Next month, I will begin my third year as a vegan. And I have to say, it's a little weird to be a body-positive activist AND a vegan.
Why did I stop eating animal products, you ask?
As with most big changes, it takes getting the message multiple times from multiple sources.
1. Water
First, I have a FB friend who shared how much water is used in raising livestock. I live in the San Francisco East Bay, and I am so heartbroken seeing our redwoods literally turning red as they die from the lack of rain. I'm even more devastated by the worsening fire seasons we have seen lately. Last summer, the fires were the worst ever, and the closest ever. It's scary.2. Climate change
See above. I want to have a smaller eco-footprint. Plants sequester carbon. Animals emit carbon.3. Health and aging
As I entered peri-menopause, I felt stiffer and achier. I noticed my cholesterol creeping up. And my energy was low. My older sister had gone vegan and shared how all of her health numbers had normalized. Then another friend shared that she was recovering from cancer. She decided to go vegan after learning how animal products feed tumors, while certain veggies inhibited tumor growth.
That was enough for me to give vegan eating a try.It was easy to let go of meat. I had never been a meat lover. Sushi was a bit harder, but I find a veggie poke bowl really hits that craving. I'm also a huge fan of veggie sushi, especially inari. I thought dairy would be my greatest challenge. Turns out there are some decent vegan cheeses, butter, and ice cream. So that's worked out.
Finally, I found a group of vegan friends through meetup who took turns hosting a potluck each month. With their help, I discovered really yummy ways to feel full and happy. We even have a virtual group on FB. I found my cooking became so creative and fun, I even started another blog, https://www.fathappyvegan.com/.
The weird thing about going vegan (for me) was how many people turn to plant based diets to lose weight and how many people believe that the only way to be healthy is to be thin. So I am choosing to be a fat positive voice in the vegan community. I am still fat. But my health numbers are all excellent. My energy has improved, and my pain has decreased.
I have no judgement about how anyone else chooses to eat, just like I have no judgement about size or shape. We are all unique and individual. I just like advocating for unconditional self love. That's my jam (preferably on homemade sourdough bread).
