I had a short experience with veganism before Chickfila nuggets won me over. I’ve always had a problem with commitment, but just because I couldn’t stay a vegan doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. It’s liberating, it’s healthy – but it’s also a daunting task.

It was when I first saw footage of animals being so cruelly mistreated that I realized it wasn’t necessary for me to consume creatures that gave so much to the earth. I took pride in eating fruits and veggies because as a lover of processed foods, such a feat was not simple in the least. But the most rewarding part was the effect on my state of mind.

I began by slowly weaning off of my typical diet. Vegan food takes more work to prepare, which can be difficult when you’re balancing a particularly busy schedule. However, because of the complexity of vegan food, I discovered a love for cooking. My obsession with acai bowls and avocados was also discovered during this time. I ate one every day. Oatmeal was my go-to breakfast, with some sort of egg-free pasta usually with pesto or olive oil dressing for lunch. Dinner is the meal with the most options for vegans. I tried everything, from chili to smashed white bean and avocado clubs.

Veganism wasn’t as much about changing my my entire diet as it was just eating foods I already loved more frequently.

Most of my vegan friends became salad fanatics throughout their journey, but it was never something that appealed to me. If anything, I’d have a vegan cobb salad for lunch, topped with mandarin oranges. If you’re even lazier than me, (doubtful) it’s very easy to find pre-made vegan foods. Some of my favorites included Daiya, a vegan cheese, So Delicious Dairy Free Almond Milk Ice Cream, and any product from Road’s End Organics.

While most vegans tend to be pretty preachy, I tended to hide my veganism for fear of becoming a stereotypical “overachieving” vegan. That could’ve also played a part in my failure, a large part of being vegan is talking about the fact that you’re vegan. This doesn’t necessarily have to be in a braggy self-entitled way, but to inform others of the many benefits. I wasn’t willing to admit to most of my friends that I was vegan for fear of being judged, and I felt like a burden when we went to our usual food places.

People will judge you, the theories that being vegan is something to be mocked are unfortunately true. While I admit some people who practice this lifestyle are over the top, the majority are simply trying to do what’s best for themselves in a healthy, natural way.

Why did I stop being vegan? I consider myself a major foodie. I love food, and I love the way it plays such a vast role in our lives. I am a woman of many guilty pleasures and I simply didn’t want to keep denying myself the pleasure of Land O Lakes white American cheese. I hope my experience doesn’t discourage anyone, as it shouldn’t. I’d rather be honest and admit that I don’t have enough self-control at this point in time to make such a commitment. However, I hope to one day master the art of resisting so I am able to fully make the switch to a vegan lifestyle. It’s what I believe is best for the environment, animals, and ourselves.