One Month Challenge: No Meat, No Dairy, No Problem, Week One

November 5, 2011 5:00 pm     Posted in Body, Health  Katherine g+ page


By Katherine

Olivia Wilde. Carrie Underwood. Alicia Silverstone. Lea Michele. What do they all have in common? (Besides being really, really ridiculously good-looking?) They’re all vegans. That means they don’t eat any kind of food derived from an animal – meaning no meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. And lately, I feel like I’ve been hearing all about how absolutely stellar it makes them feel. I can’t help but think if it’s really possible for someone to feel so awesome and have a bangin’ bod by not eating any animal products. And so, even though I live for the perfect pepperoni slice, I vow to find out.

For the month of November, I challenge myself to not eat any food that comes from an animal – or foods containing animal derivatives – whatsoever. Yes, even on Thanksgiving, when I will be taunted by a big juicy turkey. And yes, even on my visit back to my undergraduate alma mater, University of Delaware, where drunk late-night cheese fries will be calling my name. I’m going to give it my best effort, and fill you all in on the highs and lows (and hopefully report that by the end I’m a spitting image of Olivia Wilde).

The main thing that interested me about this whole vegan idea was just as I said above – if celebs swear by it, why not test it out myself? But since then, I have actually tried to educate myself about what, exactly, are the health benefits of veggin’ out. Even though it’s going to take a lot more planning and preparing meals, many sources claims that if done right, a vegan diet can be healthier for you. First off, by not eating any meat vegans don’t consume any cholesterol, so they have much lower rates of heart disease. Also, vegans rely mostly on vegetables and grains, which are naturally lower in sodium and higher in fiber.

But this sort of diet can also be nutritionally tricky. Protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 are all found mostly in animal products and meat, so part of my challenge is to maintain as balanced a diet as possible. (Fun fact – apparently Oreos are vegan… maybe I’ll survive this after all?)

Anyway, I feel surprisingly ready to face this challenge. We’ll see how I feel when the burger craving hits…

Follow Katherine on her one month challenge to see if she can make it. Could you?

18 Comments on "One Month Challenge: No Meat, No Dairy, No Problem, Week One"

  1. Ashley L. Coates says:
    Sat, 5th Nov 20115:05 pm 

    Awesome! I've never made it past a day and a half going vegan, but I've been vegetarian for years. I can't wait to see how you go (if you'll forgive the phrase) cold turkey on animal products!

    Good luck!
    http://textbooksandtofu.blogspot.com/

  2. Katrina says:
    Sat, 5th Nov 20116:23 pm 

    Good luck! I tried going vegetarian for a month as a bet with my friend who was going vegan… It's hard but definitely do-able! The worst part was having to eat the junk vegetarian food when out and there was no other convenient options, and the extra weight I was putting on from eating more pasta and bread again. So long as you're really prepared you shouldn't find it too bad :)

  3. nat says:
    Sat, 5th Nov 20118:35 pm 

    I went vegan two years ago. I can honestly say it was the best decision Ive ever made

  4. Erin says:
    Sat, 5th Nov 201110:51 pm 

    I've been tempted to go vegan lately too, so I'm interested to see what your experience is like! My problem is that I can't have gluten, so if I were to go vegan I would basically be living off fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans (not a whole lot of variety there for me). But good luck, and I'm excited to see how it goes for you!

  5. Amy says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 201112:14 pm 

    I've been vegan for four years and have never felt better. The adjustment can be difficult but once I got used to abstaining from animal products I can honestly say I've never felt tempted by them ever again. Meat and cheese in particular used to make me feel so sluggish and I didn't even notice until they disappear from my diet. I hope this lasts you more than a month!

  6. sohappyandhealthy says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 20111:51 pm 

    Vegan for 3 years, and it is also the best decision I've ever made. I'm so much happier and healthier.

    There is tons of vegan junk food out there, if you get cravings that you can't control, look online for a recipe on how to make it yourself, or look if you have any vegan restaurants near you. Also, whole foods sells some really junk foody vegan products if you have an uncontrollable craving.

  7. Joyce says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 20112:21 pm 

    havent you heard of whole grain?

  8. Miriam says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 20114:07 pm 

    VEGANISM IS AWESOME!!!!! I hope that while your on your diet you explore the other reasons why people adopt vegan diets! :) I was so happy to read this. Good luck, it will also teach you a lot about self control and stuff ( assuming you have a lot to learn is presumptuous, but thats what it has done for me!) :)

  9. Miriam says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 20114:10 pm 

    You have to be prepared to be more creative! I know when your eating you really just want to eat.But you learn a lot of time about food as it forces you to examine your diet! Now is a great time to go Vegan! It can also be cheaper than your diet currently! iT'S GREEN I know you heard this before but don't block it out! Try a vegan diet now and educate yourself about veganism!It's good though because you end up eating less food!

  10. Miriam says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 20114:14 pm 

    and gluten free bread. I live off fruits, vegetables,nuts, and beans! It's what being vegan is. I think if you can't have gluten and want to be vegan don't have gluten and add eggs and milk to the list and of course no meat. Maybe talk to your doctor about it! You will be fine! It feel so good eating cruelty free!

  11. crazygurl says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 20117:42 pm 

    Being vegan is great! I'm vegan and have been for nearly two years, and I honestly feel wonderful. When I eat I feel good about it. People think that vegans are preachy crazies, but I'm a normal person, and most people don't even notice that I'm vegan. A lot of "normal" food is vegan. Oreos are!

  12. Tess says:
    Sun, 6th Nov 201111:18 pm 

    Double stuffed oreos are made with gelatin, which is made from bones. The regular oreo are not, however. Strange.

  13. Caitlin-University of Alabama says:
    Mon, 7th Nov 201110:15 am 

    Wow, good luck! I'm really interested to see how this goes over Thanksgiving.

  14. Kate says:
    Mon, 7th Nov 201110:56 am 

    Good Luck! If I were to give any advice I would say to choose rice over bread/pasta whenever possible- it's more filling and better for you- especially brown rice!

  15. Sandra says:
    Mon, 7th Nov 20111:27 pm 

    If you're serious about this, you HAVE to read Skinny Bitch.

  16. Katherine - University of Delaware says:
    Tue, 15th Nov 20116:51 am 

    Just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who commented so far!!! It's actually one of the biggest motivators to know people are following how this journey goes. I read it all, so keep the feedback comin' :)

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