May I do unto others, as they may do unto me.

“Veganism is not a sacrifice. It is a joy.”

-Gary L. Francione

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being Vegan

 

I finally turned vegan last month after much deliberation. I chose to go vegan because I do not support animal cruelty and my digestive system had stopped processing and accepting meats, or animal products (milk especially) in any form, for a while now. Add to that gluten, as well.

I have been mostly vegetarian since last year. I was an avid meat eater for 47 years of my life; born in a Bengali household that love their fish and meats as much as they love themselves, or anything else. They take pride in eating the fresh catch of the day, tempered with innovative spices. I have eaten most meats I could lay my hands on. I could eat octopus, pork trotters, frog legs, venison, snails, bamboo worms etc.; nonchalantly. This was when we lived in the Philippines and Singapore. I was open to experimenting in a big way with my food; hugely inspired by Andrew Zimmern’s, Bizzare Foods. And my experimental taste buds!

The Vegan Journey

My 23 year-old has been on a vegan journey close to two years. Even as a teenager she was vegan for sometime. I believe  she inspired my journey, while I charted its course. My teacher and friend, Nithya Shanti who has been vegan for 15 years now, eventually helped me walk the final journey, with his words and inspiration.

I did not take up veganism as a fad. Rather it came to me at a time when my health was not top of the pops, for extended periods. In the past one month, since I went on a vegan and plant-based diet I realise I feel far more better, healthier and lighter. Initially my energy levels were low, especially as it’s been just 4 months since my surgery, but it was finally about choosing the right energy giving vegan foods (proteins are a must).

Having said that, any of you planning to tread this journey of plant-based eating, please take it slow and easy. It helps to be in touch with a health coach who can guide you with various options. I was blown over by the innumerable vegan options that we have; ones which are easy to prepare and lip-smacking delicious to savour.

My health coach, Bhavna Kapoor is exceptionally good, and has helped me transit wonderfully, without being rigid and overtly tough. Bhavna has always told me to chew my food slowly and mindfully and that’s one big step into conscious eating and living. I give gratitude to every morsel, every farmer, retailer, delivery person who brought the food to our doorsteps, for a while now.

Sustainability, Climate Change and Veganism

Since I am a sustainable warrior who takes multiple steps to live sustainably, this new facet of my life will play a huge role in reducing my carbon foot print. Researchers at the University of Oxford found that cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73 per cent. The estimated impact of eating meat every day costs 1 animal life, 1,100 gallons of water, 40 pounds of grain, 30 sq. ft of forest, and 20 lbs CO2. Every day you’re a vegan saves the equivalent.

 

Have you considered a plant based diet? 

What does veganism mean to you?

Would you ever consider turning vegan to save the planet, or for health reasons?  If not, that’s okay too. To each their own. 🙂

Do you think vegans make a big deal about being vegan? 😉

Would love to hear your thoughts, my dear readers and friends in blogosphere.

Love, light and laughter <3 <3

Natasha Serenity Sinha 🙂

 

 

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Linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere who host #WW

Betty, Steve, Sue NC,  Zina, Sandee, Cathy, Tina, Brian,  Jackie, Keith and Xmas Dolly

Also linking up with Trent  for his weekly Smiles.