What Surprised You Most After Going Vegan?

[juliii]

I'm about 3 months into my vegan journey and honestly... the biggest surprise wasn’t food-related. It was how much my sleep and mood improved! I expected some digestion changes and maybe better skin, but the mental clarity and emotional balance caught me off guard in the best way.
What was something unexpected you experienced after switching to a plant-based lifestyle?

 

[Emma JC]

I think the most surprising is how much money we save by not stopping by a fast food place for a quick burger and fries or for a coffee and a donut or two or even just grabbing a chocolate bar in a convenience store. We just don't do those things anymore and it really makes life simpler. Even grocery shopping is simpler. I know what is plant-based and make a list and buy a lot more vegetables and fruit and beans etc. We love our food.

Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com

 

[Emma JC]

oh, and, I told my honey about your question and he said "did you tell @juliii about the pooping?" hehe - yeah so that is the other wonderful side effect... with all the fibre we eat, constipation never rears its ugly head

Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com

 

[jalan]

Well, it’s been many decades since I began a mostly vegan lifestyle, though I’ve seen for myself the change to a more mellow mood and attitude in people I knew.
However, I tried mostly ‘raw vegan’ food choices for a few years and noticed a spike in energy, as well as amorous stamina and enjoyment…

 

[silva]

When I quit eating meat I no longer had any heaviness in my lower abdomen, nor any smelly gas.
Can't think of any difference going vegan--however--when I eat WFPB there are many! no arthritic inflammation, minimal allergy symptoms, hardly ever need my asthma inhaler

I bristle when going vegan is used for health because it doesn't imply what you eat. Animal products are far from the only unhealthy foods!
Honestly, saying 'vegan diet' is like being an omnivore, animal products are just something you don't eat. Most omnivores shun all sorts of foods, it doesn't mean you have to eat "everything".

 

[jalan]

Actually, I’m not a fan of labels either. However, my opinion is that identifying as vegan does serve a purpose in making a distinction regarding overall food choices, attitudes toward animal exploitation, world view and also as an example et cetera… I do agree with you that an overconsumption of some non-animal products can be extremely unhealthy…

 

[PTree15]

oh, and, I told my honey about your question and he said "did you tell @juliii about the pooping?" hehe - yeah so that is the other wonderful side effect... with all the fibre we eat, constipation never rears its ugly head

Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com

I wanted to "love" and "laugh" at this at the same time! And I totally agree!

One other surprise was how much lighter I felt emotionally. It was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. Also, my sinus issues, while still problematic, are much better without dairy in my diet.

 

[silva]

Actually, I’m not a fan of labels either. However, my opinion is that identifying as vegan does serve a purpose in making a distinction regarding overall food choices, attitudes toward animal exploitation, world view and also as an example et cetera… I do agree with you that an overconsumption of some non-animal products can be extremely unhealthy…

I'm actually advocating for distinguishing between vegan, and plant based
I'm sick of reading reviews on recipes, or products, that are vegan that trash them for being unhealthy. Sugar, oils, processing are all vegan!
If you're looking for a cake sweetened with dates, and oil free, look up WFPB cakes!
WFPB is what you want when advocating health claims

 

[jalan]

Ok, thx for the clarification. Whole foods are the way to go, for sure

 

[Andy_T]

15 years in, what still surprises me is how easy it actually is, as opposed to how difficult we think it would be.
Would never have guessed that before in my pre-vegeterian or pre-vegan times.