A request for some help

[korolyeva525]

Hi, my name is Kells and I'm a strict vegetarian with aspirations of going entirely vegan. I'm doing great with the vegetarianism, and have been since November. But I keep getting caught up on a few things that keep me from thinking of myself as a vegan with a clear conscience

Comments

[lady_shadowlily]

I know what you mean about craving those few items...I guess the trick is not to try to find EXACT replacements, but to try a lot of vegan stuff until you find something so delicious that you start craving that instead! I used to crave Starbucks bran muffins all the time, but then I discovered an awesome vegan muffin at Whole Foods that I like so much I forgot about the Starbucks ones.

I too adore cheese, and I didn't used to think I could give it up--but once I decided to be vegan, I just completely stopped eating it, and discovered new favorite things that made me forget what I used to eat. Once I got out of the habit of eating pizza, I stopped craving it, simply because I'd be craving other things. It's only now that I'm contemplating trying the substitutes, since I did used to enjoy it so much; I think in a way it's easier to give up a habit if you go cold turkey.

That being said, if you were to make an exception for that one cookie once every week, or eat cheese, say, once a month, I don't think it would be so bad. I know a lot of others in this community might disagree with me, but I still think you'll make a difference and feel good about yourself, if you don't look at it as cheating. That way, it's something that you have to look forward to for a long time before getting; eventually, you might just lose the desire to have it if you've found other things you like just as much.

[korolyeva525]

There was a lot of good advice in your comment. Thanks so much!

[lady_shadowlily]

You're very welcome!