In my last article I wrote about going vegetarian.  I hope that many of you were able to benefit from what I shared and have become more open minded to an alternative lifestyle.  It really is the best thing you can do for yourself and the planet. 

If you are thinking of playing around with the idea of becoming veg, great.  Take your time and go at your own pace.  For the people who have already made the change and is ready to take the next step than listen closely.

Being a vegetarian is a good place to be.  Like I said before, it was the best decision of my life.  You are totally fine staying in that stage because you are helping to change the world.  But if you are curious and adventurous enough to take it a step further, then going vegan is the next phase.  A lot of people seem to be confused about the whole vegan lifestyle.  Not eating animals they can understand, but dairy too?  Why? Well, there are a bunch of reasons.

Let me just say that it's definitely a journey to step over to the vegan side.  I have pretty much stopped eating all dairy except cheese which seems to be my only obstacle.  Once in a while I will get Mr. Softee but it's not very often.  If only he didn't come down my block.

My alternatives are Silk's Pure Almond and Earth Balance butter.  These are both very good and I highly recommend them.  You can find them at Waldbaum's and Stop & Shop.  For ice cream lovers just substitute Toffuti products.  They make an array of items from fudge pops to ice cream sandwiches that will fool anyone.  This company has seriously dedicated itself to non dairy items so go to them for all your vegan needs.  Trader Joe's carries their "Better Than Cream Cheese" so go ahead and make those veggie nachos and load it on.

When you first start to go vegan I suggest letting the milk and butter go first.  You will be amazed at how easy it really is.  Then the eggs have to go and you really need to start paying attention at this point.  Always read ingredients. There are dairy products in a lot of foods, especially processed items. 

Although I have stopped eating eggs months ago there are some vegetarian foods I eat that have egg whites in them.   So I am doing the best I can and going at my own pace.  I have tried some vegan cheeses but haven't had luck so far so I keep on trying things out.  That's what going veg/vegan is all about, trying new things and learning about different options.  You see what works for you.

Going out to eat might seem tough now that you are trying to be a veganite but don't worry.  More and more restaurants are offering dishes that are animal and dairy free.  You are pretty safe at most Italian places.

With pasta, soups and salads on their menus you should have no problem finding something to order.  Pizzerias are even making gluten-free and vegan pizza. There are many changes happening in the food industry and it's about time. 

For a nice night out head on over to the La Bottega Italian Gourmet on Merrick Road or Buon Appetito on Jerusalem Avenue.  Another safe bet is Asian cuisine.  Japanese and Chinese food includes tons of veggies and rice.  These are big winners for vegans.  You can even substitute white rice with brown which is a big plus.  I would go with the tempura. Check out the Sakura Japanese restaurant on Merrick Avenue and veggie it up.

You know, going vegan is not as hard as you think.  Yes, it's a challenge, I won't deny that.  But it's sure worth a try, right?  There are tons of happy endings to vegan tales.  Not only can you lose weight very quickly but your body has more energy and its heals itself better.  I have read a good amount of success stories where people were cured of ailments, allergies and more.  Your body just functions more smoothly when it lives off food from the Earth.  It's as simple as that. 

The food industry is no joke.  Talk about torture and inhumane treatment.  You would be shocked if you have seen some of things I have.  Even just for milk, cows go through hours and days of milking.  Imagine breast feeding that long?  Yikes!  It just isn't right.  This is why I always tell people to eat organic.  It's the second best thing.

So like I said before, there are a lot of reasons to go veg and experiment with being vegan.  It can't hurt you so why not try.  You only have your body once and you only live one life.  Why not make it the best life you can and evolve into a better being?

Ignorance does not play a part in a better future.  Being open minded, understanding and smart will get you far ahead in the race.  We all must be empathetic to living creatures and give them the life they deserve.  The life we all want. 

Peace, happiness and love...hand in hand we can get there.