7 Things I've Enjoyed Since Ending My Vegan Journey

Yes, I know the headline is bothering some of you. I'll start by saying, being vegan isn't necessarily a bad thing to do; I completely understand every reason under the sun why one would chose to eat and live this way. A few months ago; however, I decided switch from vegan to just vegetarian. I have to say life is finally easy again. Ive enjoyed these things quite a bit.

1. I've enjoyed having more energy.

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When I first decided to cut all animals out of my diet, I thought I had a lot of energy. But it turned out, my energy was almost gone after my first six months or so, of eating all plants. I went through a phase this past summer where I was taking on average two or three, hour-long naps each day. Now, napping is something I do a lot less of and I'm very happy to have more time on hand.

Do you wonder why was I so lethargic after so many months of avoiding "normal" sushi and eggs over-easy? My body was lacking in B12 vitamins. The only way possible for me to consume these essential nutrients was through a supplement. And really, is there anyone who actually enjoys taking supplements? Not me.

2. I've enjoy my hair more.

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After a while of basing my diet on basically beans, rice, veggies, hummus, tofu and pasta, my hair brush, my shower drain and my pillow were covered in my hair. And what's worse? I'm an Italian-American with A LOT of hair. Losing so much of it worried me because I've always been attached to my hair.

After about a few months of eating eggs, fish, yogurt and other great foods again, my hair started to look stronger and healthier (see for yourself above). And, it just stays on my head—most of the time.

3. I enjoy feeling less "different" than everyone.

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Nothing is worse than sitting down to a meal with a group of friends when you can't enjoy what's being served for dessert. While I understand many people avoid certain foods at group meals for dietary reasons, I hated explaining myself to everyone.

When one of my close friends tried to offer me Honey Nut Cheerios when we were enjoying a movie night, I had to say no to her because I honey isn't vegan. And all I got from her was the "are you okay" look. I didn't have the willpower to explain to her why I wasn't eating honey because the movie was more important.

So grateful I can eat like everyone else again! Just as long as there isn't chicken on the table (reminder, I am still a vegetarian).

4. I enjoy not having to eat as much.

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Being a vegan felt to me like being a rabbit. As we know, rabbits are seen chowing away at carrots and other veggies all day. I pretty much did the exact same thing when I was vegan: I'd eat breakfast, I'd eat an apple and I'd snack of celery and pb long before it was lunch time. Nothing I ate completely filled me up, so grazing was an important habit.

Sure, grazing might be a healthy way to eat according to some nutritionists, but as a broke college student it's too expensive. Wholesome, organic veggies cost too much and I'd rather just slurp down my Ramen noodles and get on with my day. Now, that's pretty much all I have to do to avoid hunger.

NOTE: I do eat a diet with horizons beyond Ramen.

5. I enjoy having better concentration.

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As a vegan, I'd find myself struggling to participate in class discussions and I'd sometimes find myself mistaking my face wash for toothpaste... Unm, yeah I actually brushed my teeth with a delicious e.l.f. facial cleanser by mistake. I think I ran a red light by accident, too.

All those things are definitely things of the past. I find that I think more clearly throughout the day if I scramble an egg for myself in the morning. I also don't try to unlock the door to my apartment with my car keys. I'm amazed with how much I've grown thanks to no longer being vitamin B12 deficient.

6. And may we please talk about sushi? I really enjoy sushi.

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Raw fish might not be for everyone, but for me, it's a practice I follow in two very different situations: being stressed and in need of some relief, and feeling accomplished and need a celebration. Not being able to have it when these things occurred was self-torture.

I know that sushi can be made without fish, but cucumbers and carrots don't exactly measure up. There were many moments where, as a vegan, I'd walk by this sushi takeout restaurant in town, craving a simple, buttery and fresh spicy salmon roll. But I made the sad choice of ignoring nature's cravings instead. Sad.

7. And cheese, Ice Cream, Fro-yo and life, too?

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While I was vegan, the internet suddenly blew up with all these headlines, like "cheese is addictive" and "this restaurant serves great cheese." Being on social media as often as I am made me have major cravings seeing all these articles. And not to mention Insta pics of ice cream running my feed... Major sigh when you "can't" have any.

In conclusion, not being vegan anymore simply means that life is healthy and fun again. And to me, mozzarella sticks are life. Period.