One of the big things that has changed in my life over the past few years is the transition to a plant-based diet. The move has been life-changing in so many ways. When your doctor says “You’re the healthiest 58-year-old patient I have” – you know you are doing something right.
I’m not here to preach becoming a vegan, – I just want to share my “why” behind it, my results, and how I did it.
Here are the big questions I usually get?
What’s the difference: Vegan versus Plant Based Eater First let’s chat about vegan versus being what I lovingly call a Plantie. Vegans don’t eat nor do they use any type of animal products – including honey, leather shoes, etc. It’s more an ethical lifestyle if that makes sense. I eat honey because it’s a healthy natural sugar that doesn’t spike my blood sure. I also will eat non-plant-based items if I’m out to eat and I don’t see a vegan option I like!
If I become a plant-based eater – will I get sick if I eat animal products? Some people do, I don’t. BUT I can tell you that I don’t feel great after I eat animal products – I feel heavier, sometimes bloated and it may affect my digestive system for a few days. But getting severely ill – no.
Don’t you miss cheese, eggs, and a good burger? To be honest – no, because I feel better when I don’t eat animal products. I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself of anything, in fact, I feel like I’m giving my body and me a gift. What I do miss is the convenience of eating out – unless I’m in a big city with tons of dining options being a Plantie isn’t easy, that’s where my flexibility often comes in. And really – if I want a beef burger, I’ll eat one.
What made me switch – I mean you grew up raising pigs and cows! As you know, I’m on a mission to live to be a healthy 100, so my journey of treating my body as a temple has been ever-evolving! I love learning, exploring, and discovering – so while perusing Netflix I came upon the documentary Game Changers. I was in awe, I was inspired…and I became obsessed with the data. The next day I switched to a plant-based diet cold turkey. I’ve always been a foodie and I love to cook – so I just treated this as another adventure!
You can’t possibly get enough protein…can you? Legit, the strongest man in the world is vegan. Gorillas are vegan. Cows…are vegan. AND there are PLENTY of plants that are chocked full of protein. I found this online eons ago and can’t remember the source – but the data is on point.
Just so you can have some context – 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of chicken has 26 grams of protein. So yes, I get plenty of protein.
So, after a year+ – what are the results? I’m not a physician – so I encourage you to do your own research, but I can honestly say for the first time my thyroid is FINE, my blood pressure is FINE, and ironically enough – I’m no longer considered anemic. As for all my other blood work – cholesterol, glucose, etc – all normal.
There’s more…
When Id remove animal products, refined sugar, and reduced my gluten intake, I greatly reduced inflammation which is the cause of oh so many issues in our bodies. Again – do your own research! So much of what we experience begins in our guts. There’s research that suggests many auto-immune issues can be controlled by diet – those are the kind of stats that fuel me big time.
Hello, Pandemic life! Dave and I seriously ate like royalty during the pandemic because we weren’t waiting in line for eggs, milk, and chicken – nor freaking out over it! Being a Plantie makes shopping easy – and food doesn’t go bad as quickly in the fridge as animal-based products! Eat what’s in season – and be creative. It’s amazing what you can do with some legumes, rice and a bunch of fresh herbs and veggies. Invest in some yummy middle eastern & Indian spices – and go wild! Plus – a pound of beans is a hell of a lot less expensive than a pound of beef. Just saying.
What do I eat?
When I lived in a brick and mortar – I would batch cook on Sunday for the week. Living in an RV with less than 100Sq feet – I don’t have the space to cook, store etc. So I have to make each meal separately. I also run 2 companies, currently rehabbing a house and I have a life! So I need yummy fuel that is easy.
Breakfast usually is a plant-based protein shake with some frozen berries, some powdered greens, adaptogens, and added fiber – I toss that back with some vitamins. B12 is the ONLY thing I can’t get from plants, so that’s an essential one that I take. Even though I love to cook – the reality is I’m busy. A morning shake gives me the boost I need, the carbs, fats, protein to balance it out for energy and it’s EASY. In less than a minute I have food on the table.
Lunch varies – if I’m on the road, I may grab a protein bar, some nuts, and fruit, a PB Sammie – or whatever is quick. If I have time – I’ll make a salad (hello pre-packaged bag o salad from Trader Joe’s or Aldi!), or leftovers from the night before.
Dinner – I’m all about my Instant Pot & Vitamix – stews, soups and other concoctions – for proteins I’ll use beans, legumes, or Tofu. My other go-to are stir-fries – or any type of Asian cuisine. I’m obsessed. Again – I’m creative in the kitchen, so I’ve followed a gazillion vegan bloggers and get inspired all over the place! Some of my Fav are Forks over Knives, Oh she Glows, Vanilla and Bean, ( try her vegan crab cakes – OH MY!), Clean Food Dirty Girl (Molly’s meal plans are awesome sauce) …and too many more to list!
If you can batch cook – do it! Roast up a ton of veggies, make buddha bowls, and more. Damn – I’m getting hungry!
Can’t go cold turkey? I totally get it – perhaps try Meatless Mondays!
I can honestly say that I’ve never talked to a plant-based eater who said they feel worse after making the switch. Like anything – it’s a mindset. Don’t think of it as something you are missing, but instead something you are gaining.
So try and ditch the animal products – including dairy. You’ll live without cheese for at least a Monday! Let me know how you feel! Your gut, your skin, and your inflammation will thank you – and some of you may even drop a few pounds if you are transitioning from a highly-processed diet to a cleaner one.
When you FEEL better…You ARE better. It’s as simple as that. Highly successful people fuel their bodies right – for me, that’s being a Plantie!
Cheers!
CD