Changes

Before I get into the news that I have to tell/break to all of you, let me give a big thanks to all of you who left those lovely, heartfelt comments on my last post. You all really helped my self-esteem and I was glad not only to have a support system that gave feedback, but that also ultimately listened. I see that a lot of you have gone through what I am going through right now...and it gets better eventually. I just need to stick to being me. No problem there! :)

Okay...so I have some news. It's good news for me actually, so don't worry. However, some of you might be disappointed, saddened, and confused. I haven't posted in a while because I have been trying to figure out a way to tell everyone this. And, there really is no other way. So, here it goes...



I am no longer a vegan.



GASP!

I know, I know. Why? What? How? OH MY GOSH!

Well, truth be told, I've been having cravings for non-vegan foods. I have also been having a hard time consuming enough protein for the amount of exercise that I do. I was bored with downing protein powders all day. So, I have decided to go back to being a vegetarian, but a more health conscious vegetarian. Before going vegan I was a vegetarian for about 9 months. I ate healthy, but this time around I think I can do better.

I am going to be trying to level out my macros so that I get a balance of the essentials. 40/40/20 style. 40% daily intake protein and carbs, 20% daily intake fats. I know every day won't be perfect, and I don't expect it to be. I just think this is what will work best for my body.

Before, I was eating so many carbs in order to keep me full. Lately, since consuming more dairy and eggs (only egg whites and egg substitute), I have noticed that I become full a lot easier and for a longer period of time. I am also loving Greek yogurt. I missed it a lot - as well as fro yo, but that only gets consumed once in a while. ;)

Now, just because I am not vegan anymore doesn't mean that I don't consume vegan meals or don't cook/bake vegan food anymore. Heck no! Sometimes, most of my meals are 100% vegan. I am just eating what my body wants in order to feel satisfied. I still LOVE vegan desserts and when I go to restaurants, if there is a vegan option on the menu, I will most likely steer towards that with the addition of some vegetarian protein, if needed. I am not going to consume cow's milk straight, unless I HAVE to. I will consume it if it is in a pre-baked good or other food (like at restaurants or something a friend/family member has made), but I will be using non-dairy milks for things like cereal and my baked goods/recipes. I never really did like the taste of cow's milk straight up. See? Some things won't change. :)

So you see, this change isn't huge...okay, well it was at first because I remember when dining out that I would flip out if there was a single shred of cheese on the side of my plate. I feel like before I was being restricted into eating a certain way for the value of being called a "vegan." Now, I don't really have a label for myself. No, I don't eat meat, poultry, or fish, but I won't call myself a vegetarian unless I have to for people to understand my eating style.

This is just a way for me to discover who I really am and to avoid trying to be someone who I am not. I think before it was an "all or nothing" thing (just like my dapple into raw veganism was). I am still very environmentally conscious and try to consume organics/local. However, this is hard for me right now due to the fact that I have a small, limited budget. Buying mostly organics/local will probably have to wait until I am older and in the right area to do so. There is a really neat co-op that has opened up a few minutes away from me, though. I will try to buy some of my groceries there, if possible.

If you are a vegan and you read my blog, it is your decision to keep following me. I would love it if you would because I don't think a label or the way someone eats defines a person. I am still reading vegan blogs and still eating vegan things, so I don't see a problem. However, it is your choice. Well, I think that is all for now. I hope you understand my decision and I don't mean to put a bad wrap on veganism. I honestly just think it isn't for me right now. Maybe some other day, who knows? Right now I am living for Katie. And only right now.


I will be back soon for some pictures and a few of my recent meals, plus some product reviews (I am behind!).

Thanks for reading. Love you guys.
Peace always,
Katie :)