[Charlie Chaplin]

I've been veg since '97. During this time, I've tried vegan many times only to be seduced back to eating cheese. I have no problem with eggs. I use to love them scrambled or hard boiled, but now they're gross. And giving up meat? Pffft! No problem at all. I craved it for about the first month of turning veg, during which time a Boca Burger was all I needed to keep on keepin' on. After that first month, meat became completely disgusting and even worse on people's breath. Meat for me is history.<br><br><br><br>
But cheese, ARG! Cheeseless pizzas just don't do it for me. And Mexican food! ARG! Enchiladas. Seductive!<br><br><br><br>
I kept the vegan thing up for three months without EVER losing my craving for cheese. If you've lasted years on vegan diets, please, please tell me how you did it. I'm considering treating cheese the way I treat cola. I allow myself two colas per month. It's my safety release valve so that I don't feel deprived. That has worked out for me. Should I do that with cheese or is there some way I can somehow make the vegan happen? At what point did the cheese desires become history -- or did they?

 

[MrFalafel]

Funny thing about cheese was that I was a cheese-a-holic when I turned vegan (btw I went from omni to vegan literally overnight). I really missed it for a few months but stuck to my guns and didn't eat any. And then something really funny happened: the smell of cheese and dairy became absolutely repellant to me. Now, I can't stand the smell of the stuff which is amazing as I was such a cheese fan before.<br><br><br><br>
My theory is that as your body adjusts to no lactose/dairy you lose your cravings for it and then it becomes repulsive. This will take time, though. For me it was a number of months.<br><br><br><br>
And don't forget about cheese subsitutes. Most of them taste terrible but a few are OK, like the tofutti slices and cream 'cheese'. Use a little of these on your homemade pizza or mexican for a cheese-like taste. It won't be the same but it may help with the cheese cravings.

 

[~Wonder]

I just try to imagine what the cow who made the milk or the calf who was supposed to receive that milk were like. If I personalize the cheese, I'm much less likely to eat it because I see it as taking something that wasn't meant for me.<br><br>
~Wonder <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/kiss.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":kiss:">

 

[MaryC1999]

I've discovered the joys of making my own cheese with nutritional yeast. Like Mr. Falalfel, I was a bonafide cheesaholic until about 4 months ago. I had cheese several times a day in some form or another and I literally had dairy at every meal. I had no problem giving up meat or eggs but dairy eluded me for a while.<br><br>
I slipped a few times (with chocolate though not cheese go figure) but I've done really good overall and now cheese doesn't really smell appealing. Sometimes it looks good but not good enough for me to actually want to eat it. I have such a wonderful recipe for a fake mozzerella that the real stuff looks tasteless and rubbery to me now.<br><br>
Try the Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook by Jo Stepaniak. The recipes rock and it might help you over the hump.<br><br>
Mary

 

[GhostUser]

Recently I watched this on youtube. I've been vegetarian for going on 5 years. This video made me change my mind..and believe me I was a cheese addict x's 100. Haven't had it in about 4 weeks now. Don't worry, there's no graphic slaughters in the video. There are a couple of dead calfs though so be forwarned. But, if you are looking to stop your addiction search for the truth. It will literally set you free.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag</a>

 

[GhostUser]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SotallyTober</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Recently I watched this on youtube. I've been vegetarian for going on 5 years. This video made me change my mind..and believe me I was a cheese addict x's 100. Haven't had it in about 4 weeks now. Don't worry, there's no graphic slaughters in the video. There are a couple of dead calfs though so be forwarned. But, if you are looking to stop your addiction search for the truth. It will literally set you free.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag</a></div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
*runs in, hugs ST, runs out<br><br><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/kiss.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":kiss:">

 

[jeezycreezy]

Mmmm... casomorphins....mmm.<br><br><br><br>
Have you tried cheese substitutes like American Idol or David Hasselhoff? I would recommend them before any of the rice and soy cheeses I have tried -- most were simply awful. Maybe someone can recommend a brand that doesn't taste like drywall?<br><br><br><br>
But I wonder if pale substitutes won't just make you crave cheese more. In my opinion if you want to quit anything you should go cold tofurkey. I quit smoking that way. That was how I gave up meat come to think of it. That was how I gave up sugar. It's tough at first but the cravings go away and, at least for me, stay away. Except for beer; still working on that one. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thinking.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":think:"><br><br><br><br>
Not to get all Doctor Phil on you, but sometimes the solution is to substitute one behaviour with a new behaviour. I don't know, maybe this is a stupid idea, but try hummus when you're craving cheese. I make my own once a week and if there is one thing I am addicted to it's this. Maybe the creaminess might help sate your craving. I also make a version with white kidney beans that my wife can't get enough of.<br><br><br><br>
Bottomline, as has been alluded to already, is to remind yourself the reasons you don't want to eat cheese and weigh that into the equation. If you're not comfortable then find other ways to satisfy your cravings. If your feel the need for cheese and can justify it to yourself, then go for it.<br><br><br><br>
Anyway, good luck! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br>
Cheers!<br><br>
TJ

 

[CherBear]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SotallyTober</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Recently I watched this on youtube. I've been vegetarian for going on 5 years. This video made me change my mind..and believe me I was a cheese addict x's 100. Haven't had it in about 4 weeks now. Don't worry, there's no graphic slaughters in the video. There are a couple of dead calfs though so be forwarned. But, if you are looking to stop your addiction search for the truth. It will literally set you free.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag</a></div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Thanks soooo much for posting this video - I can't handle the really graphic ones. I had already decided to give up dairy (it's been 3 weeks) but this video reinforces my choice.<br><br><br><br>
And to the OP - try Tofutti products. Their Sour Supreme is amazing - I think it tastes better than dairy sour cream. Just try different dairy substitutes to find the products you really like, they're out there you just have to be willing to try new things. as Best of luck to you!

 

[sunshinegal]

That was a great video. I like it because it was informative without being all in your face. I think I may see if my boyfriend would like to watch it with me. I have seen the in your face ones which turned me into the vegetarian that I am and broke my heart. To this day I still cannot handle those videos. I own Meet your Meat and I can never bear to watch it again. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/bigcry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[4EverGrounded]

Another former cheese head, here that dropped the stuff like a hot potato. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/hi.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":hi:"><br><br><br><br>
Back when I was going veg, there were no substitutes out there so I had to get on sans cheese and that was that. I didn't even know about using things like guac and hummus to get through the crave - I just had to tough it out and re-arrange my cooking style to compensate (NOT easy to do for a cheeser like me). When commercial vegan cheeses became available, I tried a few and they taste like dropped ass, so I almost wouldn't recommend that route.... unless you like the taste of dropped ass (everyone's different, you know <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> ).<br><br><br><br>
Or, just pick up a copy of The Uncheese cookbook and make your own [un]cheeses. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/deal2.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":deal:"><br><br><br><br>
It's easier to substitute milk-based products like sour cream and yogurt easier than cheese so I would recommend starting there first. Tofutti Sour Supreme is amazingly close to the real stuff, WholeSoy yogurt is a very realisticlly-tasting yogurt and Soy Decadance has icecream that is to DIE for! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/drool.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":drool:"><br><br><br><br>
Oh, and for those enchiladas.... I find that you don't need the cheese at all. Just be sure to keep them covered during the whole baking so they don't dry out and serve them with lots of guac. If you HAVE to have a cheezy sauce overtop, check out Punkmommy's nutritional cheese sauce recipe and give that a go. I haven't tried it yet (my nutritional yeast never lasts that long <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/bigcry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> ) but others have and they love it to pieces.

 

[Tempeh-Tantrums]

As others have said, there really ARE no good commercial substitutes. There are a few "cheezey" recipes that are nice, but only appeal to some people.<br><br><br><br>
I was another major cheese fanatic. It was Brie, Camembert and similar cheeses that I loved. I basically had to give it up "cold turkey" too. And it really ended up not being a big deal after a few months.<br><br><br><br>
A few months into going vegan, (well, maybe 6 or so) I actually THOUGHT I wanted cheese, tried it and realized it was slimy, oily and odd-tasting... haven't been interested since.<br><br><br><br>
As others have said I really DO think you "lose a taste for it" as you grow and explore other tastes and textures and combinations.<br><br><br><br>
Some may lose the taste for it easier or faster, to be sure. Do what works for you. If having it twice a month works, thats still cutting consumption way down from the "average" and making a huge difference in your life and the lives of some animals too.<br><br><br><br>
For me, it would take more willpower to have it twice a month, because I would probably develop a taste for it all over again, but each of us are different in the way we handle these things...<br><br><br><br>
Good luck.

 

[antoine08]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SotallyTober</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Recently I watched this on youtube. I've been vegetarian for going on 5 years. This video made me change my mind..and believe me I was a cheese addict x's 100. Haven't had it in about 4 weeks now. Don't worry, there's no graphic slaughters in the video. There are a couple of dead calfs though so be forwarned. But, if you are looking to stop your addiction search for the truth. It will literally set you free.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cGLywGSag</a></div>
</div>
<br>
Thank you for posting that.<br><br>
The part where the 2 calves were trying to lick each other even though they were confined apart broke my heart<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/bigcry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[MRSSHF]

I used to work in a supermarket deli, and the sharper and smellier the cheese, the better. I loved all kind of cheese.<br><br><br><br>
When I went Vegan, I did it cold Tofurkey, and after about 3 or 4 months, the same thing happened to me as it did to MrFalafel. The smell of dairy products makes me gag.<br><br><br><br>
It also helped me to start thinking about cheese as the block of saturated fat and cholesterol that it is. I shudder when one of my friends orders fried mozzerella stix. Mmmm, Mmmm, fat fried in fat. Blech.<br><br><br><br>
Still, if you absolutely can't give it up, then twice a month is certainly better than every day.

 

[synergy]

I have to advocate the cold turkey route. Avoid subs for a good long while. Guacamole, hummus and babaganoush are your friend. Or just avacado. When I crave cheese, something creamy and full of fat (good, healthy fat) really helps.<br><br><br><br>
You really do loose your taste for cheese, but for me, the first time I gave it up, it took about 3 months, then it started to look and smell disgusting.<br><br>
And I was cheese free for another 3 months, but then I had some spanikopita and then all of a sudden, the cravings came back- first for feta, then for brie and then... Bamn- I was eating cheese almost daily again.<br><br><br><br>
I'm about a month into my second diary free attempt, and while it is easier this time, I still get the occasional craving. This morning, I wanted a bagel with cream cheese so bad... I knew one with peanut butter and jam just wouldn't cut it- but I had a Jugo juice smoothie instead, and that was that! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[MarrakeshXpress]

I too am a cheese addict and as far as the recovery process is concerned, I am in the acceptance phase. I have only recently acknowledged and accepted that it is not healthy to consume dairy 3 to 4 times a day. I've been doing pretty well (though I had a definite relapse today).<br><br><br><br>
I'm not officially trying to become a vegan and since I only just gave up eggs, I'm giving myself a little time to figure out where I stand on the dairy issue.<br><br>
I recently learned that, in the strictest sense of the word, nicer cheeses are not really vegetarian. This and my aversion to cheap Deli cheeses is helping me to limit my cheese intake, but its an uphill struggle

 

[GoodLifeSean]

I went cold tofurkey on a trial basis just started out vegan... but after about 2 weeks I realised I didn't have a but load of phlegm and could sing hit about two notes higher than before... that was the clincher for me

 

[chiaraluna]

Nutritional yeast.<br><br><br><br>
I'll say it again. NUTRITIONAL YEAST!<br><br><br><br>
I have been vegan for almost three years, and I just discovered it last month. Big mistake! It's perfect for curbing cravings, and the more I eat it the tastier it gets. Definitely try it.

 

[GoodLifeSean]

I've noticed Chiaraluna... you seem to have a slight affinity for Nutritional Yeast <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[chiaraluna]

Nahhhhhh... <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/lick.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lick:">