I've been vegetarian for 15 years (6 of them vegan). I'm no longer vegan, but have begun to incorporate a much larger raw food component into my diet (juicing, raw bread, etc.). It seems the latter has made the most difference in how I feel and the efficiency of my exercise program. Of course, I eat as much organic as I can. What prompted your decision to move to veganism? Peace, SL

P.S. Just went to your profile and learned your reason for becoming vegan! SL

Congrats GreySoulPatch! I have been a lacto-ovo veggie for over 25 years. I started because of health concerns. When I was 19 my doctor identified that I had extremely high blood lipid counts. So, I stopped eating chicken and beef and pork, and later, for ethical reasons stopped eating fish and seafood.

Back then I always thought the best diet would probably be one without any fat at all, but I had a hard time eliminating fat from my diet, and it seemed so crazy to try.

Recently, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist wrote a book essentially arguing that a no fat diet would eliminate, even cure heart disease. I have been following his diet for the last five months (four of them perfectly, but I have to admit breaking it a few times in restaurants in the last month :) ). My blood pressure has dropped, and I lost 20 lbs, bringing me down to my college weight. I will be interested to see my cholesterol levels next check up.

I am eating a good deal more raw food these days, and I really feel better for it. I eat as much as I like. :) I don't miss cheese, or eggs at all, except occasionally when eating Mexican... Bean burritos without cheese are taking some getting used to.

Anyway, consuming as little fat as possible naturally led me to a vegan diet, and I have been enjoying it with the challenges it brings. We have a farmer's market here where local farmers can bring their crops and I get very fresh organic produce there. I'm having fun!