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Here are 10 more stories from those who did the Veggie Challenge in Jan/Feb 2011.

Influenced by my daughter watching Food Inc.

My daughter first got me thinking about being vegetarian after she watched Food Inc. at school. She slowly stopped eating meat. While out with friends for coffee I picked up the brochure about the Veggie Challenge and thought I would give it a go. One week turned into a lifestyle change and we are all vegetarians now.  I must say that every now and then my husband will have the odd bit of meat if we eat out.

I am always looking for fast and easy recipes. I usually cooked recipes that were in my head, you know the ones you saw your mom make, so I have to make an effort to be creative in our new vegetarian lifestyle and keep in mind our health. We continue to try new foods as a family and my family is always open to at least trying new stuff.

I will continue to increase my knowledge and recipes. Thanks for the kick start. The emails were very encouraging.

– Sharen, age 40-49, Toronto

Going vegan in the Caribbean

I was pleased to learn about and participate in the Veggie Challenge as soon as I heard about it on 3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network – Christian Television).

I knew for quite some time the benefits of going vegan and always opt for fruits, vegetables and a veggie meal when given a choice. For the Challenge I ate watermelon, pawpaw, bananas, oranges, pear, vegetables. I also ate whole wheat bran bread, cooked pumpkin, cereals and porridge.

My friends and family understand the benefits to be derived from cutting out meat and dairy from their diets and are quite supportive of my decision to gravitate in this direction.

My motivation is to live a healthier life style, protect the environment and stop the slaughter and maltreatment of farm animals. I feel better when I am on a vegetarian diet and am satisfied without having to consume as much food as compared to a non-vegetarian diet.

I have shared these emails with my friends.

After completing Phase 2:

My motivation for the Veggie challenge came from the 3ABN channel which emphasizes the benefits of a vegetarian diet. The Veggie Challenge reinforced the need to go vegan from an environmental and health perspective and made me aware of the inhumane treatment inflicted upon poultry and farm animals. In addition it was demonstrated that protein and other essential nutrients can be sourced from plants therefore there is no disadvantage in going vegan.

The menus are a nice base and can be spiced up to suite a more Caribbean style flavour.

My family and friends appreciate the value of a vegetarian diet. Generally I find that there is a growing awareness of the ill health effects of meat and poultry diets.

– Hilton, age 50-64, Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies

Engine 2 Diet inspired me to go vegan

I decided to go vegan after watching a video of Rip Esselstyn who is the author of Engine 2 Diet. I really had no idea what impact a vegan diet had on the planet and our health, I don't think I thought about it to be honest. I decided right away that I wanted to change my lifestyle. That was the start of my research into becoming vegan. My family gives me a hard time, but I have stuck with it and I feel so much better, I have more energy and my mind is quicker. Wonderful decision!!!

– Linda, age 40-49, Oakville, ON

Linda won the random draw for submitting a story during Mar/Apr 2011

Blogging and tweeting about the week

I did strategic food shopping at the start of the week and it lasted well. I spent more time preparing my food than I usually do and I enjoyed it. It wasn‘t as difficult to avoid non-vegan choices as I imagined it might be – it wasn‘t easy either though.

I believe the biggest diet adjustment for me was not in fact avoiding meats or eggs or even dairy. I discovered while eating vegan for a week that I ended up avoiding most bread-like products. The reason? Because they contain dairy and/or eggs, or at least traces of them. So I've discovered interesting, healthy foods that are really good for me. I‘ve also discovered more bad eating habits of mine to adjust.

I felt really good all week, quite clear-headed, stronger and more energetic. I think the reason is that I was not consuming much in the way of processed wheat products.

I don‘t think I'm allergic to wheat, but I do believe I have an addiction to it. That may be related to my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When in doubt or feeling on the edge of pain I eat bland bread-like products. They come in so many interesting and enjoyable forms, it‘s not hard to be sucked in. They also can be cheap and filling.

I have contemplated continuing with a vegan diet. Many people already assume that I‘m a vegetarian though I‘m not. I do enjoy eating less meat generally. I understand and appreciate the moral reasons for veganism but I also grew up on a small beef farm where cattle were treated well, even affectionately, and I believe that humans were made to be omnivores.

I think that we can be healthy, make good choices about the food we eat and influence the way our food is grown and produced. I think I will be more active in bringing awareness about sustainable food production, ethical farming and such related issues.

[Sarah blogged about her experience. She also tweeted:

“Thought about cheese today… Highlight = my guacamole stills rocks w/out sour cream!“

“No sleepy afternoons. Berries in my oatmeal. Contemplating next week.” and

“Feeling really good, strong. Suspect it’s decrease of processed wheat! Hmmm.“]

– Sarah, age 40-49, Vancouver, BC

Was pre-diabetic, now in healthy blood sugar range

I have used the information you provided to jump start my vegetarian lifestyle. I hope to end up as a vegan when I am done.

I am transitioning slowly as I already have health issues, but am now a vegetarian full time. I do still occasionally use dairy or eggs but I am working to end this.  I have found my health issues are slowly improving with this lifestyle change. I have been pre-diabetic for several years and am now currently in the healthy blood sugar levels with no sign of diabetes. I still struggle with cheese, sugar, and some dairy, but I think it is a process of weaning myself from them. I thank you for assisting in this positive change in my life.

Update after six weeks:

I am happy to share what has been happening. I have lost some weight, my health continues to slowly improve. My blood pressure has been closer to normal after years of being diagnosed with hypertension, and I believe shortly will be normal again. Your assistance has been priceless! Thanks helping move all of us moving towards a better way of life.

– Kelly, age 40-49, Tomah, WI

Beginner vegetarian loves book recommendations

I stumbled across the Veggie Challenge a couple of weeks after I had already begun my experimental transition to vegetarianism. What a helpful and fun tool it turned out to be! The content of the Veggie Challenge emails was very helpful and I enjoyed some of the recipes and borrowed many of the recommended books from the library – all of which were very useful. The Challenge certainly encouraged me to keep on this journey, which I have done.

I am pleasantly surprised how easy it all has been. The most difficult part has been dealing with opposition from extended family, but I found the book, "Living Among Meat Eaters" extremely helpful (and entertaining) in this regard.

Since eliminating meats from my family's diet, I definitely am feeling much healthier and energetic. I like that I am upholding and respecting my responsibility to provide and teach my family a more healthful way of living and eating. I will continue to recommend the Veggie Challenge to any friends or family that seem open to experience what has me feeling so "enlightened" and excited!

Many thanks from a beginner vegetarian.

– Kendra, age 30-39, Maple, ON

No more "digestion tiredness" after meals

I feel better – no more "digestion tiredness/fullness feeling" after meals. I feel that I'm caring more about my body, and that makes me happy :)

Thank you VEGGIE TEAM! The newsletter provided me with all the information I needed.

– Kasia, age 30-39, Toronto

Seventh-day Adventist finds help and support through Veggie Challenge

I've been playing around with vegetarianism for years and have health issues that will be greatly relieved if I do become vegan. Truthfully I did not do very well with the Challenge but have been more diligent in adding fruit, veg, nuts and beans to my diet. Oh and water, I'm drinking more water. My youngest son is vegan and is excited with my interest.

I have not given up on the idea. I am a SDA (Seventh-day Adventist) and am privy to lots of information and found your Challenge very helpful in moving forward. I've printed the info, have it on hand and I've shared it with co-workers and family.

I want to thank you for what you are doing and say "Keep up the GOOD work"!

– Pamela, age 50-64, St. George's, Bermuda

Blood sugar and weight stabilizing for Type 2 Diabetic

I am a 72-year-old type-two diabetic and have lost 30 lbs since being diagnosed three years ago, but couldn't lose any more. I have always eaten plenty of fibre. My main obstacle was my husband who was very ill with CHF (congestive heart failure). I was his care giver and his health was my main concern. Now he is gone I can really concentrate on myself.

With the Challenge my blood sugar levels have stabilized and I have dropped another five pounds in three weeks. I feel more energized and some of the chronic pain from Osteoarthritis has eased. I have made the commitment to vegetarian and there's nothing like success to keep you going.

– Wizzy, age 65+, Burlington, ON

Went vegan for the week

I am a vegetarian and went vegan for the week. It was quite challenging but I think I will continue for another three weeks. One of the challenges was going out with friends to restaurants. Many don't have too much for vegans. I want to thank you for all the recipes and info. It was quite helpful.

– Blonde, age 40-49, Strathroy, ON

I didn't tell my family that I was vegetarian

I actually started eating vegetarian a week before I started the Challenge and I didn't speak up to family that I was vegetarian – I just ate the vegetables and no meat at meals. When I go out for dinner, I just choose the appropriate vegetable meal at the time.

I have learned about hidden animal products and will keep them in mind for future meals. The recipes were very helpful and I have copied them for future use.

I look forward to my many years of healthy eating and learning.

– Jenny, age 30-39, Burlington, ON