Hi, everyone!

[Kristine]

Some 2-3 week ago I discovered this web site and forum, so I am visiting it almost every couple of days. I registered just an hour ago to be a part of you vegfamily and to say how much I appreciate this forum - I've found it soooooooooo inspiring and encouraging!!!
Now a little about myself - I'm vegetarian for 3 years and I'm constantly trying to be vegan. Sometimes I do not suceed because where I live it's very hard and somtimes even impossible to get vegan alternatives to some kind of foods. It's OK to avoid meet, but what concerns dairy and eggs.... They are almost everywhere - there are no vegan chocolates, vegan cookies, cakes or other pastry items, there isn't any vegan mayonaise or cream :((( There is only 1 producer of soymilk represented (It's Alpro Soy - I find it delicious, they offer soymilk and soy dessert) and there is only 1 local producer of Tofu.
However, it is not as bad as it sounds - it makes me find different ways to be creative. The real problems begin when I go to visit some friends or relatives (me and my husband are the only vegans I know) - more or less they respect our decision to go vegan, however they do not know what to offer us, because they think that vegans eat only grass and cucumbers......
And now I want to prepare myself for the pregnancy - I want to make my body as good place for my baby as I can. I have a goal to become complete vegan and to become very fit. So I exercise 2-3 times a week at the gym and I'm planning to start running in the mornings (right tomorrow!). I 've started to plan meals for the whole week, to ensure my nutrition needs..... It sounds good, however I need your support - maybe somebody can tell her experience of planning the pregnancy? Especially if you live in community where dominate the meat and dairy consuming traditions.
Thank you!
K

[kykarraliv]

Welcome:D I am new here too! I am due somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas. My family made the switch to veganism 3 months ago and already the diffrence in our health is incredible. Good luck in your pregnancy and birth

Kim

[Kristine]

Thanks, Kim!
I read your story - you are very strong and courageous woman! May your pregnancy and birth be a wonderful Christmas (or Thanksgiving) gift to you and your family, and one more positive testimony in behalf of vegan lifestyle to all of us!
:) Kristine

[Bette]

Hi Kristine, it's nice to hear from vegans in other countries and compare experiences. I find it hard work to be vegan in the UK and we've got lots of products and information and support around us, so I commend you for making the effort where it is even more difficult.
As for pregnancy (are you pregnant now, or hoping to become pregnant soon?), you sound like you're doing well, keeping fit and healthy. Planning weekly menus is an excellent idea, we did that when we first became vegan to make sure we were getting good nutrition, and it really helped us learn because we now know what to eat instinctively.
I can't really give any advice outside my own experience of pregnancy, as there was no planning involved for me and I was vegetarian then, not vegan, and I had loads of support from my midwife anyway. Looking back I had 50% excellent diet, fresh fruit & veg etc and 50% rubbish - chips, cheese, diet coke, chocolate, all sorts of things I wouldn't touch now! However, my little boy has always been healthy and is thriving on a vegan diet, as are we all. I only wish I could have a go at a vegan pregnancy, as the first one went like I was in a dream and I can't remember much about it, but unfortunately it looks like it will be the only one.
This is much longer than I intended, sorry!
Good luck.