Where do you get your protein?

I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard this question in the last year.

It’s been over a year now since I’ve decided to go vegan. I started out as a “weekend vegan” and slowly transitioned to only soy milk in my tea and cereal. Then I went home to Germany over Christmas and wanted to eat all the good stuff my parents cook before going vegetarian. The day after I got back to New York, I watched the documentary Earthlings (full movie available for free streaming on the site!) and decided this was it. No. More. Animal. Products.

Of course I always knew about factory farming. I had seen pictures and film footage. And yes, it was gross. I didn’t want to think about it. But when I consciously watched that movie I cried my eyes out. Seeing the animals suffer, HEARING them scream. I just didn’t want to support that industry any longer. Now people ask me “Why no eggs?” “Why no dairy?” “Why no honey?” The list is endless. And I’m not going to go into all the reasons. It’s true, the milk cows don’t get killed. Then chickens that lay eggs don’t get killed. But if you watch Earthlings, you will see that these animals suffer. And it’s our fault. I don’t want to be part of this.

So I went cold tofurkey and stopped eating all animal products immediately.

I thought it was going to be hard. And it was difficult. A trip to the grocery store that would have usually taken me 20 minutes took me an hour. Reading labels and ingredient lists takes time. Yes, it can be annoying. But you get used to it. And now I very rarely have to read labels anymore.

There are so many great vegan sources of protein that I am not worried about not getting enough. Beans, lentils, nuts and even very yummy mock meats (such as Gardein products) provide a sufficient amount of protein. No need for animal protein.

Thanksgiving Lunch at Peacefood Cafe in New York City

To me it is more challenging to find vegan cosmetics, lotions and all that. But even that is getting easier with the help of Whole Foods and awesome friends who have been doing this much longer than I have.

I am not going to lie and say that I feel so amazing now that I’m vegan, or a lot healthier than ever before. However, I can say that I have lost weight and find that I have more energy. And most importantly I feel better about myself. I know that no animal is suffering because of me.

And that makes me feel great. You should give it a try!

Are you a vegan? Or vegetarian? Or interested in learning more? Let me know!