Loaded with Purpose: My Plan to Go Vegan in the New Year
This year, I battled with the thought of possibly going vegan. I am currently vegetarian, so I don’t eat meat. But when it comes to eating dairy, I can never seem to put it down for too long. I love ice cream, creamy sauces, pizza, and anything else involving CHEESE. Dairy has me in a choke hold! I transitioned to juicing and a vegetarian diet because of problems with my gut and skin. Both my gut and skin has improved since my diet changes, but I still feel like I could be doing even better if I let go of dairy. I notice when I eat more dairy, I am more bloated, have more digestive problems, and my skin panics a little. I also have suffered from eczema as a child, and recently I have been having more flare ups. I’ve done some research and saw that there are some claims that dairy causes inflammation, break outs, and skin problems. I am no scientists or data analyst, but I know when I eat less dairy my skin is healthier and my gut gives me WAY less issues.
I am hoping by eating a vegan diet I get more relief from my gut and skin. The only way I can find this out is by taking the shift in my diet seriously. The hardest thing for me will be having no choice but to cook 90% of my meals. My problem now is that the kitchen is just not my favorite place to be. I juice a lot for my business, so I am in the kitchen often. When it is time to cook, I just rather be else where. I am hoping to learn more vegan recipes that take less time. A lot of times, some of the vegan recipes can take a lot of ingredients and take a while to cook. I favor more of the one pot meals or recipes with fewer ingredients. What can I say? I am a simple girl! I also plan to satisfy my cravings by choosing healthier non-dairy snacks and sweets. Fruit is always a great snack and there are plenty of sweet treat recipes I can try. I have two vegan cook books I can knock the dust off of!
This change in my diet just may inspire more vegan food options for the Loaded Juice Food Truck. We will be putting more food items on the menu in the new year and there may be some yummy options for you to try! I believe changing my diet will align more with my brand’s value. We want to encourage everyone to think about how healthier options could impact your life for the better in the long run. Everyone doesn’t have to become vegan, but I encourage you to make any change that you personally feel like helps you out.
I will be going “cold turkey” vegan in the new year! Pun intended! It will be a challenge, but I am excited to update you about my journey and the benefits of the shift. Year 2025 will be a year of trying new things, working on discipline, and living life fully!
Have you ever considered a vegan diet? What tips or advice would you share to help me stay on track?