Since I gave up meat 4 months ago, I have faced the hurdles that so many before me have also faced. I know that it can be challenging at times and, especially when making lunches for school or when I go out with friends, finding meat free alternatives isn't always so simple. I have noticed recently that I am eating a lot of sugar and junk food, justifying it that it’s all ‘vegan’. While this is totally correct, it’s not what I envisaged when I started on this journey. For me, becoming ‘vegan’ or eating less meat was a way of eating healthy and filling my plate with nutritional and wholesome foods. These last few weeks haven’t quite embraced this idea.
When I started noticing this new idea of a “plant based diet” I immediately thought it was just another word for “vegan” however the more I read about it, the more I understood that it was more than that. A plant based diet is a philosophy of favouring natural and fresh grown foods over packaged, processed foods. This doesn’t just include avoiding meat but all forms of sugary and processed snacks that don’t benefit our health.
I realise now that this is exactly what I had in mind when I stopped eating meat. I often thought that the word “vegan” doesn’t really define me (as I spoke about in a previous post) but this new idea has inspired me and reminded me why I am doing this.
Again, I want to emphasise the importance of finding a system that works for you. Not everyone is ready to completely ditch meat and never set eyes on a cow again but in the same way, lots of people want to make a difference and embrace healthy foods.
I like the idea of following a philosophy as oppose to a diet because I believe that, while a diet may be kind to our health, we still need to be kind to ourselves. Trying to follow a diet can quickly become stressful and un pleasant - especially when you start hitting hurdles. A philosophy such as a plant-based "diet" (let's all ignore the word 'diet' for a moment) is a goal rather than a rule. Of course you can be as strict or as relaxed as you want but there are no daunting obligations.
My last piece of advice would be to connect with like-minded people who are willing to support you and not judge you. Reach out to people who are already living a vegan or plant-based diet who share similar values to you and let them inspire and guide your own food journey.