Six months ago, I started adopting the vegan lifestyle. A year ago a majority of my food was plant based with occasional meat and dairy. I have watched all the health documentaries on Netflix several times. The reason I chose to make this switch is for health, the environment (carbon footprint) and for animals.
Health - To nourish cells and prevent diseases.
Few years ago, I found out I was lactose intolerant so I switched to almond milk. I was raised eating meat and dairy. It is scary to think about all the diseases and inflammation, which some of it is in my family. My father had high blood pressure and his father died of heart disease. My mother have diabetes and arthritis. Her father died of diabetes.
Environment - Livestock produces methane gas in the atmosphere. According to Vegan Society "The production of meat and other animal products places a heavy burden on the environment - from crops and water required to feed the animals, to the transport and other processes involved from farm to fork. The vast amount of grain feed required for meat production is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction."
Animals - Compassion and our ecosystem needs diversity.
At first, I thought it would be hard to prepare vegan meals, but there are so many resources online. I found a lot of recipes on Pinterest and simply learned by experimentation. No, I don't starve myself or do it for weight loss (I'm still nursing). Since becoming vegan I lost ten pounds. I gained 30 lbs during my pregnancy with Esther (now 8 months) and am now almost back to my pre pregnancy weight. Rather than focusing on my weight however, I chose to pursue health and strength. After workout, I enjoy drinking protein smoothie. Yes, I get my proteins from plants.
On rare occasions I might have sweets and baked goods that have dairy in them at get togethers. There are also times where I bring vegan food or deserts to gatherings. No, I don't judge what other people consume since everyone is on a different journey and it is a personal choice. My toddler is a picky eater. Regardless of how colorful, yummy or nutritious the meal in front of him - he may or may not like it. He has his choices which differ on some days. Right now he likes scrambled eggs, so that's what I prepare. Dan loves to eat vegan meals at home as well.
Health - To nourish cells and prevent diseases.
Few years ago, I found out I was lactose intolerant so I switched to almond milk. I was raised eating meat and dairy. It is scary to think about all the diseases and inflammation, which some of it is in my family. My father had high blood pressure and his father died of heart disease. My mother have diabetes and arthritis. Her father died of diabetes.
Environment - Livestock produces methane gas in the atmosphere. According to Vegan Society "The production of meat and other animal products places a heavy burden on the environment - from crops and water required to feed the animals, to the transport and other processes involved from farm to fork. The vast amount of grain feed required for meat production is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction."
Animals - Compassion and our ecosystem needs diversity.
At first, I thought it would be hard to prepare vegan meals, but there are so many resources online. I found a lot of recipes on Pinterest and simply learned by experimentation. No, I don't starve myself or do it for weight loss (I'm still nursing). Since becoming vegan I lost ten pounds. I gained 30 lbs during my pregnancy with Esther (now 8 months) and am now almost back to my pre pregnancy weight. Rather than focusing on my weight however, I chose to pursue health and strength. After workout, I enjoy drinking protein smoothie. Yes, I get my proteins from plants.
On rare occasions I might have sweets and baked goods that have dairy in them at get togethers. There are also times where I bring vegan food or deserts to gatherings. No, I don't judge what other people consume since everyone is on a different journey and it is a personal choice. My toddler is a picky eater. Regardless of how colorful, yummy or nutritious the meal in front of him - he may or may not like it. He has his choices which differ on some days. Right now he likes scrambled eggs, so that's what I prepare. Dan loves to eat vegan meals at home as well.
One thing I have learned through out this journey is how creative I get to be with recipes and meal plans. I eat healthier than ever before!
What Vegans eat:
. Anything plant based (milk, beverages, smoothie powder, etc.)
. Fruits and vegetables
. Legumes, nuts and seeds
. Tofu, tempeh and nutritional yeast
What Vegans eat:
. Anything plant based (milk, beverages, smoothie powder, etc.)
. Fruits and vegetables
. Legumes, nuts and seeds
. Tofu, tempeh and nutritional yeast
Posting recipes soon.
