Why I’ve Become Vegan/Plant-Based

Why I’ve Become Vegan/Plant-Based

Vegan Journey

I’ve just turned 57 years of age and over the last couple of years, I’ve not really felt great, lacking in any sort of ‘get up and go’ feeling! I think it has been a combination of various factors, marriage separation, being homeless, and having to re-find me, my sciatica attack last year which led to painful aches in my legs, alongside the Covid 19 pandemic. I also think many women go through strange health symptoms due to menopause!

So in March of this year, I decided to try and take back control in certain areas of my life, including my eating habits….which is why I’ve become Vegan/Plant-based!

I have been mostly Gluten Free for over 15 years as I suffered from IBS symptoms for many years. By cutting out Wheat in most products like bread, pasta, and processed food certainly helped to keep it at bay. So taking the next step to Plant-Based food was not such a great leap!

By chance, I also met someone who was already Vegan and with his help, the transition has been fairly easy. There are many reasons people decide to cut out meat and dairy. It could be for health, being aware of climate change, cruelty to animals, etc but whatever reason people decide, these factors all become important.

Health

My close friend was diagnosed with MS 7 years ago. He underwent quite a life-threatening medical procedure which included cleansing his whole immune system and changing his diet. He was advised to go Vegan/plant-based which has stabilized his condition and he is certainly much fitter at 59 years than many men I know! It is not a future guaranteed, but it certainly shows what our diet can do.

I have spent many hours on YouTube researching other such stories of health benefits. If there is a chance of improving health this way, then why not give it a go!

Without sounding as if I am preaching, I would urge anyone who is also contemplating this way forward to watch at least one film to expand their knowledge and outlook…..Game Changers, Cowspiracy, What The Health, Eating You Alive, Forks Over Knives, and several others. They can be viewed on YouTube or Netflix.

Another factor for me as to why I’ve become vegan/plant-based is watching my parents suffer from Parkinson’s and Dementia. I have read how these diseases can also be helped through diet. What we put into and onto our bodies, as well as environmental factors can affect many aspects of our health. Again, no guarantees but certainly worth exploring. An interesting article on Plant Based News about medication taken by seniors, worth a read.

Lifestyle

What I eat is actually very basic. My main diet includes lots of vegetables, rice, and sweet potatoes. Throughout the Summer I was opting more for salads but certainly with the colder days now I prefer hot veg for dinner in the evenings. It is tempting when you first switch over to feel you need lots of smoothies, protein drinks, and superfoods. And the question everyone likes to ask is ‘Where do you get your protein from if not eating meat or eggs?’. Actually, this is very easy to answer, beans and lentils are full of protein!

I rarely eat the more processed vegan foods like meat-free burgers or sausages as they generally contain wheat/gluten. It makes things simpler and cheaper!

An Average Day

Breakfast: Large bowl of gluten-free oats soaked in Oat Milk or Soya Milk (sometimes I’ll use half water/half-plant milk), topped with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and frozen fruit like blueberries, blackberries, or cherries. I leave for at least 30mins to soak in and fruit to defrost.

Lunch: Gluten-free/vegan wrap with salad, homemade hummus, or avocado, or Soup. Another favourite is chickpea omelette.

Dinner: Brown rice (sometimes with mushrooms cooked together), mixed steamed vegetables like greens, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, leeks all in the same pot together, and a serving of lentils (ie yellow, green, or brown). I can add whatever flavour after using condiments like salt & pepper, chilli sauce or soy sauce, or whatever I fancy.

I never used to like carrots or parsnips but they are some of my favourites as well as sweet potatoes with butternut squash instead of rice!

Body Changes

I try not to use any oils, including salad dressings but I certainly eat plenty. I’ve lost at least half a stone in weight and I’ve noticed my body shape change a little (I think I carried a lot of water retention before.) I do feel a lot lighter than before though and I think this is due to no heaviness in my stomach as you do become very ‘regular’.

My skin appears brighter and my general mood happier/chilled. I also have more energy and my ‘inner sparkle’ seems to be returning! I also take some supplements including Vitamin D, B12, and Ashwagandha.

Day To Day Products

I was already using some vegan beauty products, moisturiser, cleansers, and tonics from Ringana, I love them but they are expensive unless I can catch them on sale. It is not a quick step to swap to all vegan makeup, home products, clothing, etc but little by little I am changing over. I am looking forward to trying out some of Superdrug’s Vegan Beauty range. I am also trying out the Refill shop for natural vegan washing-up liquids, shampoo, and detergent.

It can be done on a budget….food shopping is cheaper, no more eating at expensive restaurants, most vegan options are not great unless a Vegan Restaurant, and no impulsive treats like sweets, cakes, and chocolate. Choices are limited so quality over quantity!

Oh….and another reason why I’ve become vegan/plant-based!!