Four years ago I made a decision to try a plant-based diet for 30 days. It quickly morphed from 30 days to 90 then to 365. By the end of my first year, I realized that there wasn’t a way that I would or could go back to my previous way of eating. Full disclosure, I am only about 98% plant-based because sometimes if I have a hankering for a baked good, a vegan option might not be available.

Now, while I eat plant-based and refer to myself as vegan, I do so for the sake of simplicity when I’m eating out or with others. (see definition below). Plus Plant-Based Anniversary doesn’t have the same ring to it as Veanniversary!

My family is not plant-based but eats what I prepare most of the time. Because I’m the cook in the house I will make chicken or fish or even a steak of ribs every now and then. They also eat eggs but I buy the ones that promise that my chicken friends have space to roam.

Contrary to what people think, once you get the hang of some planning and prep work, it’s not any more time-consuming or expensive to eat this way. The faux meat products, vegan ice creams, snacks, meal kits, etc., are what will jack up your food bill and pad your middle.

Fruits and veggies (fresh or frozen), bags of beans and rice, pasta, nuts, and seeds are whole, unprocessed foods are super healthy for you, and buying in bulk is a great option if you are on a tight budget. I always recommend people start with a Meatless Monday. Then if you want, add another day. You don’t have to go all-in on day 1 like I did. Even if you aim to increase the amount of plant-based foods you consume, you can’t go wrong. Ever.

Recently someone asked me if I missed anything and I said bacon. But if I had a few slices on my plate I wouldn’t eat them. It’s not who I am anymore. And that suits me just fine.

If you are interested in learning more about adopting a plant-based diet or would like to add more plant-based meals to your menu, please let me know and I’ll provide you my trust list of resources! I’m happy to share what I have learned, delicious recipes I’ve tried and I will never judge what or how you eat. As Tabitha Brown often says, “Honey, that’s your business”.

Now go run!

Keli 🙂

Definition of Veganism per Wikipedia: Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan.