The transition to veganism was fairly easy for me. My sister has been vegetarian for 20 years, and there were no real family traditions centered around meaty meals.
In my own quest to eat healthier, I began frequenting vegan restaurants. But it wasn't until a friend of mine went vegan that the decision became clear. She mentioned a few documentaries to watch that would help me make the connection: Cowspiracy, Earthlings and Forks Over Knives. After watching those three (eventually dozens more!), I made the connection and never looked back!
It's been a year and I haven't been tempted to eat meat of any kind. I feel so much better in my soul to choose animal life over satiating my appetite with animal flesh and byproducts. I’ve learned so much about how to eat vegan. I remember shopping the local Farmer’s Market shortly after becoming vegan and buying organic avocado infused honey…Oops! Vegan’s don’t eat honey! Slowly but surely I learned the ingredients on the “Do Not Eat” list. It has been a continuous work in progress, but I embrace the challenge because it’s being done for the right reasons.
Reading The China Study has further solidified my commitment to the vegan lifestyle as it provides ample scientific research to suggest that animal-based diets contribute to many of the ailments we see in Western society: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.
Many of my household items are also being switched from traditional products to eco-friendly, cruelty-free products, as are my clothing and other items.
I encourage everyone to adopt a plant-based lifestyle for the animals, the environment and improved personal health. I’ve always had concern for the well-being of all living creatures. Now that I’ve made the connection to how my eating choices impact the planet, I look forward to a lifetime of cruelty-free eating and living. Veganism is the way for me!
