By: Gloria Stovall
One question I’ve been asked more times than I can count over the past 18 years is this: “Do you ever give yourself a cheat day?” And by cheat day, people usually mean — do I ever give in and eat dairy cheese, fish, steak, chicken, or anything non-vegan “just this once”? My answer is always the same.
No. Never.
Not because I’m super disciplined. Not because I’m trying to prove a point. Not because I’m secretly tempted but just resisting with trembling knuckles. The truth is much simpler than that. I’m not tempted. For some people, “cheat days” make sense. If you’re dieting, cutting carbs, lowering sugar, trying something temporary — then a cheat day fits into that mindset. It’s a break from restriction. But veganism has never been a diet for me. It’s not a phase. It’s not a trial. It’s not something I started with an expiration date.
It is a lifestyle. And after 18 years, it’s just… my normal.
I don’t wake up and think, “Today I’m choosing to avoid cheese.”
I don’t stare at someone’s chicken and think, “Should I?”
I don’t sit at a restaurant feeling deprived, perhaps frustrated due to lack of vegan options, but I digress.
Being vegan comes so naturally to me that I can’t even imagine living any other way! When people ask about cheat days, I always think about that word: cheat. Cheating implies that I am denying myself something I secretly want. But I don’t feel deprived. I don’t feel restricted. I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
So what would I be cheating on? My values? My lifestyle? My own peace of mind? For me, vegan living aligns with who I am, and it is real, consistent, and permanent. And when something feels that aligned, you don’t look for opportunities to cheat, if you will. I think sometimes people assume I must have incredible willpower. Honestly? I don’t. If I wanted dairy cheese, I would have had it by now. If I missed chicken, I would have gone back years ago. But I don’t want it.
The desire just isn’t there. And when there is no desire, there is no temptation. That is why there are no cheat days for me. Not because I’m strict, but because I am content. After 18 years of being vegan, this lifestyle is permanent for me, and that is not something I say lightly. It is something I live daily, naturally, without effort. Vegan food is my reality and normal, if you will. Reading ingredient labels is second nature.
Saying “no thanks” is easy. There’s no internal struggle. No countdown to a break. No “maybe one day.”
Just peace.
And honestly? That peace is one of my favorite parts of vegan living. If you’re newer to this lifestyle and wondering if you will ever feel that way — you might. Or your journey might look different. And that’s okay. But as for me? No cheat days. No exceptions, and no desire to turn back!
Thank you so much for following my blog! I greatly appreciate all of you and always welcome your comments. I will be in touch soon. Have a blessed week!
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