My Plant Based Journey

I have always been fascinated by nutrition. I find it so interesting that what we put into our bodies directly influences not only our physical health, but also our mental health, energy levels, etc. The various relationships that individuals have with food also fascinate me. There are those who look to food for company, a shoulder to cry on, those who refer to themselves as “foodies”, individuals who find cooking and baking quite therapeutic, and those who simply eat to survive (to name a few).Quite honestly, I could probably be in all of those categories in any given week, depending on my mood and schedule. While I have struggled with body image issues in the past, my relationship with food has shaped into an extremely positive and healthy one. I no longer limit or restrict my consumption of food in an unhealthy manner, but enjoy the process of cooking and baking, and take pleasure in truly tasting and enjoying my food.

What is more of a recent change in terms of my diet and lifestyle is my relatively recent choice to work on eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs. While I don’t feel it is necessary to label myself as a vegan, I stick closely to a vegan diet. Since adopting a mainly plant-based (or ‘veganist’) diet, I have received many questions from friends, family members, and acquaintances, regarding this transition. Therefore, I chose to take this opportunity to share some of my journey into this ‘diet', and plan to address some common questions. This blog article will focus on my rationale in eliminating animal based products, and how this transition took place. I feel it is important to clarify what I mean when I use particular terms that reference my 'diet'. I tend to use 'veganist' or 'mainly plant-based diet' when referring to my eating habits, as I do not strictly adhere to one. In short, I may have cheese or fish once per month, if I am really in the mood for it. Other than this, I tend to stick to the foods that make me feel energetic, not bloated, and healthy.  

My journey to where I am today came gradually over the past year and a half. I ate what would be considered as a healthy Canadian diet, gaining much of my protein from dairy, lean chicken, and fish. About a year and a half ago, I basically challenged myself to stop eating meat (other than fish) for 2 weeks. This ended up lasting 4 months, and it truly wasn’t difficult for me (I had never been a big meat eater, other than fish and chicken). Midway through this personal challenge, I decided to read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. I put the book down halfway through it, as I was so disturbed and simply couldn’t read it anymore (this was probably a sign that I should actually continue reading). I eventually started eating meat again, becoming relatively ignorant of where my food comes from. Please note that if you do eat meat, I am not assuming that you are ignorant- I simply find that as consumers, we lack an appreciation for the process of how our food gets to our plate (this is not limited to animal products).

It wasn’t until last June that I spoke with a friend who had seen Forks Over Knives. He made the choice to adopt a plant-based diet, as he was particularly shocked by the health implications that a typical Western diet (Standard American Diet= S.A.D.) has on one’s health. I was intrigued, and during my animal related research, I came across a very gruesome and explicit slaughterhouse video. I made myself watch the entire 10 minutes, and told myself that if I was going to eat meat again, I had to watch it, and would not simply shut it off in ignorance. It tuns out that I didn’t have too much of an interest in eating it, after this. 

I finally made it to see Forks Over Knives, and couldn’t believe the research outlining the relationship between food and various health impacts, such as cancer. I continued researching the process in which meat, dairy, and eggs come to our plates. The more I researched, the more I wanted to stay away from it. I began trying new recipes in the kitchen, and had fun with new ingredients that I never would have considered using in my typical diet. Researching an animal-free diet became my new hobby, as did playing around in the kitchen, becoming more inspired each day, and feeling a sense of connectedness with my food. Eventually, I picked up Kathy Freston’s book: “Veganist.” I immediately identified with her approach that wasn’t forceful by any means, but simply focused on the process of becoming Vegan, As she says, it’s not about perfection. I continue to learn and become inspired by new information every day, as well as new changes I see in myself. 

While there are many reasons people choose to change their diets, mine varied. It began as a choice to cut back on animal-based foods as a result of the video I watched and the research I read. However, after familiarizing myself with further research and educating myself via Forks Over Knives, I believe my reason to eat the way I eat is primarily supported by the immense health impacts that an animal-based diet has on our bodies. In short, I feel many effects from eating a mainly plant-based diet, from having more energy to feeling better about my body. Overall, I have a sense of appreciation and pride about the food that goes into my body. Not only did no animal have to die for the food to get to my plate, but if plant-based food gives me more energy and thus positively contributes to my daily functioning, I'm all for that!