Going vegan has been the easiest lifestyle change I have ever attempted. I did have many surprises, though. For example, improved physical health and mental well-being, and perhaps most surprising for me is that it makes me feel good knowing that with every bite I take, animals did not have to die. I was also quite astonished to discover that many producers of "vegetarian" food often hide animal products in them by using words that the uninformed would have a difficult time discerning. Case in point, casein. When I buy soy cheese that is advertised as "non-dairy," I look for the Parve symbol as my first quality check. If I don't se it, then I know I am likely to find casein, a milk by-product, listed as an ingredient.

For me, veganism is to diet as sailing is to boating: they are both a thinking person's choice. As a sailor you need to plot out your courses, read charts, and trim sails to ensure a safe and timely passage. As a vegan, you need to plan your meals, read the ingredients on packages, and make adjustments to your diet to ensure a long, healthy journey through life. The odyssey has started...

Ed. note: If a product is marked with a 'P" or "Parve, " then it contains no meat or dairy but may contain fish or eggs.