Today, it is hard for me to think that there was once a time where I did not have a clue about the difference between vegetarian and vegan and what farro was and how tasty it can be. It is crazy for me to remember that there was a time that I thought eating turkey bacon was the healthy option, but still had problems putting down the pork bacon. I still can’t believe that I had a period of thinking that skim milk is healthier than whole milk!
However, once you go vegan, things change. Perceptions change. Outlooks change. And as you evolve into this new enlightenment period, one pressing question ensues:
On what exact date did I declare that I was a vegan?
It’s so natural now that it is hard to pinpoint the exact date and time when a blind eye was given to all animal products and the pursuit of plant-based foods became the norm.
So now as I reflect back, looking through Instagram posts, and seeing exactly when my meals no longer contained gouda cheese or skinless chicken, finding receipts from Dunkin Donuts and seeing when I requested skim milk versus almond milk, and seeing when I saved recipes that were specifically labeled vegan, I have concluded that I went vegan on:
October 19, 2017.
Why that date? Well, it closely personifies when there was a drop in animal products from my diet. I cannot find anything past this date on any receipts, pictures, or shopping lists that indicate any non-vegan consumption.
And also because it’s my niece’s birthday!
So when you are trying to pinpoint your exact Veganaversary, it is okay if the date you declare is not the exact date that animal products were rejected in their entirety from your diet. After all, many natural occurrences do not work on perfect schedules (birth of a child, emergence of a disease, death). So unless you said to yourself “On the first of ___ I am going vegan” then you may not know the exact date.
And that’s perfectly fine.
If you wish to have it mean something to you, tie it to a date that you already hold significant. That way you will better be able to celebrate with others the momentous day that you began saving the lives of animals, the planet, and yourself!
Namaste friend 🙂