3 Surprising Things That I Discovered After Giving Up Alcohol and Going Vegan
If you are following our journey (Lee and Jesse Try Something Simple) you will know that our journey towards a simple life includes becoming plant-based and giving up alcohol. It has been 2 months almost exactly at the time I have started this article. Only two months. There have been a lot of changes and feelings, but there are three unexpected surprises that I just had to share — especially if you are curious about this lifestyle. I didn’t really do a lot of research; the decision came about organically, and we have been learning along the way. I extensively research recipes, (that is for other posts) but didn’t think to look into the reasons why these three, simple very satisfying, yet surprising things have occurred. Some might already understand and know the reasoning behind it all and I would LOVE some feedback. I am simply sharing my experience as I am experiencing it.
- My mouth feels so clean!
I have always been a person that has always practiced good dental hygiene. I brush my teeth at least two times a day and floss (not every day like I should, but regularly) and at times use a water pick. But since I have gone plant-based and alcohol free, my mouth has a feel and depth of cleanliness that is on another level. I say both because I am not sure if it is from giving up meat and dairy or giving up alcohol. I know alcohol can leave a film even after brushing, mouthwash, flossing, etc… on your teeth but I had not considered that there is something in meat and dairy that stays in your mouth. The more critically I think about the fine slivers of meat laying trapped somewhere in my mouth makes me shiver with disgust. So, I choose to just be grateful I have made this switch and delight in these surprising and delightful discoveries.
2. I don’t stink!
Now some of this may be because it is winter, and we are not in the heat of Florida summer currently, but I have found that the daily need for deodorant is not necessary, and I really do not stink. I have checked and it has taken me by surprise that I do not have a bad body odor — even after hot yoga or a long vigorous walk. My body doesn’t smell like roses, but really just has a more neutral smell that isn’t awful. My husband has confirmed this. Yep, he has smelled my pits after yoga. My teenagers might disagree, but the need for deodorant has almost diminished. I use it out of sheer habit and of course for work, because this is what has been instilled in me. However, I find myself not needing it more and more outside of socially-appropriate-deodorant-wearing settings. That said, I do shower daily and wash my hair every other day. This leads me to the question, what is in dairy and meat that creates more odor in our bodies? Is it the hormones, animal fat…? All questions that I should probably do more research on. Another reason that this lifestyle decision has been easy to stay onboard with.
3. My hangry is gone!
You know that carnal hunger — even though you haven’t starved yourself — you just need food and need it now? It’s the empty carb trap — whether it is from food or alcohol. That feeling is literally non-existent. Sure, there are days I feel hungry if I’ve gone too long without eating. But not an uncontrollable hunger to where I would snack on anything within reach. A nibble off of my kid’s food, a bit of something that isn’t really fulfilling, but is just there — something to fill the void. Going plant-based has taken this “hangry” feeling away. It could be the fact we have cut out ‘most’ processed foods as well, but I really think it is that — as well as our body's addiction to the hormones and other addictive additives put in dairy and meat. I literally do not even think about eating meat or dairy and I am only a little over two months into this lifestyle. My conclusion is that the addictive qualities in meat and dairy create that carnal-hangry-hunger.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. We are writing this blog to share our thoughts, ideas, results, surprises, tips, feelings, recipes, challenges and everything else that comes up when you start a new journey. We welcome feedback, tips and encouragement! We will also be creating short videos to go along with this blog. Please subscribe to our publication (Lee and Jesse Try Something Simple) in order to get updates when we put a new blog out to follow us on this journey to simplify together. — Lee and Jesse
