Realism In Veganism
I typed this article for my website https://www.carmitasmiles.com and decided it’s a little different than what I’ve shared on Medium before but a good one to share as a reminder to be kind to yourself when on a journey of eating healthy, living sustainable, or going full on vegan. Remember, to do your best with the options you have and forgive yourself when options are limited. :-)
Being a vegan can be tough. Being an organic vegan can be tougher. Access to specialty food, finances, or environment should be taken into consideration. There can also be peer pressure from others to “just eat what’s in front of you” or if you’re running late and forget your lunch and literally the only place for miles is a McDonald’s (say some prayers for a food truck to pop up). And I may not be able to plant a Pizza Fusion or EVOS in every city but here are some realistic ways to be vegan and/or vegan organic and not lose your mind due to lack of meals or nutrients.
1. Research
I will assume if you are reading this that you have access to the internet. If you have access to the internet then it’s time to pull up a search engine of choice and type in “how to be vegan”, “starter vegan”, “what’s the difference between organic, non-gmo, and conventional foods”, “vitamins for vegans”, and other related words or phrases. Veganism and eating organic are growing trends that have made tons of resources available (including me). Take notes, ask questions (once again, I’m a resource), or you can even visit your local health food store for advice, especially when it comes to learning about vitamins and minerals.
2. Make time to shop
You have time for what you make time for. In such “busy” times of life you really are in charge of your day. There may be mishaps or car accidents that are out of your control but for most part you choose what you do with your time. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram or telling someone you’re too busy because you really don’t want to hang out with them that’s all YOU. Prioritize your health and nutrition and put a day to shop for groceries, supplements, and eco-friendly soaps on your calendar.
Bonus: If you absolutely can’t make it to the store, local and chain stores offer online ordering many with free delivery.
3. Meal Prep
I fought myself on this one and time. Not having enough time to grocery shop. Not having enough time to prep. Not having time to do the things I mention in this article. This is how I know it’s about making the time is just that MAKING. If you want to go vegan or just add some new recipes into your life, it takes time to learn, and meal prep can take time to learn also. If you’re not an Anthony Bourdain (RIP) in the making that’s OK. Start with simple recipes, experiment (some meals will burn in experimentation or taste bad) and put it on the calendar. If this is new to you, schedule time on get into habit into meal prepping. I’ve been meal prepping for over a year now and I still forget sometimes and end up ordering Ramen from Jukebox in Cleveland.
4. Paper or Plastic, Vegan or Organic
Sometimes, options can be limited and in the game of hunger vs morals more than likely hunger is going to win and you’re going to eat the chemically processed vegan cheez Beyong Burger that comes in a wrapping that can’t be recycled. Being realistic, it’s going to happen. It may not be a Beyond Burger but it can be hard to find vegan food sometimes. Sometimes, it can be hard to find organic vegan food. More than most it can be hard to find vegan organic food wrapped in a reusable or earth friendly container. Don’t punish or starve yourself. Make a decision, eat, and remind yourself know that overall you are doing the best you with what’s available at that time.
5. It’s OK to go to a chain (when you have you)
Living a healthy lifestyle can include living a life of fairness and sustainability. This can make it hard to come to the realization sometimes you just want to be human, grab a quick bite, or it’s 11pm and the only thing open is a Walmart. When this happens, survival mode may need to kick in and non-judgement. As I mentioned earlier, sometimes society makes it difficult to eat healthy and sustainable. So take a breath, make the best choice out the options places in front you, and know you’ll be OK and probably feel better after you eat.
