Going VEGAN Episode 8: Beyond the Challenge (series finale!)

Going VEGAN Episode 8: Beyond the Challenge (series finale!)

DYLAN’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE

So I recall a conversation between Jordana and I about why someone would choose a path to become vegan. “You mean you can’t eat fish? or even cheese?!” I asked. To me it sounded insane, unhealthy, and too costly. It was about then Jordana gave a pitying smirk and flattened my arguments. Then she told me I couldn’t hack it.

Here I am one month later, having not consumed any fish or cheese, or any animal products for that matter, and I feel the better than I ever have before. My once sound and resolute arguments seem juvenile, and now I am the one who feels pity when I hear comments like “How do you get your protein?” or “Aren’t you tired all the time?” Today I realize that most people just aren’t informed. I’ll admit that a month ago I really had no idea where my food was coming from or what exactly was in it, and frankly, I didn’t care to know. It’s easier that way. Now, I am privileged to have done the research.

People will debate for ages whether or not being vegan is healthy, but there really is something to be said about how good I feel. My skin has cleared up and is smoother, I have tons of energy, I smell better, I feel sharper and more focused, I lost 10lbs. and I’ve only been doing this for a month! I think above all, the most rewarding part of this challenge is the sense of accomplishment that has overcome me – I now feel as if I can do anything. For anyone who is thinking about becoming vegan but is unsure, my advice would be to set a goal for yourself, do tons of research, and when you’re through anticipate a rewarding feeling unlike any other.

I want to thank all of my friends and family who have supported me throughout the month, to Planet Verge for orchestrating the challenge, Peta2 and Vegan Essentials for the sponsorships, and especially to Jordana for this amazing experience.

Empowered and enlivened, I can safely say that I’m staying vegan. I feel too damn good to give it up. So with that, I guess the challenge continues tomorrow…

-Dylan Mandel, The Lives of Famous Men

ABOUT GOING VEGAN

No meat. No eggs. No cheese. No Jello.
Planet Verge challenged The Lives of Famous Men drummer Dylan Mandel to abstain from consuming animal products for one month and document the process for its On The Verge. The series, titled Going Vegan, will follow Mandel at his home in Portland and as he road trips across the USA, where he will cut flesh foods, eggs and dairy cold turkey (pardon the pun) from his diet. Follow him as he learns that being vegan goes beyond his diet, to his clothes, shampoo and even daily vitamins. He’ll meet vegan friends who help him along the way as he takes his 30 days one day at a time.

Similar Posts:

• Going VEGAN Episode 4: Condoms Aren’t Vegan?
• Going VEGAN Episode 6: What’s Cooking?
• Going VEGAN Episode 5: Cow’s Breast Milk
• On The Verge: Going VEGAN Episode 1
• Going VEGAN Episode 7: Taking the Challenge on Tour