Hello :)

[gingersnaps]

Newbie here looking for some like minded friends. I noticed that there haven't been any recent posts, is this forum still active? Well if so, here's my introduction.

A few weeks ago, I saw a doctor asking why Im not losing any weight. Even though I was counting my calories, eating what I thought was really well, and exercising 5-6 times a week. He was really nice, went through my diet with me and pointed out that I needed to drastically cut back on my dairy and meat consumption. He suggested I look into this documentary called 'Forks Over Knives'. So I did, and wow! It totally changed my views on food forever. I have since changed to a plant based whole foods diet. I would say Im vegan, but I dont think I am. Well, ok... I kinda hate labels. In the past few weeks I have learned that Im in the middle there and dont really fit with anyone. Sure I dont eat animal proteins... no meat, no eggs, no dairy, etc. But I am in this for health. I really dont want to hear about pink slime or animal cruelty. Im that messed up girl that changes the channel when the sad animal commercials come on. So in the past few weeks, I have learned that the decision to eat meat or not really gets people heated! I am learning to totally avoid the conversation. It ranks right up there with religion, politics, and sexual identity/preference. I have had meat eaters whom I hardly know tell me they are genuinely worried about my health because I wont get the protein I need. And then when I pointed out that I get plenty of protein and far more nutrients from plants, they said.. well what about the amino acids? .....Really? I didnt know how to respond. Proteins ARE amino acids. Just sounded ignorant. And Ive had some angry vegans tell me Im not vegan because I am not doing it for the animals and I own stuff made out of leather. My patent leather boots or leather floggers and whips will not clog my arteries or make me fat. Does it really matter that I am not doing it for the animals? Shouldnt it matter that I am doing it? If they care so much about the animals, shouldnt they be happy that my carbon footprint is smaller than previously, that I am not eating these creatures?... and not shun me or shame me for following this path? At least the meat eaters showed concern. Anyways, Im kindof rambling. I suppose I am just looking for a place among friends whom I can fit in with. I want to be able to share recipes, share my frustrations and challenges in this, and nobody around me seems to relate.
On a side note, my super thin husband has decided to do this with me. And while I am staying the same weight, he is dropping it like crazy. I am frustrated trying to lose weight, and he is frustrated that he is losing it. I just wish there were people around who I can talk to about this stuff without being judged.