But don't you miss dairy/eggs?

I confess. I am a recovering cheese-aholic. I am not even joking. I also am a recovering egg-aholic.

As aforementioned, I live in the land of cheese. With out giving too much away, I live in a city where people wear blocks of cheese on their head (granted, its foam rubber, but still). I was a vegetarian for a while before becoming vegan and I ate cheese at least three times a day. I wish I was exaggerating. My addiction was so bad that when people I knew as a vegetarian find out I am vegan they will often comment on my past addiction. "You loved cheese!"

I gave cheese up, cold tofurky. And eggs, I used to eat omelette's all the time. I wouldn't say that I crave cheese. This to me means that I am sitting around dreaming about it and thinking of ways to get it. I have in the past smelled cheese and it smelled good to me. I do realize that sense of smell is more of a reflex than an actual craving.

For instance, if I go out to the bar with a bunch of friends and some one orders a cheese pizza, for one instant, it smells good. In this example, it has more to do with association than anything else. Beer + Pizza = WI Good Time.

I am getting over it. If you look at what cheese and eggs really are, it's gross. Especially eggs. I can't believe I used to eat that. Both cheese and eggs are just plain bad for you (as is meat, but I assume you know that if you are reading this). High in both fat and cholesterol, there is really no need for either.

You may note that there are a lot of "fake cheezes" out there available to vegans and non vegans alike. I have yet to try one. I have only been a vegan for 8 months and I think it is too soon. I don't think it will taste like I expected to and I would rather save the money and spare the disappointment.

To answer the original question: But don't you miss dairy/eggs? No, I don't miss them. For the most part, milk, cheese, and eggs don't even look good to me any more. I understand that much of my connection with these products is tied up in experiences and not the actual food. I have found ways around it. If I am craving something greasy while out with friends, I get fries. In a mexican resataraunt, I get chips and gaucamole (making sure there is no sour cream in there). I make it work. I have new favorites.

I feel a little like a skipping record (if any of you kids don't know what that is, ask your parents). But I will say it again: I will not promote the suffering of animals simply for my taste buds.