"Why would you do that to yourself?".....
The day after Christmas 2010, I made a vow to PRACTICE loving-kindness to all living creatures.....including myself. I have dabbled in the vegetarian lifestyle on and off for a few years, and finally made a point to go for it. It was a bit easier to transform as I had already adapted to an almost dairy and red meat free diet, but there were challenges, as you can imagine, in the elimination of all animal products from my diet. As an endurance athlete, I put the limitations of my body to the test, and figured this would be a perfect time to run my own experiment!
The questions and comments I get most from people whom I wish to share this with are.....
"WHY??"
"Why would you do that to yourself?"
"What do you eat?"
My personal favorite, "EWE."
So, in an attempt to answer these questions and maybe, just maybe, help open the minds of some skeptics, I will give you my top reasons:
*My heart says its the right thing to do.
*Fruits, Vegetables and plant based protein provide all the nutrients one needs to maintain a healthy body, and mind.
*I am greatly reducing my carbon footprint
*Delicious fresh pressed juice is a better source of energy that coffee......(think mitochondria).
*I do not want colon cancer.
*If you really knew what was in processed meat and dairy products, you wouldn't eat it either.
*If I am not willing to kill it myself, then maybe I shouldn't be eating it.
*If the animals only purpose on this earth is to grow up in a cage for my later consumption, then I have wasted the life of that living creature.
*Increased dairy intake is actually linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.
*I dont have to take mood stabilization medications anymore, and my troubles with insomnia are diminishing.
*The corporate agrucultural giants in this country make me sick to my stomach.
(One word, Monsanto.....google it, and find out more for yourself.)
*Bonus: brings me a challenge to create culinary delights to share with YOU!! Recipes will follow.
(ex. Vegan coconut mousse with raspberry puree, in a cashew/pecan/date crust.....YUM.)
I have never felt better in my LIFE! Hands down the best lifestyle change I have made yet. The Vegan life is one of simplicity, and mindful dedication to health, and the well being of ALL living creatures. I write this with hopes to inspire, or at least initiate a different way of thinking......
