
1. You start behaving like a Mormon Missionary and proselytize the benefits of a plant-based diet to everyone you
know with copies of Forks Over Knives and The China Study. (Count em, 27 converts to date)
2. You spend so much time in the kitchen that you think “Maybe just this once pre-soaking my pinto beans ISN’T necessary.” Then later, you and everyone in a 12 mile radius of you seriously regrets you didn’t take the time to pre-soak.
3. You get all crunchy and granola like and start making your own soap and deodorant.
4. You get involved in things like the Virtual Vegan Potluck and you get your first facebook account. ever. so that you can hang out in the top secret VVP batcave with the coolest co-horts ever, Annie and Jason.
5. You become one of those obsessed people (we’re victims, really) who can’t stop posting food porn or yet ANOTHER way to use cashew cheez in a recipe.
6. You lose weight even though you no longer count calories and you are forced to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe.
7. After races, you recover ridiculously faster than you used to, so no-one feels sorry for you and you don’t get to take an “extra rest day” afterwards.
8. You feel like you know and love some of your blogging buddies (people you have never actually met) more than your next door neighbor.

9. You become star struck for the first time ever and start stalking celebrity Vegan Chefs like AJ and Ramses.
10. You have so much produce in your fridge, that fitting in yet another box of organic spinach in there becomes a precarious circus act. Things like ‘ears of corn’ topple out onto your head every time you open the door.
11. All of the money you saved by getting off prescription drugs goes towards your organic produce habit. You feel compelled to defend organic foods like an errant family member despite current evidence against it, because you are what you eat.
12. You start to feel “Dietarily Superior” to everyone who’s not plant based.
13. You have less no constipation, so your regular reading of “Runner’s World Magazine” gets completely cut out of your schedule.
14. Even though you are all ready a dietary outcast (1-2% of the world is vegan), you still sometimes consider going raw, high-alkaline, gluten-free or all of the above to further alienate yourself at social gatherings and restaurants.
15. You sadly realize that even though being plant-based has completely reversed your Ulcerative Colitis and significantly reduced your risks of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and more, it has not cured your cankles or cellulite.
16. You have more kitchen gadgets than anyone you know but you can’t stop buying more, resulting in a severely receding counter-top space.
17. Your children get harassed at school because of the contents of their lunch box. Bully Child: “I thought you said your family didn’t eat meat, why are you eating a Turkey sandwich?” My child: “Um, that’s Tofurky.” Bully Child: “What’s a Tofurky?” My Child to me: “Mom, do I really have to drink a green smoothie everyday at lunch? Everyone stares at me!” (Actual comments) 😦
18. You feel like you’ve broken up just a little bit with some of your closest friends because you don’t share the same values regarding foods anymore. And truth be told, they probably think you’re a little crazy.
19. You feel compelled to blog constantly about your plant based devotion. So much so that you decide to ditch your best friends over at Good Clean Food and get your own dang blog. Sorry girls.
20. You get overly excited when you have a new recipe to share, as if it’s going to change the world! Well, just maybe it will, one plate at a time.

Laughing over the constipation comment. OMG, no kidding!! 😉
Hehe, yes, it’s one that has had a positive effect on everyone in this household! Thanks for coming over and following!
Ha, ha! Somer, you rock!
Thanks dude! I worship that you called immediately when this was posted.
Somer!! So happy to see you on your own site, but I know it was a tough decision. “Love your guts!”
Toughest decision ever! It’ll be a good thing though! Love you back!
Looks like I get to add one more blog to my google reader 🙂 Can’t wait to read more!
Yay! Thanks Carrie! How’s your pregnancy coming along?
2nd trimester starts Saturday, and I’m hoping to find some inspiration so I can start blogging more! Finally starting to feel better, thanks for asking! 🙂
Oh the first trimester tossing phase is the worst
Glad you’re nearly through it! You’ll get your inspiration back too!
V funny! Great post!
Thanks!!! 🙂
This post makes me happy on so many levels! Way to go Somer…isn’t it true there was just too much Somer to contain into two days per week? I love the humor, truth, and honesty you have put into this post and think you are onto something great! Here’s to being Vedged Out! X 🙂
Yay! Shira I love that you came over to visit and that you support me so fully. It’s going to be a fun endeavor! Love you girl!
OMG!! I can’t stop laughing and saying to myself how true this is. LOVE IT!!
Thanks! It came to me one night when I was thinking about what to do for my first blog post 😉 being vegan is awesome, in a sucky kind of way!
#14 cracked me up (guilty!) and WOW–my little avatar right on your homepage! I’m so excited you went all solo–I look forward to more lovely food and funny posts! Hurrah! 🙂
Ha! Yes, you are totally guilty!!! I love the little avatars on the side! Aren’t they cute?!?
Sadly, It was totally time for a solo act. I’m hoping it all works out 😉
I hope everyone at Good Clean Food understood, and I know your solo act will rock–you’re awesome! 🙂
Um, they were more than supportive because they are all awesome! I really, really LOVE those girls!!! Sometimes a girl’s gotta branch out on her own and I hope it does rock! 🙂 xoxo!
Get writing, girl! 🙂
Drafting 🙂
Congrats on your new blog!! And #16 is so me. I feel guilty that even though I’m the only human in my home, my kitchen is now too small with the juicer, blender, odd assortment of dishes for food photos…. 🙂
Thanks so much Debbie! All this support really means a lot to me!
Yes, kitchen appliances are a necessary evil in a vegan kitchen! They make our lives SO MUCH easier! I don’t know how I’d do without my blender, juicer, food processor, bread maker, coffee grinder, etc! It’s a little bit out of control!
I love this and so entertaining!! Congrats on your new site!
Thanks so much! It’s really going to be a fun journey!
ROFL!
You Got me at #1 bro! my dad is on vegan only because he saw The China Study and Forks over Knives, although a part of me wants to go vegan though!
I totally had to look up ROFL 😉
Yeah, that movie and book are as convincing as they get! Give it a try! You might like it!
And Miss Somer, I adore it already! Going vegan and staying vegan has helped me create a life I am totally invested in. I have never looked or felt more like “me” if that makes sense. You have my congrats and total support on your new venture….yay yay yay!!!
Thanks for your sweet words, seriously means so much to me!
Yes, isn’t it funny how we’ve finally found our skin? I can’t believe I was in the dark for so long!
Xoxo!
This list is wonderful! Right on with our experience and those of our friends and family.
Hey Thanks! It’s sad how true all of the above statements are!
Congrats on your very own blog. It will be a great success. Love the name.
#8 is so true. I’ve actually had the honor of meeting many of my internet friends from the marilu.com community that I belong to.
#17 reminds me that my daughter (now 21) still talks about how Daniel had to eat nori wraps at school (when they were 8 years old). The joke on her is that if I had heard of nori wraps back then, she probably would have been eating them too.
Jill! Thanks so much!
#8 is so interesting, so far I’ve only “met” one blogging friend for real, but it’s like we’ve known each other forever. I’m so glad that you get to connect to so many of your blogging friends!
#17 So cute about the Nori wraps. I shudder to think that just last year, I was allowing my child to eat school cafeteria food EVERY day
What was I thinking?!?
I love #6 because I feel like at least 5 or 6 times a week I get, “You look great, what are you doing?” to which I can only reply, “Vegetables. Who knew?”
Isn’t it amazing how powerful plants are? They’ve changed my life and I love them!
So great to hear they are working wonders for you too!
It was time. 🙂 There’s too much Somer awesomeness to share a blog. I’m telling you, Martha Stewart watch out, there’s a new veganista in town.
Thanks for having my back on this one! I was so worried about offending you or Amanda, but really its the right journey for me. xoxo!
Its awesome that you guys support Somer so well. Every vegan superstar should have friends like you guys. Remember, this doesn’t mean you two are off the hook thpugh. You still have an awesome blogto keep up.
Hahahahaha…toooo funny but true! 🙂 Keep veggin’ out and “changing the world one plate at a time!”
Isn’t it though? 😉 Thanks for the support!
You go Girl! Now I’ll get more blogs between you and the wonderful gals at Good Clean Food.
Guilty as charged on all counts. Someone once referred to the bathroom as the “library.” I seriously didn’t get it until much later.
We actually have a magazine rack in our bathroom, it’s collecting dust now. Haha!
Well, I’m not sure I should welcome you to your own blog or wait to be welcomed; a combination I guess. Welcome! I wish you all the best in your own endeavors here. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve got cooking.
Walk (and run) in peace and beauty.
Yes, a combination, welcome! I love your comment! It’s going to be fun!
LOL!! That was great!!! I totally understand every bit of this post. Love it and being Vegan!
It’s really tongue in cheek, but it’s sad exactly how much is the honest truth! I really love being vegan too and I’m glad it’s working for you as well!
Love this post (and being vegan). Thanks for following my blog. I followed yours!
Ha! Yay for vegan blogging buddies! I sense awesomeness coming…. 🙂
hehe. thanks! i hope so! 🙂
I am not vegan, but have considered becoming vegan after watching Knives over Forks! Your pinto bean comment hit home! I can’t tell you how often I have forgotten to soak beans the night before and thought ” maybe, just maybe, this time, I won’t need to soak them”…..
Anyways, on my blog nanastastytraditions.wordpress.com, you will find many recipes that can be easily adaptated to be vegan. Whenever possible, I will make sure to indicate it. Cheers!
It was definitely the push for me, but then again I had some serious health concerns that made it seem like the best option.
Just followed you, I’m good at veganizing things 😉
Oh and the beans. It was so bad I don’t ever think I’ll make the same mistake again. I got so bloated with gas I looked pregnant, like really really pregnant. Not only did it stink, but it hurt
I can laugh now!
Very excited to see an All Somer, All the Time blog out there. Too funny about missing out on the reading time.. And the new skinny wardrobe must seriously suck, eh? 🙂 All good things. Congrats on the new space!
Thanks so much Heidi, it means a lot to me to have you follow me and come and show your support!
My pleasure. And I’m learning from you, which I love. I might be a ways yet from converting (probably never, but I’m definitely making improvements) but you nearly convinced me with #13. One of the joys of MS is getting to read a lot of magazines. 🙂 Sorry, TMI.
Haha! Never too much info, remember, I’m the one who put it out there in the first place.
Just so you know, it fixed that problem for EVERY member of my family, some of us (who will not be named, h.u.s.b.a.n.d.) had more serious issues than others. There were fiber supplements and medication involved. 2 weeks into vegan diet, no supplements, no meds. Problem solved! Happy camper!
Oh and take it easy on yourself, it was a huge commitment for us to make the jump. Not everyone has the know how or resources to do it like we did (or a willing spouse) 😉
LOVE IT, Somer! Most of these made me laugh, although #14 was a particular favorite because that sounds just like me 🙂
YAY! Thanks Barb. Isn’t it tricky navigating how we should best fuel our bodies? I vacillate more than I care to admit. But all within the vegan realm 😉
Great stuff and very good, amusing thoughts! I definitely won’t be going vegan any time soon :D… you knew that already. However, you also know that I absolutely adore cooking vegan food!
Ha thanks frugal!
And yes, your love of cooking vegan food is what makes me adore your blog, well that and your very witty, silliness. You’re doing amazing…. I wonder if a book is in the works, I’d buy it!
Silly? I’m silly? How dare you :D. I’d love to write a book… Actually, I am writing a kindle book… I think I will write a proper recipe book eventually too… I’m glad you think my blog is doing so well! I have another vegan recipe up tomorrow! It was incredible…
Fantastic! I’m getting a kindle for my birthday soon! Woot Woot! I’ll be on the list when it gets released! And yes, a proper recipe book needs to be done too. You’ve got some serious talent and it’d be a shame not to share it in the published form!
Oh and I can’t wait for your recipe tomorrow!
Awesome! I’m so happy you think I have talent :D. I am trying to share it :D. I hope you have black onion seeds! 😀
Dagnabit, well since you warned me, I do have a bit of shopping to do today. I’ll see if I can’t sniff some out!
And yes, insanely talented, but don’t let it go to your head 😉
Haha… Americanisms… Somer, I already have a massive head I’m afraid…
Well, if it makes you feel any better, my head is impossibly small, so much so that I buy my running hats in the children’s section of nike.com
I tend to think that even if that equates physically to having a smaller brain, that I use a larger percentage of it than others 😉
Haha! I’ve never found a hat that fits my head… seriously… It all sounds superhuman to me, Somer…
Now that is funny, you need a special hat maker for the big headed and I need mini hats. Definitely superhuman!
Haha! We’d make a good team…
🙂
You are seriously a funny, talented writer! I love that there are other vegans who live in Utah and are of my faith because I seriously feel like a freak sometimes!! I love this post and think it’s a great way to start out your new blog. I’ll be a regular reader 🙂
Wow! Thanks! Yay for Vegan Mormons (What the heck is up with the others? Haven’t they read the Word of Wisdom lately)? ;)! Laurie, do you blog?
I have a feeling we need to get to know each other! When this freshly started blog frenzy dies down I’ll email you and we’ll get better acquainted!
Somer,
I would LOVE to meet you! I don’t blog but I enjoy reading blogs! Email me!
5, 4, 3, 2, 1. 🙂
Vegan mormons unite! 😉
I sense a new blog title! Ha!
Yay, another blog to love! I’m signed up. 🙂
Thanks for coming over Emmy! xoxo!
first of all, CONGRATS on the new site!! i LOVE it!! 🙂 and oh my gosh this post is SO TRUE!! it definitely had me laughing – i hear you about the fridge and the counter space – especially in an NYC closet — err, i mean apartment!! haha congrats again! and thanks for making me one of your “blogs you follow!” i was like…hey i know that face! 🙂 I’ll get you back in my pages i love section:) hugs!!!
Carolyn! Huge smiles on my face! Love your awesome support! I can only imagine your apartment, I’ve heard some are ridiculously teeny tiny. Add a power blender, a food processor and a juicer and it’s full. hehe!
How could I not have your darling face on my sidebar 😉 !
SOAK THE BEANS! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL- SOAK!! This is the best- I am so glad you’ve gone indi : ) Preach it sister!!
Oh the horror. It will NEVER happen again!!! Thanks Jason, preaching it!!!
Congrats on the new blog! I’m looking forward to reading it.
Thanks so much Mary, it’s really cool to see so much support!
Totally! I just want to share how easy it is to feel better and look better by simply eating better. Sheesh! ;0)
Veggiewitch ♥
True Dat!!! 🙂 Thanks for coming over!
hahhaha i like that post! it´s funny and some of the points fits to me as well. especially the kitchen stuff point 🙂
regards and keep blogging 🙂
Hey thanks!!! It was a lot of fun writing it, one of those things that come to you in the night and you have to run and grab a notepad 😉
these are all reasons why going vegan DOESNT suck! 😉
Ha! Your the first person who caught that 😉
LOVE!!! Not that I don’t love CGF and theladies there, but I’ve been wondering when you might split off. Either way, as I’ve said before, you’re a superstar.
WOOHOO! It’s a little scary and a little freeing at the same time. I think it’s going to be awesome! And I really appreciate your support (Really, really).
I’m about a week into easing my way into a vegetarian (and maybe someday vegan) lifestyle and I can already see myself in SO many items on the list!! Thanks for making me laugh!
Thanks so much!
I have a confession to make. I was reading through your blog today and trying not to cry. I helped my sister-in-law with her recovery after a mastectomy. I’ve had issues with pre-cancer too, you can read about it on my “Why Vegan” page. I really hate cancer.
Can I recommend a book for you? It’s called the Cancer Survivors Guide, Food that helps you fight back.
I read it recently and really think it’s thought provoking. Since your husband has had cancer, and this is your second round, it might be time to pull out all the stops.
Xoxo
One more thing. Here’s another blogger I think you ought to get acquainted with: http://healthycancerchick.wordpress.com/
She’s a breast cancer survivor, I think she could really help you on this journey.
Hi Somer, Thanks so much for the recommendations! I will absolutely order the book as soon as I am done typing this. I’ve been doing the circuit of Crazy Sexy Cancer, Forks Over Knives, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, and a host of other books / DVDs. Will definitely read this. And I will definitely check out healthy cancer chick! (Just FYI – My first husband passed away in 1999 from leukemia. My current hubby has pretty much zero experience with cancer, so it’s been a little tough for him.)
Thanks again! Look forward to checking out more of your blog also.
Yayy Somer – this is awesome 🙂 Way to go!!
Oh Anne! Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I’m so happy you came over! I had a bit of stage fright, but it looks like it’s all going to be okay 🙂
More than okay -fun and amazing :-)I am so excited for you!
Happy weekend!
Hi, thanks for liking my blog! I look forward to your vegan experiences! I’m not vegan or even remotely vegetarian but love all food cooked with passion and which tastes delicious!!
Nurul! I checked out some of your recipes, they look great! And yes, cooking with passion is the only way to go!
Genius 🙂
Haha! Thanks!
oh Somer!! I love you and want to be BFF’s with you!! Love this post, I have felt each one of these especially “no room in the frig and loving that” and alienating myself socially. Thanks for the giggle so early in the morning!!!
Yay for new Blogging BFF’s! Followed! Why isn’t there a “LOVE” button? 🙂
Glad I made you laugh! We could all use a little early morning laughter!
Just read your post on why going vegan sucks… well it’s so tough. lol Although we have different reasons going vegan, I feel happy that it comes with the added pleasant extras like health benefits. I debated a few years ago on a vegan forum that people who go vegan for health reasons and stay vegan is possible (I met several people in Malaysia and China when I worked there), but many vegans kind of dismissed this and said that people who go down this path would always be tempted to cheat and eat a steak etc., because they do not really care about consuming and abusing animals… you are living proof that it is possible to go vegan from a health reasons perspective and stay vegan. So I take my hat off to you 🙂 Look forward as always to reading your posts.. PS I changed my theme because I was impressed by yours 🙂
Oh Thom, you are right, I am living proof. Why would you ever want to eat something again that made you so ill in the first place? I have absolutely no desire to go back.
Plus, meat repulses me now, I can be around while other people eat it, but I couldn’t touch it or cook it for someone else.
Oh! Glad you liked the theme! Fun eh? I’ll have to come over to your site and see what you’ve done!
p.s. have you been to the site http://veganbloggersunite.wordpress.com/ ? you need to get on the list and schedule with Lidia to do a post there. It’s super easy and She loves new vegan bloggers 🙂
I love veggies too… maybe not quite as much as you, but I totally understand where you’re coming from. 20 great reasons, though!
Ha! Thanks!
DUDE…104 comments???? Girlllllll, you are freaking amazing. P.S. I hate reason #6! I cannot stand it when I lose weight. Arrrrrrgggg! 😉
Overwhelmed by the response. Talk about an awesome showing for a first post!
I know, all of it blows. For reals. 😉
I am just beaming with pride for you. Great post- I can totally relate to so many of them! Here’s to many more posts here at Vedged Out and to many more wonderful things to come your way, Somer! You are amazing! xoxo
Kristy, that means a lot, especially coming from you!
It’s gonna be awesome, I’m really overwhelmed by all the support all ready. Xoxo!
Awesome! Glad you took the plunge!
Thanks Carolyn, to be honest, it’s a bit bittersweet, but I think it’s all going to be fine. xoxo! Have so much fun doing your anti-gravity certification!
Lets do lunch when you come back!
Bwahahahaha! What an amazing introduction to your brand new blog! “Organic produce habit” ahhhh this is amazing and laugh out loud funny! I am definitely sharing this : )
Oh man, thanks for the love! I’m super excited about this solo gig!
Share away!
Somer,
Congrats on the new Blog! I love good food porn, so I will be back often to check for pics. You are a great inspiration!
Carolyn
Thanks so much Carolyn! I’ll try not to disappoint and have plenty of food porn for you, and I promise not to send roasted brussels sprouts to your house next time, those didn’t work out so well 😉
Oh I love it, love you! So happy for you Somer!
Oh girl! I thought you’d disappeared from the face of the planet! Miss you and your posts!
Love you right back. This is going to be fun! Thanks so much for your kudos!
Yay for your new blog! I’ll put it on my list to follow…you’ve got some good recipes girl!
Loved your list! You’ve got such a great sense of humor and a good way of getting that down on paper! You go girl!!
Hugs!! Debbie
I’ll promise not to post any soy ice cream recipes… but I really do think you would adore my chocolate cashew cheezcakes. I fed one to Angie Krog, she said “This is vegan?!?”
Thanks so much for supporting me. It means a lot! xoxo!