I started following a plant-based diet about ten years ago after reading the book 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart by Dr. Neal Barnard, who advocates for eating a whole-foods, plant-based diet to improve our health. My friend had read it and passed it along, telling me that the information shared about the Standard American Diet (SAD) and its effects on our bodies was truly eye-opening and concerning.
Not only was I hoping to lose weight, but I was hoping to combat the chronic pain condition and fibromyalgia symptoms I had been battling with lots of medications and not much relief. I read the book in nearly one sitting and went plant-based immediately.
Literally. Immediately. As in, the next day. And I never looked back. I went from a steak-eating, seafood-loving, ice cream-devouring omnivore to a plant eater overnight.
After going plant-based, I started dropping pounds and was able to safely (under my rheumatologist’s care) cease taking the several medications I was on. I still struggle with near-constant pain, but it is now more of a background hum than a blaring horn.
My supportive husband happily ate all of the vegan food I prepared at home, but continued as an omnivore when dining out. I never pressured him to join me as an herbivore, but he ultimately decided to stop dairy, then eggs, and then meat. He has now been vegan for three+ years, and our 6 year-old daughter has been vegan since birth.
When I embarked on this journey, finding vegan food in grocery stores was rare, unless I visited specialty shops. Now, there are options everywhere, including Target, Walmart, and ALDI. I used to be nervous to travel (which we often did before Covid-19), but now resorts, cruise lines, and theme parks cater to vegetarians and vegans. It’s amazing how far things have come in ten years.
We order pizza, pick up donuts or muffins on the weekends, go out for ice cream or Dole Whip, call in for carry-out from several local restaurants, and stuff ourselves silly. I make massive Thanksgiving feasts (it’s very easy to veganize the holiday standards) and love a Christmas brunch (always with cinnamon rolls!) It’s easier than ever to be plant-based.
If you have questions about our plant-based lifestyle, I am here to chat! I look forward to sharing more information with you, including some of our favorite recipes and cookbooks.
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