I am sitting on my couch, and as I type this, I am finding myself to be in a phase of transition. As one of my New Year’s resolutions, I decided to become a vegan.

What is that you say?

Well, veganism is a dietary choice that omits meat and any animal byproduct from the diet. This is also called a plant-based diet. Why are you doing this, you may ask? Well, let’s just say I’m done. I am done feeling heavy and bloated after meals. I am through experiencing brain fog and hormone issues. I want a clean life, so I am approaching this step in my time with a patient spirit and an excited disposition.

I follow so many individuals on YouTube, Instagram, you have it, and these people (mostly vegans) are leaders of such clean lifestyles when it comes to food. There is such simplicity yet a creative underlying vibe surrounds all of them.

Now if you were to ask me if I was doing this for ethical reasons or just for my health, I would have to say I favor the latter, however, the first does not seem so far from the truth, either.

After much study and research into the way that animals are used for food, I would have to say that it is honestly pretty inhumane. Don’t get me wrong, I know several farmers who do not treat their animals in such a way, however, mass production of animal meat and byproduct has been the cause of speculation as to whether or not means of “production” are ethical.

They say that if slaughterhouses were made of glass, everyone would be vegan, and I truly believe it. There is so much to the meat production industry that I don’t care for, and I won’t go into detail for stomach’s sake, but I will say it is worth it to find answers for oneself.

Healthwise, plant-based diets have been known to help challenge disease and restore the body’s natural state without the help of medication.

I feel like I am in a constant state of tiredness and brain fog. I don’t eat badly necessarily (we buy organic and don’t really eat out), but I do tend to eat meat at least twice a day, and after each time I feel different and not in a great way. My body will often become sluggish and I will want nothing more than to sit on the couch and watch Friends. In the past two days of trying out this new diet, I can say that I don’t feel that way. I am in a state of calm yet I am ready on a whim and happy. For the first time in a while, I feel pretty great, and there is something to be said for that.

So, will I continue this new “vegan” way of life? Well, I certainly hope so.

At times it seems challenging, but when I get a craving for sweets (my soft spot), I just run and grab my cashew milk chocolate ice cream, which I promise is way better than any dairy.