My Experience with Veganism: Why I Tried It and Why I Stopped

What’s good, guys? In today’s blog, I’m going to talk about my experience with veganism. I’m going to be talking about my experience with veganism. Back in 2012, I decided to go vegan. However, two and a half years later, I reverted to an omnivore diet. Let’s dive into my journey, the pros and cons of veganism, and debunk some common myths.

How It All Began

Influential Documentaries

One of the main reasons I went vegan was because of a couple of documentaries that deeply influenced my experience with veganism:

• Cowspiracy: This documentary exposed the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
• Forks Over Knives: It highlighted the health benefits of a plant-based diet.
• The Game Changers: Showcased vegan athletes and their performance.

Ethical and Health Reasons

These documentaries made a compelling case for veganism from both ethical and health perspectives, greatly shaping my experience with veganism. Seeing top athletes thrive on a vegan diet convinced me that I could too, while also positively impacting the planet.

Influence from the Metal Scene

Around that time, I was playing guitar in a metal band. The straight-edge hardcore scene, which promotes no drugs, no alcohol, and often veganism, also influenced me. Guitarists like Jona Weinhofen from Bring Me The Horizon and I Killed the Prom Queen were vegan and inspired me to pursue this lifestyle.

My Vegan Diet: What I Ate

I went cold turkey—no meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. Instead, I focused on plant-based alternatives:

• Milk Alternatives: Soy milk, Almond milk
• Fortified Juices: Fruit juices fortified with vitamins like Vitamin D
• Protein Sources: Nuts, seeds, legumes, beans
• Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, white rice, brown rice, regular potatoes, bread
• Meat Alternatives: Products from Quorn and Beyond Meat
• Fruits and Vegetables: A wide variety of both

Products I Didn’t Enjoy

I wasn’t a fan of vegan cheese as it never tasted like real cheese to me. However, I found some enjoyment in well-cooked tofu and other vegan meat substitutes.

Benefits of Going Vegan

Increased Energy Levels

One of the immediate benefits I noticed was an increase in energy levels. I felt lighter, needed less sleep, and my mind was sharper.

Weight Loss

I experienced rapid weight loss and a decrease in body fat percentage. Initially, this was quite pleasing as I achieved a leaner physique quickly.

Challenges and Issues

Frequent Illness

After about a year, I began to get sick frequently. My immune system seemed suppressed, and I suffered from frequent colds and sore throats.

Low Libido and Muscle Loss

I also experienced a significant drop in libido and muscle mass. By the end of the two years, I didn’t look or feel like myself anymore.

Transitioning Back to an Omnivore Diet

Reintroducing Animal Products

I started reintroducing animal products into my diet, beginning with fish and then eggs. With the guidance of a personal trainer, I developed a meal and strength plan tailored to my needs.

Improved Health and Muscle Gain

Within a few months, I regained muscle mass, felt more energetic, and started feeling like myself again. I have since been following a balanced diet of whole foods.

Current Diet: What I Eat Now

Here’s a summary of my current diet:

• Proteins: Eggs, grass-fed steak, pasture-raised chicken breast, salmon
• Carbohydrates: White rice, oats, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes
• Dairy: Milk, Greek yogurt, cheese
• Fruits and Vegetables: A wide variety of both
• Nuts and Seeds: All types

I avoid sugar and processed foods as much as possible.

Nutritional Comparison: Vegan vs. Omnivore Diet

Macronutrients

• Protein: Vegan sources include tofu, nuts, seeds, legumes, and alternative meat products, requiring careful planning. Omnivore sources like eggs, steak, chicken, and fish provide complete proteins with all essential amino acids.
• Fats: Both diets can provide adequate fats, but the omnivore diet includes additional omega-3 fatty acids from fish.
• Carbohydrates: Both diets offer healthy carbs from fruits, vegetables, grains, and starchy vegetables. However, it’s easier to overindulge on carbs with a vegan diet.

Micronutrients

• Vitamin B12: Found only in animal products; vegans must supplement.
• Iron: Plant-based iron (non-heme) is less easily absorbed. Animal-based iron (heme) is more readily absorbed.
• Calcium: Vegans need to rely on fortified plant milks and dark leafy greens.
• Vitamin D: Mostly absorbed from sun exposure; supplementation is necessary in less sunny climates.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish provides EPA and DHA, essential for brain and heart health.
• Iodine and Zinc: Found primarily in seafood and dairy; vegans need seaweed and fortified products.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

While veganism aims to reduce animal cruelty, it’s not without environmental impact. Large-scale crop cultivation can lead to deforestation and ecosystem disruption. Locally sourced animal products may have a lower carbon footprint compared to imported plant-based products.

Debunking Common Myths

• Health Risks: Both vegans and omnivores can be healthy or unhealthy depending on their food and lifestyle choices.
• Weight Loss: Weight loss depends on caloric intake vs. calories burned, not the vegan diet alone.

Conclusion: Finding Balance

The key is to eat a balanced diet with real, whole foods, grown naturally. Foods made in a factory are often less nutritious. Eat what nature intended, and you’ll feel and perform your best.

I hope you found this information helpful & thanks for reading,

Sam