I think you will feel better and your hair and skin will look better too. It also keeps your mind active, because you are learning about all kinds of new foods and new recipes! Good for you! Most ppl don't think about their diet much and eat and the consequences of their food choices on themselves or the planet. You don't need to push it on your kids or hubby, but I guarantee you that they will want some of what your having!
Most ppl that have not tried veganism know little about it. It isn't just eating soy and salads. It is really eating with a conscious purpose and it can be very delicious, nutritious, colorful and healthy.
So, I know quite a bit about veganism. Are you doing this for health reasons, environmental, spiritual or ethical or all of the above?
You may also email me @ ____@____.com. I am always getting new info and events too, where other vegans go. There is an event coming up with a vegan bodybuilder who is coming to town in 2 weeks. www.Robertcheeke.com is his website.
Oh my gosh, try Robin Robertson recipe books. Her website is www.robinrobertson.com I have made so many recipes of hers and every single one is deeelicious! She even has both a slow cooker and a quick cook recipe book. You do not need to be a vegan or a vegetarian to love her recipes! I have made soups and my husband has said they are better than any soups he has ever had and I have cooked all kinds of "regular" recipes too.
Try shop at really good stores like Whole foods, Trader Joes, Sprouts and try farmers markets too. Ask employees for help. You may find a lot of vegan employees once you start asking for help with brands, etc. Then they can give you more advice on brands of particular items as not all brands are created equal. They can also help you with all sorts of helpful advice.
When making homemade doughs like for your vegan pizza, try olive oil instead of butter. There are a lot of other tips too you will want to incorporate! I make the best chocolate cake and white frosting. You would never know it is vegan! It is so easy too.
Try this too: http://www.veganoutreach.org/whyvegan/ and also this one: http://www.vegan.org/ and http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm. Also, go to meatoutmondays.com to have a vegan recipe emailed to you every week.
BTW: There are a lot of really good vegan friendly restaurants in the valley with exciting and delicious menus.
You may want to look into "nutritional yeast". You can get it at Whole Foods, Sprouts and places like that. Sprinkle it on your salads, (your kid's too), your soups, and you can even make a vegan mac-n-chz out of it. Vegans use it to make cheese too. Anyway, it is packed with nutrients, namely B-12.
RE: My pediatrician recommended my kids still drink milk and eggs - a few servings per week. He did say they would be healthier eliminating meat from their diet, than their meat-eating counterparts. He said that vegan kids can do well but you do need to ensure they are getting enough calcium, protein and b-12. It is easier for me to supplement their diet with the milk and eggs.
Will you be shopping for vegan shoes, handbags and coats? I can help you out there too! :-)
Also, one tip. Become familiar with ingredients. Not all soy cheeses for example are vegan! Casein, for example, is a dairy product and it can be found in soy cheese.
Here's a vid you may enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYX18NGTwls