Week 4: I’ve put this one off long enough.

Kay Angrum
Aug 23, 2017 · 5 min read

(Tl;dr: I went vegan for two weeks and then put off writing this blog)

The original headline for this fourth blog was going to be something like: “Being a First-Time Vegan In New Orleans” or “Traveling While Vegan,” but instead here we are… one week later.

SpongeBob references make everything better.

Too many beans, not enough Benadryl.

So, before I dive into my two weeks as a vegan, I’ve got some quick ‘splaining to do.

I came down with a pretty bad cold last week while in New Orleans where I was attending the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) annual conference, which was 🔥💯.

That is, until I got what felt like the plague. 💀😷

Fast-forward a whole week and I can finally get down in words what I’ve been dying to relay to you guys about what I’d planned to talk about in the first place.

Going vegan was the right decision at the wrong time.

Three weeks ago I watched this woke-worthy documentary on Netflix called, What The Health. I’d heard a friend of a friend talk about how he enjoyed the 1-hour-and-37 minute-long film about how eating vegan can “reverse chronic diseases” and that the world’s leading health organizations allegedly play a big role in deceiving consumers for profit.

The day after I watched the documentary, I was so impressed with what I had learned that I told myself I’d try going vegan that following week. But halfway into my less-than-appetizing egg whites and lazily-cooked turkey bacon that morning, I was ready to start my journey on the spot.

My version of a vegan home-made meal on Day 2 of eating vegan. Mixed veggies, broccoli and black beans.

By noon I’d thrown out the chicken I packed for lunch and grubbed on the home-cooked vegetables and beans I made the night before instead.

Before I knew it, I was eating this delicious combination for the rest of the week.

One week into “going vegan” and I was already feeling the benefits: Less bloating, fewer stomach rumblings, and my stomach didn’t feel acidic after each meal. I felt lighter and I felt good about what I was putting into my body.

(Plus, I randomly came across this one amazing video of Waka Flocka making vegan blueberry muffins, which pretty much confirmed to me I’d made the right decision.) 😂👏🏾

Once my trip to New Orleans came around I was suuuuper nervous, because I am not one to watch what I eat, ESPECIALLY on vacation.

Plus, the way my colleagues would react anytime I told them I was doing the whole vegan thing in NOLA, you’d thought I was committing a cardinal sin.

But I survived NOLA as a first-time vegan… Beignets and all.

For me, being vegan in NOLA wasn’t really the problem. It was getting a second to eat! If you’ve never been to an NABJ conference (you should!), then this is what I’m talking about. NABJ is non-stop networking, laughing, talking, “selife-ing,” workshopping, and so on. Literally, the days never end and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Now, “Vegan Kay” could have definitely used a breather or two. 😂😂😂

The times that I did get a second to catch my breath, usually at a reception or that period between the reception and whatever party was the move that night, I managed to find food options here and there.

It was definitely a challenge having to get out of the habit of grabbing every hors d’oeuvre that was made available to us at these events. I’d have to find a waiter, find out the ingredients and then ask to see if they had a meatless or cheeseless option.

Had to get my hands on a couple of beignets at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarters of New Orleans.

So, for anyone looking to make a drastic lifestyle change, especially to your diet here’s 3“What I learned and mistakes I made so you won’t make ’em too” list:

  1. BE PREPARED: Make sure your refrigerator is stocked with everything you’ll need ahead of time so you won’t run up against any “oh well, I am out of food” temptations. Also, do your research about what food options are out there for you (ie. restaurants, grocery store items, etc.)
  2. AVOID STARTING BEFORE A BIG TRIP: Personally, I don’t have any big regrets about doing the vegan thing during my trip to NOLA. I think it would have been a lot easier to give it the ‘ole college try while still in a routine. That said, if you do go on a trip: See #1.
  3. STAY SNACKED UP: Snacks were vital during my first week of doing the whole vegan thing, like dark chocolates, chips, Oreos (WHICH I FOUND OUT ARE VEGAN!? WHAAAA), etc. This sort of goes back to the first tip, but if you’re not prepared for those times when you do get hungry, which happens regardless of what diet you choose, it’s one less excuse you can use for reverting back to your old ways.

PS: If by the end of this post you’re wondering, “Well, if you loved going vegan so much, why did you stop? 🙄”

My quick answer for you is this: I was lucky enough to visit the grandparents in Louisiana during my week-long trip and in my family, while there aren’t many rules, one I was taught growing up is you baby, you never, ever turn down grandma’s cooking. ❤️

Thanks for reading!! See you guys next week. Xo

)
Kay Angrum

Written by

Kay is a multimedia journalist and host based in Washington, D.C., covering pop culture, politics, and everything in between.

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