I have been talking to a friend who is a vegan. I just can't understand how he lives without the kinds of food that I live for.

So I am considering following a very strict vegan diet for seven days, just to see what it is like. This is coming from the girl who has six different types of cheese in her fridge as we speak. I've had eggs for breakfast for the last three days running, and I drink milk by the gallon. Needless to say, I could be setting myself up for a real challenge.

I'm starting to realise that I am spending too much time focusing on what vegans don't eat, as opposed to what they do. Obviously, I will need to do some research so I don't keel over from iron deficiency within three days, but I think my experiment will make me more considerate to a lifestyle I wouldn't ordinarily choose for myself.

I've already cut down the amount of meat I eat for health/ financial/ environmental reasons, so why not take it one step further, just to see what happens?

There are the obvious health benefits to a diet low in saturated fats, but am I savvy and dedicated enough to actually feed myself properly for the week? My life will be a little unsettled for the next two weeks, but after life calms down a little, I think I might have a crack at this. Just for seven days. And honestly, I have very little faith that I will make it past day three.

I solemnly promise to keep a detailed account of my adventures in vegan land for the amusement of others.

Thursday 12 March 2009

Wow, I am overwhenmed by the comments to this post. I suspect this means that I will actualy have to go through with this now! I've put the wheels in motion. I think my housemate will also join in my experiment. I'm doing some research, looking for recipies. Any online links anyone wants to send though would be appreciated.

Time wise, I am looking at the first or the second week of April (after I've been on holidays, but before Easter).

Stay tuned... I've got some interesting posts planned in between now and then too.

I've discovered a new food problem with my new career. As I no longer work in a cafe where I can gleefully pick at any edible substance (little chorizo here, little aioli there) I've started to become a little peckish around the three thirty mark. I've usually got a beer in hand at that time, so the it has all become a bit of a shock, with the niggling feeling in the bottom of my empty belly. And I'm sober, tragedy.

I've begun a search for fun (but healthy-ish) afternoon snacks. For your information, Country Cup Flavours of the World Tom Yum soup does not taste anything like Tom Yum soup. Not even close. It actually tastes not unlike lemon scented dish washing liquid.

My friend Stef has suggested carrot sticks with hummus, which is a cracking idea. He is a vegan, and I've not really met that many vegans, so I am rather interested to pick his brains over the vegan diet. Also, Criterion street cafe do a great vegetable foccacia which is vegan, if anyone is interested.

On a non-vegan tract, I'm really into those little baby-bell cheeses, which are super fun to eat. I've been forcing down little pots of yogurt, but it's not really working, because I don't like yogurt much, I just think I do.

My housemate Lucy suggests the humble Freddo frog, as they are available from the tuck-shop at the art school, they are very small, so therefore portion controlled, while still delivering chocolatey goodness. She describes the basic chocolate version as "her rock" but occasionally dabbles in the odd Caramello Koala.

I would like to open up the comments page for suggestions on what else is good to have as a mid-afternoon snack. I'd be most grateful for any interesting ideas.