75 lbs.

That's how much meat I estimate I haven't eaten since going vegan. It's been roughly 50 days, and I probably ate at least 1 lb., but surely more on most days. 75 lbs. That's a lot of chickens, fish, cows, etc. This number of course will only grow, and doesn't include the poundage saved in cheese, milk, and eggs. And I still weigh the same now as I did 2 months ago. I don't miss it. I haven't craved meat yet. Not eating dairy is somewhat inconvenient when at a restaurant, but really fairly easy. I'm sure part of that has to do with living in L.A. where it's more prevalent.

I've noticed on some web forums as well as in person, some vegans are very extreme in their avoidance of all animal products and foods. I am as well. I seek all options in my food, bath products, clothing, etc. that don't use any animal byproducts. However, there's no need to be critical of vegetarians, or chastise those who may consume occasional products not deemed vegan. I think the man who coined the term vegan and created the first vegan society, Donald Watson, said it best. He emphasized that being vegan is limited to what is "possible and practical." In our modern world we have so many options that there is hardly a situation where it seems impossible or impractical. But, I appreciate the flexibility, and I know my intentions are good. And when it all shakes out, I'm on the right side of things.

"The word 'veganism' denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practical—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals." Donald Watson