On being a Vegan…

Okay, I’m not a real vegan, but I am a temporary one for now. You see, my annual, always stone-cold-normal bloodwork showed that my thyroid was a bit out of synch, and upon further testing, it looks like I have a touch of autoimmune hyperthyroidism– at least on paper. I have no symptoms, except an ever-growing intolerance for caffeine.

Being the research maven that I am, I searched for information on autoimmune diseases and inflammation, and I immediately went to Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s site. I am a big proponent of his theories, and I found his protocol for autoimmune disease to be well-researched and credible. And vegan. And, did I mention, wheat free as well? My new endocrinologist says I can play around with diet and other things as long as I have no symptoms, so here goes!!

I have been vegan for 3 weeks now. I have discovered an array of wonderful, creamy soups, filled with greens and cruciferous veggies, as well as gorgeous salads which I eat everyday. I have my afternoon green smoothie, which, although it looks like the affectionately named “pond scum”, tastes superb. I have discovered bean burgers to replace my boxed veggie burgers–just mash up the canned beans and fold in minced onion or garlic, herbs, soysauce, whatever, and hold it together with just enough uncooked oats. Voila!! They are great on the grill, especially topped with a grilled Portobella mushroom.

I admit, I miss my fish, my eggs, and my fine raw cheeses. And eating out is very difficult, at least around here. But I feel great, I’ve lost 4 pounds, and I have lots of energy without the caffeine. My sugar cravings have disappeared. I know in time, I will add back small amounts of fish, and an occasional egg or hunk of gruyere, but for now, I am the ultimate Veggie Girl.