Some highlights from my vegan journey. Zero unsolicited advice given!
Going vegan was a surprisingly easy decision for me!
As a proud Malayali, I was raised on a diet rich in meat and seafood, especially dishes like beef fry and seafood curry. The bright side of the Covid lockdowns was that I got to spend a lot of time with my family, and my mom’s cooking left me with no holds barred eating.
However, by early 2021, my sedentary lifestyle and love for food caught up with me, and I put on a lot of weight. None of my old clothes fit. Social distancing and lockdowns meant that we were going out less often, and the freedom of a mundu meant finding clothes that fit was not a problem.
You see, there’s a lot of room to grow in a mundu. A lot!
But I knew things had to change.
As restrictions began to lift, my wife and I seized the chance for a little getaway to celebrate our anniversary. While sitting by the water-hyacinth-infested backwaters of Kumarakom, I entertained the idea of going vegan. By the end of our vacation, I decided to try it — it would be a new project, something to look forward to, and a break from the monotony of online meetings, classes, and work. My wife had some initial concerns but soon became fully supportive and understanding.
Honestly, I don’t think she expected me to survive a week!
So on February 15th, 2021, I became a vegan! It’s been two years since, and has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The transition
Month 1: A New Challenge
The first month of my vegan journey was tough. Pure torture, if I must say. I had to search deep and pull all my willpower reserves to stay on my chosen path.
I had to say no to my favorite dishes. Mom’s cooking was tempting. But no more tea, pulisheri, or beef/chicken curry. I was determined to stick to my decision.
Month 2: A Growing Appreciation
By the second month, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to stick to a vegan diet. Aviyal, sambaar, puttu-kadala, thoran of any type, rasam — there are many options.
A healthy mix of vegetables and pulses meant that I was on a balanced diet.
The Months that Followed: A Palate Transformation
As time passed, I gradually adjusted to my new diet. The colors and flavors of my food became more vivid and exciting. I could appreciate the taste of the dishes I grew up with in a new way.
The sheer enjoyment of tasting flavors in the food itself is a big win for turning vegan.
The change
Somewhere around the 3rd week of going vegan, there was a noticeable improvement in my overall well-being. I felt more energetic and refreshed most of the time. This positive change in my mood was a welcome boost, especially since I had been feeling mentally drained before.
As I continued my vegan journey, I saw my weight drop to a healthy level. I was more active, able to run around, and easily do many chores. My body was also recovering quickly from any strenuous activities I was doing.
Not only was I feeling physically better, but my concentration at work also improved. I could stay focused for extended periods during calls, and my mental fatigue was reduced significantly.
One simple rule
When I started my vegan journey, I kept an elementary rule: to cause as minor an inconvenience to others as possible. I didn’t want to put any extra pressure on anyone to prepare separate meals for me. I will take the gravy if it’s chappati and chicken curry for dinner. If I weren’t the one cooking, I would gratefully eat what was offered, no questions asked.
Continuing the journey
As I continued my vegan journey, I embarked on a new exploration and experimentation phase. Back in Bangalore, my wife and I set out to discover plant-based alternatives for all our favorite foods. To our delight, we found that many of these alternatives tasted even better than their animal-based counterparts. Our children couldn’t even tell the difference and often asked for seconds.
I also learned to make coffee and tea with soy milk, which was challenging. There is a delicate balance between boiling the soy milk and preventing it from burning in the pan. Despite some setbacks, I was determined to master brewing a delicious soy milk latte.
However, I must admit that I make some compromises when traveling abroad. Finding good vegan food in a new city can be challenging, especially if you are only there for a short time. The last thing I want on a trip is to be stressed about food, so I am willing to make exceptions and indulge in non-vegan options in these circumstances.
I’m the only one who became vegan. My wife and kids are still sticking to their old diet. But at home we have switched to vegan ghee, plant-based meat, etc. (She wanted me to mention this as their sacrifice for my madness)
Finally, I’m not asking you to switch. There are multiple factors to consider before you change your diet. Things like information about allergens, any medications you are under, access to alternate food sources, etc.
./J
