When my blogger-friend Morgan emailed me last Tuesday inviting me to join in on her Oprah-inspired Vegan for a Week Challenge, I was initially skeptical. Could I do it? Did I want to? Was it worth it? But after a brief internal debate, I decided to join in. I’ll be giving up meat, eggs, butter and milk for the next 7 days–officially the challenge runs from today through Sunday, but I started with dinner last night and am done at lunch on Sunday, due to Sunday night dinner plans.
Why in the world would I forgo animal products for a week? I think its a wonderful opportunity to try new recipes, discover animal-free alternatives, participate in a widespread experiment (trying new things is more fun with friends!), and increase awareness of what I’m eating. Seems like enough good reasons for me. Besides, you can do anything for a week!
I’ve planned all our meals for the week, but that’s normal. Going from a primarily vegetarian diet to vegan diet wasn’t a huge stretch, but did require some forethought. Turned out I actually have a lot of vegan recipes tucked away. I tried to chose things that I already had the ingredients for- there are a lot of cool vegan subs out there, but the point isn’t to break the bank. I did purchase agave nectar and Ezekiel bread, both of which I’ve never had but have heard great things about. It seems like as good a time to try them as any.
I’m approaching this challenge from an ingredient-based perspective. If I read an ingredients list and don’t see anything I know to be an animal product, then it’s okay. As a result, I may consume some things that some consider non-vegan out of ignorance. Apparently white sugar isn’t technically vegan and I’m planning to avoid using it, but if its an ingredient in something else (peanut butter, for example), I’ll probably still eat it. I’m sure there are other ingredients like this as well. Please be patient as I do the best I can, and feel free to correct anything I’m doing wrong.
I plan to post regularly this week about what I’m eating and learning. I’m really excited about this challenge. Feel free to send any questions my way and join in if you want! Thanks for your support!
