NO COWS IN NEBRASKA BY EMILY NEBRASKA

After being sent home from campus this past March for the remainder of the semester, I knew I wasn’t going to be content with living at home. I figured if I was going to be stuck at home doing school work, listening to my dogs barking and parents bickering, I should do something to benefit my own personal well being. I knew quarantine would be the perfect time to make a lifestyle change that I could commit to since I had all the time in the world to successfully change my habits and stick to them post-quarantine with no excuses, so I decided to go vegan. In all honesty, I have never been a fan of consuming anything from a cow. As a child, I despised the taste of milk and beef. Growing up, everyone probably thought I was crazy for preferring a black bean burger and glass of water for dinner over a hamburger and glass of milk. After recently being diagnosed with an immune deficiency that has led to many gut health issues, I figured it was best for me to completely cut out meat and dairy, which are major trigger food groups for anyone with gut issues. I have wanted to make the diet transition for a while, but I knew it would be difficult for me to be completely vegan while living in the dorms with a required dining hall meal plan. Being home with access to grocery stores, a full kitchen, and plenty of time to prepare creative meals, I was able to experiment with different vegan recipes. I have always been open to trying new foods, especially fruits and vegetables, so I knew I wouldn’t get bored with my newfound passion for making delicious meat-free and dairy-free meals. When I first began my vegan journey, I was coloring inside of the lines, sticking to mostly salads, smoothies, and sandwiches. Now, half a year later, I can confidently say that I continue to make creativity a more ubiquitous part of my life when it comes to my cooking and eating. Being able to cook my own meals in my off-campus college house has allowed me to expand my palate as I continue to make recipes from TikTok, try new flavors and seasonings, make Air Fryer meals, and travel to restaurants with plant-based menus. I have even influenced many of my friends and family members to cut out meat and/or dairy from their diets as I have prepared delicious vegan dishes for them, including vegan charcuterie boards and dairy free desserts. Vegan food doesn't have to be boring, especially when it is being driven by creativity and innovation.