After so many diets and exercise plans to improve our health without much success, I decided to try the Vegan diet. I must admit when our friends first told us of their recently adopted dietary habits I was intrigued. I thought this would be an opportunity for a healthy change. I thought well they will be visiting for a week or two I will maintain an open mind and see how this works. I can pretty much do anything for a week or two.

Did you know there are differences between being a vegetarian and a vegan?  Did you know there are different types of vegetarians? I had no idea. I thought I would still be eating eggs, cheese, butter and things that did not involve the killing of animals. I did out my refrigerator and pantry and donated the food. Little did I know there was more to donate.

Here is what I learned:

·         Lacto-Ovo – they eat dairy and eggs and are the most common

·         Lacto – they eat dairy but no eggs

·         Ovo – I guess they eat the eggs but no dairy

·         Vegans – they do no eat dairy, eggs or any product that come from animals

The rule to follow “if it has a mother or eyes” don’t eat it.

It was surprisingly easy to find vegan food. I did have to bring my glasses and at time need a magnifying lens. An easy cheat is look for the allergens and stay away from anything listing milk or eggs.

Another good motivator is a few documentaries:

Forks over Knives

Food Inc

Cowspiracy