Vegetarian for 5 years

5 years ago, today, I became a vegetarian and my only regret is that I waited too long to make this change.

My life changed for the better even if this had nothing to do with the reasons of becoming a vegetarian, but it was a side effect.

First of all, my blood analysis was good for the 1st time after 25 years! I had problems with calcium and now I don’t even if in a vegetarian diet there is a smaller intake of vitamin D. Who knows how much vitamin D I was eating before; I don’t know, probably less.

My diet is much more diversified. Now I eat so many things that before I ate just once in a while. This is funny, because some people asked me what I eat if I don’t eat meat. So…this is what I eat every month:

veggies: tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, chickpeas, beans, beetroot, green beans, carrots, parsnip, broccoli, onions, red onions, garlic, cauliflower, cabbage, leeks, olives, courgette, aubergines

fruits: plums, bananas, pineapple, apples, oranges, all berries, peaches, lemons, pears, grapes, kiwi, persimmon

oils: olive oil, rapeseed oil and raw almonds, brazilian nuts, hazelnuts and walnuts

dairy (full fat): yogurt, brie, camembert, stilton, danish blue, cheddar (any kind, I love it!), halloumi, feta, soft cheese

and 2-3 eggs daily, wholemeal flour, cornmeal, semolina, unrefined sugar, cocoa, grated coconut.

The diversity of the dishes is given by different veggies and spices, not by 2-3 types of meat (pork, chicken or beef).

“What about proteins?”

This is one of usual questions I hear when I have to say I’m a vegetarian. 5 years ago the protein intake wasn’t one of my concerns, now I have more than enough. I reach 1g/kg proteins daily only from food and more than 50% is animal protein (dairy, eggs). So, I have all the amino acids I need.

Sometimes I discover this is a strange question because, during the discussions, some people don’t know anything about macro-nutrients and their percentage in a healthy diet.

Now I can easily say I have a very balanced diet. Last year I even gained a few kilos of muscles, having 1-1/2g/kg proteins from diet and a protein shake (just whey), after exercising, to reach 1.5g/kg.

Shoes! “What about shoes? Aren’t they from real leather?”

This is one of my favourite questions about my moral standards. No, I don’t buy leather shoes.

So far I had problems finding hiking boots, but I doubt they are thinking of this type of boots. Nevertheless, I can find some at ~£100, but it’s too much for 1-2 walks per year.

It’s so funny, because I’m sure they know shoes are made from different materials and many are from artificial leather. I can’t say I have enough shoes, but most women will agree with me.

Some of my shoes:

Vegan. I don’t see myself as a vegan for a number of reasons.

Same people told me I didn’t stop the killing of innocent animals. That wasn’t my plan, I’m just a person and I can make decisions about me and I live with the consequences of my decisions. Everybody else must make their own decisions and they have to live with the consequences of their decisions.

I’m not trying to change the world or even a small part of it. I just reached a point in my life that I’m happy with my choices.