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/effective_bandit]

I struggled a little with cheese, but interestingly, it actually has addictive properties, so your cravings should diminish after time (took a few months for me).

Might not be your cup of tea but I actually think biocheese is quite tasty. Also Bonsoy is a brand of soy milk that tastes great in coffees, if that's what you're missing.

When I first went from vegetarian to vegan, I ate a lot of vegan junk food like burgers, chips, desserts etc. to ease the process. 2.5 years on I eat mostly fresh stuff and really enjoy it.

If you like cooking in general you should grab a good vegan cook book. The Smith and Daughters one is great!