7 Lessons From Eating Vegan For A Year

In 2019 I had an idea to try something new and go plant-based, which evolved into a year-long experiment.

Up to that point in my life, I ate whatever hit the spot at that moment without any thought (lots of meat and dairy in virtually every meal; bacon, eggs, deli sandwiches, California burritos, chicken, steak… you name it). But with increased awareness of the issues and challenges in food production as pointed out in many documentaries, articles and books, I began to question the effects all that food had on my body from a daily and long term perspective.

So I went vegan for a whole year, and here is what I learned.

#1 - Increased Energy

I most noticeably realized after lunch that I felt energized after I ate which was a stark contrast to its prior reality - a severe food coma (which I didn’t even have the awareness to). I gained perspective and understanding of how much energy my body was using to break down the meat and since have been able to repurpose that energy.

#2 - Better Digestion

Hell, I’m not afraid of poo talk! At first, there were a few weeks my body was adapting and I felt a bit out of wack, but 2-3 weeks it became quality. Regular, quick, good. Outside of just improved poos, I learned to identify what foods did not agree with me by having a more limited diet. For example, Chickpeas make me bloated, also too many potatoes do as well. So in short, I got better digestion out of the gate and a better understanding of what works for my body long term.

#3 - Improved Cooking

While there are a number of vegan options for food out and about, in general, they are much more limited which means I cooked more at home. To me, veggies are easier to cook as there is no sickness if you don’t cook them all the way. Simply throw a variety of them in a pot, steam, add seasoning and top with greens and you’ve got yourself a thing of beauty. Heat some tortillas, cook some rice, make some noodles and you’re set. Add some hummus, bitchen sauce or hot sauce and you’ve got a taste sensation!

#4 - New Love for Veggies

Growing up, I always thought veggies as gross with bad flavor… but looking back, I know that’s because of how they were served to me. From cooking with them more, I’ve learned to season, sauce and pair them for insane flavor combos that taste better than any piece of meat I’ve had.

#5 - Redefined meat

As I went further into my journey the less meat sounded appetizing to the point that I do not miss it at all. When clean vegetables become the norm something changes in your biome and the idea of meat changes in you. Plus with so many vegan options, if you wanted some variety you can occasionally have a beyond meat burger or some soyrizo tacos.

#6 - Less junk food

Dairy has made its way into just about everything! Once you start looking for it, you will realize it. So by eliminating it, you will limit your options. No chips like Doritos or Cheetos, no candy with gelatin, no milk chocolate. No to lots of junk. But it’s okay… it’s better for you anyway.

#7 - Saved Money

For me personally, going vegan saved me money. Yes, high-quality food is expensive and eating vegan food out is expensive ... but due to the single fact that I ate out much less, my monthly costs of food dropped significantly. So I ate better, learned to cook and spent less. A win, win.

So Where Am I now?

Not vegan, not a meat-eater. No titles, but only in what feels right. Untitled, balanced.

I decided to slightly change my diet for two reasons, risk of vitamin deficiencies and more protein as I train for climbing trips.

From what I heard from other long term vegan friends and research is that deficiencies are common. Over some period of time, you may deplete your back stock of some nutrients and get in trouble. While I did not have that happen, I just decided I wanted to change it up slightly regardless, with eggs and occasionally fish.

So in short, I am plant-based 95% of the time, but I eat eggs as a simple protein source and fish once a month for special occasions. I still feel great, and stronger than ever.

Going vegan was an invaluable experience that firsthand changed my perspective on food and diet for the rest of my life. So regardless of your goals, I’d recommend trying it for some time to better understand how food affects you.

Thanks for reading along, and as always… reach out if you have any questions. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Much love,

-Ryan