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Here are ten stories about health benefits from people who did the Veggie Challenge in July/Aug 2008.

One day at a time

At first, I was feeling really uneasy about this Veggie Challenge... Simply because I have tried it on my own the last little while, many times; but failed. Note that I didn't have proper information and instructions, like I did with the emails and websites this time around. I found them helpful with the required sources of information to succeed.

Day 1 – Felt great because I was trying something new and challenging myself. But also felt scared because I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into... Emptied all the junk in my fridge that I didn't need. So, I can be on the right path. Made a shopping list of what I like to eat and paid a visit to the Carrot Common. I saw a lot of different products and was amazed at all the selections. Planned out all my meals.

Day 2 – I noticed that I feel extra hungry from the day before. But I kept on listening to my body to stick with the game plan. Ate more fibre, veggies, and fruits. Also drank lots of water.

Day 3 – Still find that I had an urge for meat at times but listen to my inner self and told myself no no no! I add some mock meat to satisfied my craving for meat. It's tastes good. If no one told me this was not real meat I would believe them. Delicious.

Day 4 – A little surprised I have been without meat for this long. Eight meals now I have been without meat. For dinner time I made some streamed tofu and veggies also had a carrot juice after my meal.

Day 5 – What shopping again but this time I went to Whole Foods at Avenue Rd. I found that making my own meals and eating more veggies made me feel more alert and energetic. I didn't feel tired like I used to when I was eating junk and ate out most of the time. I feel like I saved more – I noticed I had some extra money.

Day 6 – I decided to treat myself today and went out to Fressen for dinner.

Day 7 – I felt great that I took the Challenge. I loved the whole experience. After reading and learning about animals and meats; it kinda grosses me out and made me aware of what I was putting into my body and how it gets to my table. Made meals for breakfast and lunch. But decided this time to go out with some friends to a veggie restaurant for dinner called Live; very tasty but found it a little expensive, or at least my friends think so. I am going to take it one day at a time and change my lifestyle for sure.

Thank you so much for making me aware for my diet, cooking, foods, and making healthier choices. With all the information I was given, it made my attempt at being vegetarian a lot easier.

– Tommy, age 30-44, Toronto

This is the best thing I have ever done

I noticed in a matter of a couple days a great change after taking the 7 day challenge to become vegetarian. First of all I dropped 5 pounds without any effort, my skin has cleared up and I have so much more energy. I am confident that I have made a great choice for myself, the environment and of course, the animals, to begin living a vegetarian lifestyle. I have learned so much and I am happy that my friends and family are supporting me and I have opened their minds to follow me in what I am doing. This is the best thing I have ever done and I will carry it on for life. Thank you for showing me the way and for all the support in the emails.

– Janice, age 30-44, Salmon Arm, BC

My energy increased 10 fold

I was a little apprehensive at the beginning but I stuck with it. I found in just this short time that my energy increased 10 fold and I had more clarity. I didn't feel like my meals weighed me down and I had the energy to keep going instead of sitting around waiting to digest. I didn't think just eating this way would lead me to such a brighter more energetic outlook on my day. My concentration even improved! I will absolutely keep going!!! Thanks so much for this!!!

– JenDeChef, age 30-44, Toronto

Following in the footsteps of my parents

My week of the Veggie Challenge ended on the Saturday of the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair at Harbourfront. It was a great way to end the week. I managed to find more information and places in the Toronto Area that can be resources to me.

My parents became vegan about 3 years ago. Their health has improved so dramatically – it was hard not to take their lifestyle change seriously. I finally made the decision to join them and have been fortunate enough to get tips from my mother about what products to use (who knew about nutritional yeast flakes?) and that has really helped me kick start my venture into veganism.

Most of my friends have been very supportive. They know improving my health is important. Some have even tried the foods I've cooked – like a tofu/pecan loaf – and although they were polite, I know they won't be coming back for awhile. Others have tried it and have already been back for seconds!

For me, the key was to be prepared; have the right foods at home and some vegan-friendly snacks to take with me when I was out. That made it much easier to make the choices I wanted to make instead of the easy-to-grab milk, cheese, chicken products that seem to be everywhere.

I also discovered that Toronto has some great places to eat, like Annpurna on Bathurst St, Vegetarian Haven on Baldwin St, and King's Cafe, Urban Herbivore and Hibiscus on Augusta St.

I will continue with my vegan diet and know I am doing a good thing for my health, for animals and for the environment.

– Bonnie, age 30-44, Etobicoke, ON

My stomach problems are so much better now

I am not a vegetarian as of yet. I have cut out beef, pork and chicken from my diet but do eat fish, eggs and cheese. I must say I feel so much better. I have always had stomach problems. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea – everyday was a new challenge with my stomach. But since I have cut out meat I have felt so much better and have a regular bowel movement daily!(Sorry to share that) That alone is a reason for me to continue on this Challenge.

I have experimented with different fruits, vegetables, beans etc. and am more conscious of what I eat. Your web site has helped me with recipes as I believe that one of the hardest challenge is coming up with different meals and not getting stuck eating the same things. Your web site has great information and has really helped me stay on track and experiment with different foods.

I don't know if I will be able to cut fish out of my diet but will definitely limit my intake.

Thanks for all the great information and look forward to learning more about vegetarian lifestyle.

– Dean, age 30-44, Kingston, ON

I felt amazing after the 2nd day

When I eliminated meat from my diet I felt amazing after the 2nd day. My stomach wasn't bloated and it felt like I was using reserves of energy I never knew I had! I started going to the bathroom a lot (#2) and it felt like my body was letting go of everything it was holding on to from eating meat. I lost 5lbs this week which I am surprised because I was a 130lb female and now I am 125 lbs, just from the simple change.

The smell and look of meat just grosses me out now and I can't even walk in a food court for long if they are grilling chicken or beef.

– Angela, late 20's, Winnipeg, MN

I declared that I would never eat meat again

I've gone meat-free in the past, mainly for the health benefits. During those phases I have never felt uncomfortable around non-vegetarians during holidays or dinner parties or other gatherings. The one thing I found most interesting though, was the reaction I received whenever people found out I was vegetarian. They inevitably asked, "Is it for health reasons or activism?" And even though my answer back then was 'health', it always surprised me that not eating meat actually generated more lively discussions than my political or spiritual preferences ever did.

Just before I took the Veggie Challenge, I saw a television story on Pamela Anderson in which she received an award from PETA for her outstanding contribution. During her speech, a disturbing video revealing the unspeakable cruelty inflicted on animals at a fur mill in China was shown. Seeing it compelled me to visit the PETA website. There were a number of other videos at their site and within minutes I found myself sobbing uncontrollably. The moment I couldn't watch any longer was the moment I declared that I would never eat meat again. [See PETA's "Meet Your Meat" movie.]

What was most extraordinary about that declaration was the sense of relief I experienced immediately afterwards. My friends claim it was because I've always been a vegetarian at heart. I suspect they're right.

So, where to begin my new life? I've always been interested in excellent nutrition, and have spent a considerable amount of time reading up on the topic. Quite synchronously I found an old brochure from the Toronto Vegetarian Association tucked in amongst some nutritional literature I'd been saving. I surfed the site and eventually came across the Veggie Challenge. Perfect! Kick-off my new life with seven days of guidance, support, and quality information delivered right to my Inbox.

Now when people ask why vegetarianism, I have the confidence to speak my new truth. I choose to be a vegetarian first and foremost to join the crusade to end the needless suffering millions of animals experience each and every day. The health benefits are simply an added bonus!

– Jane, age 30-44, Toronto

A vegetarian in the making!

The week went very well! I was a little skeptical at first because I thought it would be hard for me to make such a 'dramatic' change to the way I eat. However, as soon as I started I found out that it would be a lot easier than I could have imagined! I ate plenty of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and nuts, which gave my insides a really 'clean' feeling! I felt lighter than I had in years and I really think that it was worth every minute of it! My family and friends were really supportive and I recommended the Challenge to them all as well. I am definitely a vegetarian in the making!

– Kate, teen, Lion's Head, ON

I felt so good, I knew I would continue

I originally committed to eating a strict vegetarian diet for 2 weeks – no eggs, no dairy, no meat – after the first week, I felt so good I knew I would continue beyond the end of the second week. As I started to learn more about how animals are treated in our agricultural system, I knew I could not continue to be complicit in that sort of process. While I no longer check every package for even the smallest dairy ingredients, I have decided (for both health and moral reasons) to remain a vegetarian.

– Dan, age 30-44, North Fort Myers, FL

Daily doses of encouragement

My husband found your website and decided to sign me up for the Challenge! I am a transitioning vegetarian and he thought the daily emails would be a great support. He was so on the mark (which he usually is – I have been extremely blessed). I found so much great information! The only difficult moment for me was missing out on the grilled salmon at our 4th of July celebration!

Thank you for the daily doses of encouragement and enlightenment!

– Mazella, age 30-44, Depew, NY