Whatsa vegan?

I guess I have been throwing the term "vegan" around like it's no big deal.. Then I realized that there is A LOT of negative connotations that come with the word "vegan." By the reaction on peoples' faces, you'd think I was swearing when I said "vegan" (dun dun dun, that is scary music..)... To me, vegan means a diet of fruits, vegetable, nuts, and whole grains. I guess most of us hear "vegan" and think "crazy hippie, animal rights activist, throwing red paint on fur coats, picketing the EPA (I saw some people protesting the EPA when I was in DC, so now I am going to assume they were vegans!).

So, let me clarify. I am not a VEGAN (not the way most people define them), I like to eat healthy. I try and eat a diet that primarily consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.  I feel better when I eat like this. I am not perfect (although I might pretend to be). Yesterday I ate honey walnut shrimp and it was delicious. I still have a fetish for cheese (although I can't remember the last time I ate some), I don't cook with butter, I don't consume a lot of eggs (I will when I want to), and I eat my weight in dark, dairy free chocolate everyday. I am not out there trying to save the animals, although I do disagree with the treatment of them. I am not trying to convert anyone to "my diet."

I am simply a girl who has a little obsession with nutrition. I like to read articles,  talk to friends, and try things out. Maybe one day I will become a full fledged vegan (I would not be opposed to that) if that's what my body wants. I like to encourage people to try out some vegan eating because I think it's beneficial. I don't think there is anything wrong with eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat and processed food. You will notice a change in how you feel (it might take a week). I like to post vegan baked good recipes to show people that you can still eat fattening foods with out consuming butter. You can stop eating animal products and still be a pig, it's possible people! So my challenge to all 3 of you people out there reading this blog, eat vegan for a week. You won't regret it!

Vegan Power! I love celery too!