VeganISH

Oprah's Vegan Challenge <-- YouTube Video

I've come to the realization that I can handle being veganish, as Oprah states. As much as I agree with vegans and all the information available out there about animal rights, I am finding it extremely difficult to be a completely disciplined vegan. Kathy Preston went to hell and back with her health, so I can see how she slipped into vegan eating perfectly. However, my health hasn't taken a dramatic down turn like Kathy's because I eat fairly healthy for the most part. But I'm coming to terms with the idea that perhaps vegan eating isn't going to be my way of life every single day.

I get a free meal at work, and that's a nice little perk.

 Sometimes, I want New York Style pizza.

Sometimes, I want pesto in my marinara sauce for my spaghetti.

Sometimes, I want a croissant. 

Sometimes, I want scrambled eggs with buttered toast.

*sigh*

I love animals. I know that when I eat anything that comes from an animal, I fail as a human being because I don't have as much compassion as vegans do. Vegans are very admirable people because they really can't live with hurting innocent creatures for their taste buds pleasure. I applaud them. I think these people are stellar examples of ultimate compassion, so I am disappointed in myself that I can't commit to the club. 

But what is reasonable for me? I have drastically cut down what I eat that comes from animals. I limit myself to only eating burgers when I'm at work, if I opt in for the free meal. I usually eat vegetarian when I go out, and it's a bonus if I'm feeling sacrificial that day and decide to eat vegan instead. We don't buy meat in our house. I use animal free products in my bathroom. I've made some really positive changes in my consumer habits because I do care up to a certain level.

But can I ever be a true vegan? 

I dunno.

Perhaps, one day I can. But for right now, it isn't working so well for me. I'd call myself a vegetarian if it wasn't for my burgers that I eat at work occasionally. But ya know what? Screw the labels. If I'm mostly vegetarian, and sometimes vegan, then that's pretty good in my book. I know a lot of people that wouldn't even think of being vegetarian for a week or even vegan for a day.

It is what it is, my friends. But just because I'm veganish, doesn't mean I want your chicken pot pie or your filet mignon. I just can't be a perfect vegan is all I'm admitting to, but I try my best and forget the rest!