Hello everyone,

I came here because I don’t know where else to turn, and honestly no one else can really understand what I am going through.

I have been under a lot of stress lately and have so much going on in my mind.  Long story short, I clearly was not thinking and ate a bag of SunChips “Garden Salsa”.  After consuming the whole bag, I decided to look at the back of the bag and to my SURPRISE this flavor of SunChips contained enough milk products that I care to repeat! 

I have been a vegetarian for 15 years and recently converted to vegan this on January 1, 2010.  I have been doing great these past 7 months, no slip-ups, meticulously watching every single morsel of food/drink that I consume.  I was strictly super-hero for a while.  Doing that made me more conscious of my food intake, so I still try and consume whole foods, nothing pre-packaged…everything I eat is usually fresh and perishable.  I can’t remember the last time I even ate a “veggie burger” or frozen/microwavable/packaged vegan food.  

My close friend (who is no vegan) is telling me “It’s not the end of the world…Relax!” I know it’s not the end of the world…but I feel horrible.  I am disgusted with myself and especially after reading all the dairy ingredients listed that I ate; I am so so sad that I messed up like this! 

Clearly, I am not in the right frame of mind and am not thinking level-headed. 

Has anyone here ever eaten something non-vegan accidentally?  How did you deal?  I am probably overreacting but I am such a perfectionist that I just feel so disappointed in myself.

Please any advice would be most appreciated right now.

Just realize that you are human and perfection when it comes to eating as a vegan in our society is not always easily attained.  The only Sun Chip that is considered vegan is the blue bag (original) - all others contain milk ingredients.  Do not stress!  Just know that you will never buy those again and you will be okay.  Also, some Baked Lays have chicken fat in them, so buyer beware.  Forgive yourself - life is too short!!

Heather

Gina- You are doing amazing, we all have slip ups, and yours sounds completely unintentional.

Heather & Cheryl - - thank you so much ladies for the words of encouragement.  =)

Never going near those damn chips again!

I am beating myself up over this because I am always worried about someone else whether it be a restaurant or family member giving me something non-vegan whether intentionally or not...that I never thought it would be ME & mess up like that!

Gina-

I actually think I messed up on those chips too. I also think french fries (which are nothing available fall back dining out food) are not vegan considering they might use the same oil for animal products.

It's okay, Gina!  You are so, so, so good all the time!  I know that doesn't help, but it's over,  It's already done and you can't beat yourself up over the past.  Learn something, move on and be proud of your accomplishments.  You definitely have many to be proud of!

Cheryl- I actually found out years ago from a friend that worked the fryer at McDonald's that they spray their fries with a mizxture containing beef fat for extra flavor!  All the more reason to stay away from that greasiness!

Alexandra - I need to think more positive about what I did.  I just feel so sick, even now, just thinking about it...it grosses me out.  On a positive note..It makes me realize how far I have truly come.  Making the transition from being a vegetarian to a vegan was hard in the beginning but now I know how much I have changed for the better!

Thanks so much girls!  :)

We are not defined by the food we eat. Go outside, take a deep breath and be inspired. In the grand scheme of things, it's really not that bad. We all do our best and we all make mistakes, but at least you are vegan, living a good life, as opposed to people that are negative and don't even try to help others.

big love :)

couldnt a said it better , sally kitten !

gina - to love and forgive yourself is as important as being vegan  :) :) :) :)     xxxxx

Sally - I got the chills reading your post!  That was inspiring & I feel so much better about myself now!

Pamela - AMEN to that girl!

aw, shucks! glad to help :)

That's okay! It happens to most of us! Just move on and forget about it.

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