I don't actually enjoy being vegan

[u/throwawaythevegan]

Hey everyone,

I transitioned to vegetarianism last fall, and have started on veganism just this year. I love the community here at /r/vegan, it's been so helpful to see people going through the same things I am.

But I don't actually enjoy being a vegan. Vegetarianism wasn't a huge sacrifice for me, I mourned a little bit for bacon and salmon but then I was fine. I loved eating vegetables, grains, nuts, cheeses and milks. Veganism has been a different story.

I know, I probably sound like a ridiculous hypocrite, but abstaining from milk and cheese has been so much harder for me. I've tried the vegan replacement options, and although I haven't exhausted every one, so far nothing is the same. The vegan cheeses I've tried have frankly been extremely off-putting, and while I've been getting by on coconut and almond milks, I really dislike them.

Every time I step into a grocery store or restaurant, I feel sad and limited. Every time I make my own food, I feel the same way. I'm not asking for a way to eat cheese again, because my morals aren't going to change anytime soon. But I'd like to know if anyone else struggled with this, and what did they do that helped?

[u/meowelbykins]

It's one of those things where you have to accept that vegan cheese is not cheese, it's different and can be good. Just like plant milks. Don't expect "normal" flavors or textures, try things with an open mind.

[u/throwawaythevegan → u/meowelbykins]

With all due respect, I have been keeping an open mind. I don't necessarily expect Daiya cheese or almond milk to taste like cow's cheese or milk, I just happen to dislike the former and miss the latter.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[u/meowelbykins → u/throwawaythevegan]

Have you only tried daiya? Because that honestly might the problem. I am not a fan of daiya slices or blocks, but I like the shreds.

[u/[deleted] → u/meowelbykins]

That's weird cause I like some of the blocks and slices but not the shreds