I’m not there yet, but I’m closer and closer to making the commitment. It started with an article in Newsweek, which I read on Kindle last week while sitting in the Emergency waiting room. After reading the article, I downloaded the free sample of the book it recommended, which led me to buy the whole book so I could keep reading. (That’s what Kindle does. It gives you just enough to keep you interested...or to turn you off completely.)

When I told Mom, as she lay there in her hospital bed all tubed up, that I was thinking of becoming a vegan, she was horrified. She worried that I wouldn’t get enough protein, but I already had the answer, from the book, that plant protein is plentiful, and also healthier than animal protein. I only brought it up to take her mind off her own problems, but the more I thought about it, the more excited I got. I mean, it even comes with some side benefits, like weight loss and lower cholesterol levels. There’s really no downside, and I couldn’t think of a reason not to give it the recommended four-week trial, at least.

Then I thought of one reason. In a couple of weeks we’re having my birthday dinner, and I had requested prime rib. Yeah, I know. Sounds good, doesn’t it? (And you probably haven’t even had John’s prime rib.) If I did decide to start eating this way, I definitely wouldn’t do it before at least the day after the birthday dinner. Maybe it could be my birthday present to myself — a healthier lifestyle.

So I’ve been reading labels and thinking about it all, and gradually, without even realizing it, using up all the food in my house that I might not be eating again, at least for the four weeks. The book has all kinds of suggestions for grocery lists, many recipes, and even an exercise program to go with the diet.

Today I finally made it to the grocery store with my newly revamped list, and I was surprised to find most of the items (though not all) at my regular supermarket. I bought soy milk and wheat germ and greens and every fruit and vegetable in sight. You have to be careful, because not all Gardenburgers are dairy free, and some whole grain cereals have unwanted additives.

Tonight I had a spinach salad with blueberries and walnuts. Then I had almost my last bowl of Southwest Soup, with chicken. It was good, but I don’t need it to live, and I feel as if I might live longer and better without it. So I’m thinking in a couple of weeks I’ll be giving the diet the full trial shot, and we’ll just see where it leads.

I’m not doing it because I’m an animal lover (although I am, come to think of it). I’m doing it because I want to try living without putting animal products in my body. There’s a difference. And I’m not a preacher or proselytizer. I don’t care what anyone else eats, and I won’t be making a big deal out of what I will or won’t eat. I even expect to fall off the wagon every once in awhile. But I do think I want to do the best I can with this, for myself.