Welcome to Year of the Diet

Hello. My name is Xatline. The plan for the Year of the Diet (YotD) is simple: each month, choose one "life-style diet" and eat accordingly for one month. I use the term "life-style diet" to differentiate between diets that are strictly geared towards weight-loss (for instance, the Atkins diet) and diets that have a moral or economic component (Veganism, Raw Food, "Food Stamp Diet") or are the result of a significant health problem (Gluten-Free). I will try to document my impressions of these diets and the physical and mental changes they have on me as closely as possible throughout the coming months.

Of course, I've already failed.

Truth be told, I've been vegan for two weeks now. Since downing a slightly-medicinal Pastrami sandwich at Cantor's Deli on MLK Day, I have cut out meat, dairy, honey (bee-slavery), and all other animal products from my diet. Though I had anticipated the vegan diet as being one of my most difficult challenges, the transition has been unexpectedly smooth. Eating to fullness has not been a problem, as rice and grains are all safe to eat. Beans, nuts, and soy provide ample protein. At first, my energy levels were a bit down, but coffee and fruit have solved those problems. Starting weight for the vegan diet was 160.6 lbs, and now stands at 156.3. Save for one dream that I had on day 3 about eggs and a brief hot dog temptation the other day, meat fantasies have been non-existent.

Vegan for life?