By: Gloria Stovall
When I first became vegan 18 years ago, I never imagined it would become such a significant part of who I am. At the time, I simply wanted to make choices that aligned with my values. Looking back now, I realize that becoming vegan changed much more than what I ate—it changed how I think, how I shop, how I cook, and even how I see the world.
Over the years, I’ve learned countless lessons—some exciting, some unexpected, and a few the hard way.
1. Always Read the Label
About 10 years into my vegan journey, I stopped at Jewel and bought a bag of frozen black-eyed peas. I didn’t even think to read the ingredient label because, in my mind, black-eyed peas should just be…black-eyed peas.
Later that day, I cooked them for dinner. Not long after eating them, I became extremely sick. I couldn’t figure out what had happened, so I pulled the bag back out of the freezer and, for the first time, actually read the label. To my surprise, it didn’t say “may contain milk.” It said “contains milk.”
I couldn’t believe it. After being vegan for numerous years, I had let my guard down and assumed a food as simple as frozen black-eyed peas had only one ingredient. It was a hard lesson, but one I’ve never forgotten.
Since that day, I read every ingredient label—every single time. It doesn’t matter how obvious or “safe” a product seems. If it’s packaged, I check it. That experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in 18 years of being vegan: never assume a product is vegan just because it seems like it should be.
2. Veganism Is Not Just About Food
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that being vegan goes far beyond what I eat. It influences so many parts of my daily life, from the clothes I wear to the products I buy and the choices I make as a consumer.
Over time, I’ve become much more mindful about what I support with my money and energy. Veganism has taught me to look at the bigger picture—not just ingredients in food, but also materials, testing practices, and how everyday products are made.
It really has become a lifestyle rooted in awareness and intention, not just what’s on my plate.
3. You’ll Never Stop Learning
Even after 18 years, I’m still discovering new ingredients, recipes, cooking techniques, and products. That’s one of the things I love most about the vegan lifestyle—there’s always something new to learn.
4. Not Everyone Will Understand Your Choice
Over the years, I’ve met people who were curious, supportive, skeptical, and everything in between. I’ve learned that not everyone has to understand my choices in order for me to feel confident about my choice in going vegan. Being compassionate is what matters to me.
5. Answer Questions with Kindness
People still ask me where I get my protein or whether I miss eating meat. Most of the time, they’re simply curious. I’ve found that answering with kindness opens the door to better conversations.
6. A Well-Stocked Pantry Is Your Best Friend
Keeping staples like beans, lentils, rice, pasta, oats, spices, and baking ingredients on hand makes it much easier to prepare delicious meals without making constant trips to the grocery store.
7. Not Every Vegan Product Is Healthy
Just because something is labeled vegan doesn’t automatically make it nutritious. I’ve learned that balance is important, and I try to focus on eating a variety of whole plant foods while still enjoying junk food in moderation.
8. Vegan Baking Is Both Science and Creativity
As someone who loves baking, I’ve learned that vegan baking isn’t simply about leaving out eggs and dairy. Every substitute has a purpose, and figuring out what works best has been both challenging and rewarding.
9. Your Reasons Can Grow Over Time
My reasons for being vegan have evolved over the years. What started as one decision has grown into a lifestyle that influences many of the choices I make each day.
10. Every Choice Matters
One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is that every choice counts, even the small ones. It’s easy to think that one meal, one purchase, or one decision doesn’t make a difference—but over time, those choices add up.
Being vegan has made me more aware that my daily decisions reflect my values. Whether it’s choosing a meal, buying clothes, shoes, purses, reading a label, or picking a product at the store, each choice is an opportunity to live more compassionately.
11. I’d Choose This Lifestyle All Over Again
If I could go back 18 years, I would make the same decision without hesitation. Being vegan has taught me compassion, patience, creativity, and intentional living. It has introduced me to incredible foods, products, challenged me to grow, and connected me with people who share similar values.
Whether you’ve been vegan for 18 years, 18 months, or you’re simply curious about learning more about the vegan lifestyle, I hope my journey encourages you in yours.
Thank you so much for following my blog and being part of the Enjoy Vegan Living Community! I truly appreciate each of you and always welcome your comments. I’ll be in touch soon. Have a blessed week!
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