It amazes me (a little bit) how quickly I’ve adapted to a plant-based diet. This is day fifteen, and not only do I not crave meat and dairy (at all), but the thought of eating a hamburger and drinking a milkshake, which would have been very enticing not so long ago, leaves me feeling the way the idea of soy yogurt or a spinach soufflé used to.

Halfway through the experiment, my inclination is to believe that it will continue after the four weeks are up. It’s not just that I feel healthier and lighter. It’s not just that I have more energy. It’s that I feel good about what I’m doing for myself. Yes, I’m doing something good for animals, too, and for the planet, and all that counts for something. But I’ve taken a step toward a lifestyle that will keep me going longer (and better), and it has affected how I think of myself.

Of course, it hasn’t solved all my problems (not that I expected it to). I’m still short on sleep and burdened with allergies that can make breathing a strain. I still give in to the stresses of daily life, whether at the computer or behind the wheel. I’m still the same person, but I might be an advanced version, one with a more positive attitude more of the time. Definitely a work in progress, but at least there is progress.

And tonight I made pizza! I never made pizza back when I was eating meat, but this was at least as good as anything I’ve heated up from the freezer, and better than some I’ve had in restaurants. It had spinach and mushrooms and onions and tomatoes (of course) and olives, plus the secret ingredient. I defrosted a veggie burger and chopped it up and crumbled it over the pie, and it was as good as any sausage pizza I’ve ever had. And sausage used to be my favorite. Now I have even less reason to miss it.