What did you learn? 30 day vegan challenge

Greetings all:

Well, I did it.  I completed my 30-day vegan challenge as of February 2nd.  It was an interesting experience, one that I will probably repeat.

But no time soon.

As I research the health studies, environmental impact studies, various spiritual and religious texts and animal rights books, I believe that veganism is probably the most optimal way to eat and live one's life.  Something in my spirit tells me that I will stop being a slave to my taste buds and make the transition to veganism eventually.

But no time soon.

Overall, the combination of the dietary vegan and yoga challenge helped me lose about 7 pounds. As weight loss is primarily dietary, I am a little freaked out by the amount of weight I carry I can directly attribute to eggs and dairy.  I felt my sleep quality (though not quantity) improved as well as my focus on tasks at hand.  Spiritually, it felt good to know I wasn't participating in the suffering of animals for food (still have much to do with regard to wearing animal skins but that wasn't the purpose of this challenge).

However...

My craving for dairy never really abated.  I've heard if you perform a task for 21-days straight, then that task becomes a habit.  This didn't happen for me with this challenge which I secretly wished for.  So it is with some trepidation that I mention how I ended my challenge- with blackened catfish and bourbon butter cake with whipped cream.  From this place.  Sinfully good.

 So what does this mean?  I am not in a place where I can fully commit to veganism.  My will is weak when it comes to dairy and I need to meditate more, read more, journal more about why I am so attached to dairy. It isn't necessary for health but I feel "unsatisfied" when I have to consciously go without it for some time.  This scares me a bit because it sounds like an addiction.  And I don't know of any 12-step programs for dairy addicts.

I have decided that in order for me to transition to veganism, I have to do it gradually.  Thus I will start with one day a week and slowly work my way up to everyday.  Going cold turkey is too much of a shock for me.