VegInspired Living

What I have learned after two years

Can you believe that two years ago, I ate my last animal product and overnight adopted a vegan lifestyle?  It wasn’t really overnight, though; we had been integrating more plant foods into our meals for over six months.  

That day something just clicked.  

My only regret is not going vegan sooner.  John had been preparing lovely plant-based meals, and we had been trying to avoid eating animal products, but my stubborn personality claimed, “I could not give up cheese, eggs, and bacon” [insert eyeroll].  

If you are still eating animal products, trust me, I know how you feel. I felt the same way! Between health classes, news channels, most magazines, videos, and advertisements, it is no doubt you question “where you’ll get your protein”, “how will you give up cheese”, and “what about the good fat?”  I had all of those same questions.  When I made the switch, I still didn’t have all the answers, and honestly, I still don’t.  But, I have learned a lot in 2 years.

Let me share a few things I have learned:

1. The Vegan & Plant-based Communities are welcoming, supportive, and incredibly friendly!
2. Aquafaba is fantastic in baking and breading foods– I DO NOT miss EGGS!
3. Animal Agriculture is the #1 contributor to drought and greenhouse gas emissions.  Check out Cowspiracy.com
4. Living a VegInspired Life is a mindset and a lifestyle, not a diet.  Veganism is a shift in the way I look at my relationship with animals.  It has enriched my life beyond what I could even have imagined.  I am a better version of myself, and I feel joy and happiness.
5. Plant-based vegan foods are plentiful, and by asking the right questions, we can eat (almost) anywhere.
6. Surrounding yourself with people who are where you want to be and who challenge you is an essential component of a positive life.
7. I love beans!  Who would have ever thought?  I eat them in tacos, on nachos, in salads, on top of potatoes, and just on their own as a side!
8. Carbs do NOT make you fat; fat makes you fat! (Read that again…) When following a whole food, plant-based way of eating and avoiding fats, I have lost weight.  I eat potatoes, rice, oatmeal, and pasta, with loads of veggies.  If you want to lose and keep the weight off, this is the lifestyle to adopt.
9. Instagram is fun! #reallyfun
10. I love growing and expanding myself with this information and coaching & mentoring others too. 
11. Plants have protein (yup!) Eating a balanced, whole-food, plant based diet will not leave you protein deficient.
12. Most people are fiber deficient; ask yourself…”Where do you get your fiber?“
13. Vegan, cruelty-free beauty products are better, and my skin loves them. Osea Malibu is my favorite! 
14. Biking is a great, healthy hobby, and I love it!! I hadn’t ridden a bike in over 20 years; now I don’t want to stop!
15. Vegan food really does taste better.  Recipes that are created with hard work, dedication and creativity on a foundation of compassion and love, layer with unique flavors and techniques; nothing compares.
16. You don’t have to be raised vegan to adopt a vegan lifestyle.  You have to have been raised with a desire to learn, seek the truth, and have compassion. 

I am grateful every day that my parents taught me the value of education and the importance of compassion.

In honor of my two-year veganniversary, I challenge you to eat more plants. I ask you to evaluate whether the animal products that you eat and feed your children are really necessary.  I have lived 2 years with less illness, acne, heartburn, and more weight loss with joy and variety.  Comment below or tag us @veginspired if you are willing to eat more plants and spare a few animals.

XO,

Kathy