100% during the work week, but when it comes to the weekend, I can't seem to stay away from dairy.  It's not an "I'm addicted" thing and have it throughout the weekend, but more of a once or twice occurrence because of the situation I'm in.  My man isn't vegan, but eats vegan foods during week night dinners.  On the weekends, we're usually on the go or out with friends, so it's easier to make a grilled cheese if we're in a rush, or when out with friends, it's easier to just eat what's offered because - sometimes - I don't just want carrot sticks or a salad....

Well, yesterday (Sunday), my man decided to smoke a brisket because he got a new smoker (last year before TKL) and wanted to actually use it....wow.  As much as I would love to say that I was strong and DIDN'T have any - I caved and ate some for dinner last night.  This was the first meat I've had since early July, and my stomach felt  tight, bloated, crampy, and just plain horrible after.  I'm not sure if it was just because I ate meat or because I felt so guilty afterwards.

Does anyone else have times/days to where it's just harder than others to stay the course?  Whether it be out with friends, on the weekends, or with your non-vegan significant other?

I don't.  I think its easier for me because I initially became a vegan due to health issues - once I saw how my life changed dramatically when I cut out dairy/meat/processed foods/sugar, you could not pay me to go back!  

I think if I did not have such selfish motivation - my life and my health! - it would be a lot more tempting to just partake of what everyone else is eating at times.

I also think that it gets easier over time.  Now, after over 20 years, this is just who I am - its not even an OPTION to eat brisket (!).  I think when you are earlier in the process, its easier to blur the lines and still remember yourself as the person who would eat that -

I wouldn't feel guilty when you go off course.  Do the best you can, be proud for the successes you do have, and as it becomes more and more a reflex and not a planned way of living for you, it will become easier!  I promise!

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Its difficult when eating out. The vegan options are not excisting or not veru good or delicious. When i go out i want something nice to eat, its expensive enough!

So I am still experimenting with finding good food in restaurants. Also on the go it is nearly impossible to find something vegan to eat. The big trick is not being out when getting hungry....

I hope in the future it will all get easier and that more vegan options will be available!

What I do when i slip up, is eat very basic and healthy. This gives me peace and balance again. And it reminds me why i love eating this way so much :)
Good luck!

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Thanks, Ann!  You know - I've never been a person for meat, and that's why I'm shocked that I even caved at all!  It's just crazy because I've never once thought of having it until last night - I've never missed it and STILL don't.

I need to get better at planning my weekend meals and sticking to them.  I think it was a momentary loss, and I've got to just get through the guilt and get back on the horse.....

Axa Axa, it's the "on the run" along with the not so many vegan options (in Texas there aren't many).  Funny thing is that I usually slip up when I'm with my vegetarian best friend!  =)  She loves the cheese, and we end up somewhere or have something that has it in there.  She knows about me being vegan, but I'm not strong enough to not fall back into our old ways of eating cheese filled meals and such.

While I know it's wrong at all, but at least I keep it to a minimum.  Once day soon I think I'll be rid of it, but I'm still trying to work out having a life with friends and living my new vegan life.....sometimes it's not as easy as it seems.

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Hi Dolores!

What helps me is eating what makes me feel good. After being vegan for 8 months now, I can tell you animal products and any kind of refined sugar really makes me feel ill.  I don't usually tell people I'm vegan unless I really have to. I am usually able to figure out some sort of accommodation when I am out to eat or try to pick a place that has non vegan and things I can have made vegan.

Although at times I do have to assert myself;

I was on the road and stopped at a sandwich shop, QUIZNOS, for dinner. All I wanted was some veggies in a bowl, a salad with no meat or cheese. ( I had ordered this before, no problem at one of their other locations.) The teen kept telling me how he couldn't make me a salad without meat or cheese....I made it clear I'd pay full price, to just charge me for a meat salad. After trying to be patient, my inner "I'm a woman and dammit I'm hungry" personality came out (she gets very cranky when she's hungry) and I said "I DON'T EAT ANIMALS!" Miraculously, he pulled out a pre fixed bowl of lettuce and proceeded to put my veggie requests on it.

Sometimes it can be tough to stay the course, especially when you are hungry. Eat what makes your body feel good. Every meal you eat that is animal free is another drop in the bucket towards a healthier you and a healthier planet. If you feel like having an animal product, it's ok. Just be sure you are nourishing your body and spirit. Being overwhelmed with guilt is no fun. "Just pick yourself up, dust yourself up, and start all over again."

Peace,

Cassi

Like Ann, I have never had the desire to go back since becoming vegan 3 years ago.  I started more for ethical reason, so the thought of eating that makes me sad and sick! 

I haven't slipped, sorry you did.  It confirms how bad it makes you feel.

I find it easiest when I am at home to just prepare a bunch of healthy meals.  It makes it easier when I am on the run to grab something that is good for me.  I spend most of my weekend cooking, dicing, slicing and storing food. It sure makes the week a whole lot easier!

Pick yourself back up and start over, best to you!

Hi Doroles.

In Australia at the moment, there are these 'quit smoking' ads that are focusing on how it gets easier to quit everytime you try - even if you have to quit 6 or 7 times! I find that it explains my transitioning into veganism perfectly! Its a slow process, and I can go weeks without dairy now without a slip up, but at the beginning, it was hard to go more than a couple of days! The more you begin to figure out what works for you in terms of ways to avoid going back to old habits, the easier it becomes.

Listen to your body too - in the beginning I wouldn't feel sick from eating dairy (well no more sick than usual - I'm doing this for health reasons), but now, I can spend a whole day in bed with stomach pains!! It means I'm much more likely to say "no" next time someone offers me a chocolate brownie :P

Hope that helps!!

Thanks, everyone.  I know that I just need to sit back and reevaluate what happened to cause the slip, and adjust properly.  Feeling guilty isn't going to help matters, but planning ahead will.  I just need to make sure that if my man decides he's going to cook meat or friends offer me cheese or dairy that I have something way more yummy at hand! 

Hi Dolores!  Sugar is my problem. I slip up at work.  I dont know why it should affect me.  I like my job.  I am going to try PCRM's 21 day vegan kickstart to get back into superhero mode.

What is PCRM's 21 day vegan kickstart?  I've never heard of it before.