What I learned about going Vegan and why I am modifiying things going forward.

Back in April I started a 1 month experiment in trying a whole foods plant based 'diet' (vegan).  It went quite well, and I have continued it now for 3 months, but have decided to cease the 100% vegan experiment.  In a nutshell, I have decided to allow a little more flexibility (balance) back into my eating. Before I ever began this trial, I was always of the opinion that a healthy balanced diet was quite acceptable for healthy weight and fitness.  I still believe this, but this "experiment" has helped me look more carefully at what "healthy" actually is, and has created a genuine appreciation and desire for more fruits and vegetables in my diet.

My goal going forward will still be to eat a diet primarily plant based (aim for 90%), but with room for some dairy and some meat when the occasion suits or almost demands the choice.  To be honest, I don't really miss meat much, and have little desire for red meat at all (barring a nice steak once and a while, perhaps).  I actually found dairy the harder food group to avoid.  So many products have milk or milk ingredients in them.  Personally, I am not a big milk guy (on its own), but if it is in something like a healthy soup, then I want to have that.  In my home, I plan on continuing to use almond milk, and I prefer it as what I believe to be a healthier alternative. 

Another primary reason for this adjustment, is because I don't enjoy being a difficult person to feed! :)  In my home, its not an issue - I buy groceries, and Jodie and I can do our thing, but when I go away to relatives' homes, I want to be more flexible with my pallet, so its easier for everyone (them and me).

So, in my home life, I don't expect much of a change in how things go, but I want to have the flexibility to eat some of my kids ice cream cone when they offer it :) 

I don't know why, but this is a hard post to wrap up.  I feel like I am letting myself down, but that is silly.  No one else was holding me to this, and I did set out to do it as an experiment only.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained they say - and I can honestly say this was a venture worth doing and I am and will continue to be a healthier eater because of it.

Cheers,
Jon