4 Weeks of Seriously Clean Eating

As someone who has spent most of my life as a vegetarian, the idea of trying a fully vegan diet wasn’t entirely unfamiliar. Despite decades of plant-based eating, I had never taken the final step of cutting out all animal-derived products. Whether it was convenience, habit, or simply not feeling the need, veganism always seemed like a bridge too far for me.

That changed recently when I decided to go fully vegan for four weeks—a month dedicated to dairy-free eating and adjusting my dietary habits. To my surprise, this experiment turned out to be easier than I had imagined. 

A Long Time Coming

I’ve been a vegetarian for nearly my entire life. My diet has always revolved around fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy products. Honestly, it worked for me. I love good, natural cheese, yogurt, milk, and butter. Though veganism was only a step away, I never felt compelled to take the leap.

This year, however, I wanted to clean out—reset my system and my habits. It wasn’t about making a permanent shift but seeing if I could stick to it and how it might make me feel.

Easier Than Expected

In the past, even short trials of veganism didn’t work out. Whether it was accidentally eating something with dairy or missing my go-to comfort foods, I’d always fallen short. This time, I was determined to do it right.

To my surprise, transitioning was easier than expected. I didn’t overhaul my base meals; I simply left out the yogurts I usually eat, the cheese in my sandwiches, and the glass of milk I often use to wash it all down.

I also avoided indulging in the many substitutes the market offers these days. Vegan cheese and meat replacements didn’t appeal to me, just as I’ve never been interested in replicating meat flavors. Instead, I focused on keeping my meals balanced without dairy. For me, the challenge was primarily about maintaining sufficient protein intake, and I found very basic ways to address that.

The Results

One of the most noticeable changes was how light I felt after meals. I felt full but never weighed down, with steady energy throughout the day. By the end of three weeks, I’d lost five pounds—not a primary goal, but definitely a nice side effect.

Beyond the physical benefits, there was something deeply satisfying about sticking to my plan. Each meal felt like a small victory and a step toward a cleaner, more intentional way of eating. I felt happy knowing that I was fueling my body with wholesome, plant-based foods.

Could I Get Used to It?

As the four weeks come to an end on Thanksgiving Day, I ask myself: Could I get used to this? Absolutely. With a little planning and mindfulness, I learned that a vegan lifestyle is completely achievable, especially for someone already accustomed to plant-based eating.

But then came the bigger question: Do I want to get used to it? My answer is clear: not at all....let me explain why i feel that way: 

As my vegan month draws to a close, I reflect on the experience with gratitude but also excitement for the days ahead. I wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. For me, the end of this journey will be marked by a traditional Swiss fondue dinner, shared with my entire American family as they gather in town.

Breaking my vegan streak with something as cherished and communal as fondue feels like the perfect way to celebrate—not just the end of this experiment, but the joy of balance, tradition, and savoring the foods that bring us together.

I will then travel to Switzerland to see my mother, brothers, and Swiss family for Christmas.

I already know that each meal will include a sliver of the many, many incredible cheeses my home country produces.

I strongly believe that we are all a product of the environment we grow up in. Switzerland is, without a doubt, a country of cheese, milk, yogurt, and all the other dairy products one could possibly think of. 😊