A gaffe!

Two days ago we celebrated Day 10 - a quarter of the way there! Not that I'm counting, though. Going vegan has yet to be as much as a challenge as I expected.

But then...yesterday I went to eat some sorbet and was halfway through it when I realized I didn't check the ingredients. And there it was: "Modified Milk Ingredients." Aack!

I don't feel bad because I didn't know, but it did go to show that avoiding animal products is no easy task and you have to be vigilant at all times - at least at the beginning before you amass the knowledge and food that turns it into a habit and then a lifestyle.

It's definitely one of the hardest things to adjust to - the whole obsessive-compulsive label checking thing. I remember the good old days of whisking through the grocery store and dropping whatever struck my fancy in the cart, or going to a restaurant and not worrying about what they cook with - or worst of all, being that picky person who just has to ask all these questions. I used to pride myself on being a really easy-going guest or patron.

There is a flipside, though. I am happy to know that there are fewer unknowns in my food. Most vegan products are also organic and preservative-free. And checking labels has helped me choose better products and feel good about the food I eat and the companies I support. And have I mentioned lately how much less junk food and sweets I'm eating? Sorry to be obsessed, but I have been trying for years to replace candy bars with broccoli and I'm actually doing it and feel super good and healthy! There is a huge difference between trying to go on a fad diet and being plagued with guilt for slipping, and making a choice based on ethics and overall health, not just fat-cutting.