During my recent stay with my dad's side of the family my plant based lifestyle has become a common topic at the dinner table. Everyone is worried about what I can eat. Everyone is wondering if I still eat fish or can have cheese (goodness gracious with these questions!). At one point I even heard, "Oh you're so good about it. You're so dedicated." It was meant as though I was merely following a strict diet although I know no disrespect to my lifestyle was meant. And while I've been solid in my decision and my beliefs I started to think more about what it all meant to me over the last year.
Initially I adopted a vegan lifestyle after just shy of a year of vegetarianism. I was beginning recovery from anorexia and wanted to be sure I was healing my body in the most natural way. I went vegan for health reasons but shortly after I started reading more into the animal abuse side of things. My passion and my dedication grew, especially after watching the documentary Forks Over Knives. I have continued to educate myself over the last year and have done my best to compassionately share this knowledge with my carnivorous family and friends. I very much respect everyone's choices to eat as they do and do my best to not come off as one of those pushy preachy people. I simply want to share what I have learned so that we can all nurture our bodies and take care of the planet in the best possible way.
Recently though I've begun to see my plant based lifestyle in a more spiritual light. My decision to eat foods in their natural state makes me feel more connected to the world around me. Since childhood I have been such an advocate for environmental awareness and this seems like a natural extension of that. Eating a whole foods plant based diet, eating locally grown foods when possible, is one of the best things we can do not only for our bodies but also for the environment. For me I feel as though that is my way of giving back to Mother Earth.
It also brings about more consciousness in other areas as well. I have completely nixed consuming bottled water. I haven't used a paper plate in the longest time. I use reusable containers for nearly everything rather than snack bags and also use my own bags when grocery shopping. My spending habits have significantly decreased as I do my best to consume all that I have first before purchasing more. I am overall more aware of what comes in and what goes out. Following a plant based lifestyle has extended far beyond food. I feel like a better human being overall. And with this I feel more connected, more grounded, and more soulfully satisfied.
Following a plant based lifestyle is not about deprivation. It isn't about giving things up. It's about being aware. It's about nurturing. It's about exploring (I've tried more foods and flavors as a vegan than an omnivore). It's about giving back to the planet and to the animals who inhabit it. It's about kindness. It's about taking care of your body, your mind, and your spirit.
Won't you considering joining me?
For more information please visit:
Happy Herbivore
Forks Over Knives
VRG: Veganism in a Nutshell
Vegsource
The Vegan Voice
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