I'm a vegan, so what?

I've been a vegan for 21 days. The deal (with myself) was to try it out for January.

I have to admit, I actually like it. I don't think it's that drastic a change (from vegetarianism), although, I do miss the cheese. O, the cheese. I miss you. Naturally, I've had to make some changes in my life. I cook a whole lot more than I used to-- but since I really like cooking, that's a plus. I eat a ton more veggies-- but as a vegetarian, shouldn't I eat a lot of vegetables? I think about the food I consume, where it comes from, and how healthy it is (er... except for those cookies... ahem)-- which is better for my body and also doubles as mental exercise. The down side it's way more expensive than less produce-centric diets.

Oh, and telling people I'm a vegan also sucks.

When I tell people about my experiment, they usually respond as if I'm committed the gravest offense, as if my dietary choices somehow constitute a direct assault against humanity and the food chain. Maybe people react this way because they don't know what to do with the news, and worry that if they wanted to invite me for dinner they would have to cook some sort of vegan-friendly alternative. Or maybe they're concerned for my health (?). I am ridiculously tired of the lectures. I can think of wayyyyy less healthy diets (um, only eating protein? I'm POSITIVE that Atkins himself DIED OF A HEARTACK!!!! talk about unhealthy). And it's not as if I, as a person, have drastically changed in the last 21 days... I just don't eat eggs and dairy anymore. And why is it, exactly, that living by a set of moral guidelines (different guidelines, perhaps, but guidelines nonetheless) regarding the consumption and treatment of animals somehow constitutes a general affront to humanity itself? It's just a whole lot of bologna, if you ask me.

Basically, what I'm trying to say:

I'm a vegan. Get over it.