Several years after having my second child, when I should have been happy, energized and enjoying my family; I.just.wasn't. I worked out, I ate "right," and tried to get my 8 hours every night. Despite those healthy habits, I felt worn down, sluggish, wasn't able to fall asleep (or stay asleep), and was constantly feeling "too full." In my mid-30s, I still had severe facial acne (especially during certain phases of my cycle), and was very moody.
I started doing some research (which I love to do - I know, I'm odd). During that research, I found some positive feedback about reducing (or eliminating dairy) from your diet. But everything I ate seemed to have a dairy component, and I didn't honestly have many recipes that didn't include some dairy (butter to saute, milk to slurry, or cheese to finish). Enter Pintrest. Except, even if it was "dairy free" in the recipe description, I would still see butter. And forget baked goods that I made for the kids (and myself).
So...I started looking at vegan recipes. Then, I started really considering something I never thought possible - I could go vegan. I had always wanted to, but right or wrong, vegan diets had (and still have in many circles) negative connotations. I told my husband I wanted to give it a try; just for me. Just a few days later, he bought me my first vegan cookbook, and I haven't looked back. Now, I'm healthier (I lost 10% of my body weight over 1 year while eating more, loving my food; and I'm SO much more energized!) I play with my kids, I don't fall into bed at night exhausted, I'm stronger, less moody (except for about a handful of days a month; there's only so much a diet can do for you people!) and I hardly ever feel bloated. My acne cleared, my food wastes are lower and my food budget has improved. This is a life-long lifestyle change, but it's a transition that I will never regret.