Let’s talk about veggies and fruit, baby! Or let’s at least talk about how my diet is full of them. Now, I know there are A LOT of preconceptions and generalizations regarding the vegan diet. Some good, some bad. Cue the “you can’t get enough protein” comments. I also know that a vegan diet is not for everyone and it is so important for us all to respect what each other chooses to consume. It’s such a complex, personal decision and there really should not be room for others’ judgment in that. From person to person, household to household, there’s always room for a little diet variety. So, without further adieu, let’s dive in!
THE WHEN
My vegan journey has been just that, a journey! While some may, I certainly did not wake up one day and say “today is the day I become vegan!” In fact, for four years I was pescatarian with the mindset that I could never, EVER give up my beloved cheese. Milk? F*ck it! Steaks? Don’t need ‘em! But cheese? Never! Or so I thought. I’ve summed up my vegan journey in the timeline below, and as you will read, there were many seemingly unrelated factors that went into my decision to go veg.
Throughout this journey, I have realized that so much of our health and wellness is tied to what we consume. Who would have thought that eating more red foods (red beets, red chard, etc.) would help augment the blood that I was losing every month when Aunt Flow (or Tia Maria as my family would say) comes to visit. The blood that most people replace when they eat red meat. This vegan journey has been a long one, and it is forever changing, but this is where I am at today.
THE WHY
One thing I have learned over the years is that there is quite a spectrum regarding vegan diets. Type “different types of vegans” into Google and you will get a plethora of different results, from environmental to dietary, and even religious. Myself, I would say that I fall into the realm of an ethical vegan.
As I mentioned, I have always struggled with the thought of eating another living being. The contradiction of being an animal lover, but also eating them just never sat well with me. To me, eating a cow or pig is the same as eating a dog or cat, and I honestly just don’t want to eat any of them. They’re all too cute.
THE EXPERIENCE
I used to believe that a vegan diet was a restricted diet. Now, after eight years of plant-based eating, I can honestly say that it is not. I was never necessarily a picky eater, but I was definitely a sheltered eater. Transitioning to a vegan diet quite literally made my life more colorful.
Up until I became vegan, there were so many foods that I had never eaten before. Beets, brussels, quinoa, BAMBOO SHOOTS!, etc. were all strangers to me. I don’t think I had ever eaten Thai or Indian food before, which are now some of my favorite cuisines. Eliminating animal products forced me to rely more on the bounty that our earth provides and it is honestly a lifestyle that simply makes me happier.
Am I a perfect vegan? No. But do I try my best? Absolutely. I have learned through the years that being vegan surely isn’t a walk in the park. It is sooooo easy to lean into unhealthy options and end up with a completely unbalanced diet. To date, I view my vegan journey as an evolution, and I know that it will continue to morph as the years go by.
xoA
Over To You
Are you vegan? Or have you ever thought about trying a plant-based diet? If so, what’s holding you back? Not vegan? No problem! We can still talk about our favorite fruits, vegetables and beans, right?! Have a question about being vegan? I would love to hear it! Leave a message for me in the comments below and let’s get the conversation flowing like a green juice on a sunny Sunday morning!
