As of yesterday, 14 days completed as a vegan!  How do I feel?  Overall, fantastic.  The shift to this lifestyle actually hasn't been all that daunting.  In many ways, there is a lot of excitement that has gone along with it.  Trying new foods and recipes, shopping without my "standard" list of protein bars/protein powder and case of egg whites; and being able to cook for both Susie and I again (It has been years since we routinely ate the same things).

There has definitely been a learning curve for me too.  Over the past few years I had become so conditioned to eating the same things at the same times, day in and day out.  As they say, "old habits die hard".  I still find myself looking at my watch and considering my next meal at a certain time.  However, I am working on adding more flexibility in that area, as well as listening (and hearing - they are certainly two different things) more to what my body is telling me it needs and when.

Both Susie and I have found that as we transitioned into this way of eating, for the first time we really taste foods in a whole new way.  Much of what we prepare, we don't even season; and we think it tastes wonderful.  Although I have eaten very "clean" for some time, going vegan has also lessened my desire for anything processed.  The frozen vegan burgers which would be so easy to throw in the microwave are of no interest to me.  Instead, I crave more and more whole foods, just they way they were packaged by nature. 

Another challenge I have found is understanding (at least for my body and my training), what is the optimal way to balance the protein needs I have.  I have dropped a few pounds in the last 2 weeks, but continue to tweak little by little and monitor the results.  Like any other journey, it is a process.

Initially I found that this major shift in my pattern was taking far more of my time in the preparation of food.  However, within the first week or so realized that was mostly due to trying "to figure it all out".  Now, we have a bit more of a rhythm going and I really enjoy cooking for Susie again.  On that note, it has been wonderful being able to experience this with my wife.  Sharing this common desire for improved wellness and sustainability has allowed us add another positive dimension to our relationship.  We are learning together every day.

The internet has also made things a whole lot easier.  Vegan recipes, blogs, vegan groups and on and on...all with a few clicks of your mouse.  I subscribe to information from a well known vegan athlete.  One of the recent videos I received was talking about the nutrients in different types of soil around the world and the plants, roots and vegetables that grew in those areas. He referred to them as the earths way of transitioning those nutrients to us.  When I heard that, I realized how logical a statement that was.  Nature has always provided everything we need...and it all comes perfectly packaged for us (additive, preservative and coloring free too).
 
Josh