It's pronounced VEE-gun.

If you've been following me for a while, you know that in January, I decided to become a dedicated vegetarian. I've stuck to it, but now I've decided to take that lifestyle even further by becoming a vegan--someone who doesn't consume meat or any other animal by-products (milk, cheese, eggs, gelatin, etc). I was interested in becoming a vegan a while ago (Natalie, Stevie, Krystin, Alexis and I all tried it for a week, with Somer leading the way), but I failed miserably, probably due to the fact that I had no motivation for doing it other than just for kicks. In addition, I wasn't a vegetarian at the time, so my body went into complete shock when I cut out meat, dairy, and eggs all at once. Now, though, I have a reason.

After reading the book Skinny Bitch and doing some research on my own, I've found out that ALL animals are harmed in the process of making food containing animal by-products. Dairy cows are routinely injected with hormones and then killed 20 years earlier than their natural lifespans when their production rates decline. The hens who lay eggs can be stuck for years in small cages with floors the size of vynil record covers. Because chicks tend to peck each other, young hens often have their beaks seared off at birth. In addition, male chicks have no use to factory farmers, so they are killed by gassing, decapitation, suffocation, crushing, or, in some cases, farmers simply throw them in the garbage. Baby chickens are thrown into the garbage because of the egg industry. If that doesn't make you think twice the next time you go to take a bite of your scrambled eggs, I don't know what will.

I've only recently started a vegan diet--it's only been about 10 days now. But it feels longer; like I've been doing it forever. It's easier to do than it sounds. After about the first week your cravings for things like cheese and ice cream start to fade, and your body starts "detoxing" a lot, so prepare to feel a little sick!! But it's all for the good of the animals, and for your health too.

If you want to learn more about veganism, why it's good for you, how it helps animals, or factory farming, you can look at an older post about it or check out these resources:

Books:
Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
Vegan Freak by Bob and Jenna Torres (I haven't actually read this, but several people have recommended it to me)

Websites:
Vegan Action
Farm Sanctuary
PETA

Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo,
Laura