I get a lot of weird looks when people find out I eat vegan. Which also is a great way to say it. Your diet is the way you eat..yes, you are what you eat but I've found when people say
"Oh my goodness YOU'RE VEGAN" it's as if I was born with a third arm and they feel sorry for me.
No, no worries.
I definitely chose to eat this way and I'm actually extremely happy doing it.
It all started when I realized I was forcing myself to eat things like eggs because I thought they were good for me. I really dislike eggs. I also have disliked cheese for my whole life. Cheese is easy to avoid and I never once thought I had to eat cheese because it was good for me. But eggs. GOODNESS the background behind eggs and breakfast and protein - my golly it's a tough stigma to look past! I also was grounded as a teen for not eating chicken. I just don't like meat, sorry not sorry!
Many years ago, one of my patients, a retired professional NFL player, was telling me he lost over 50+ lbs after watching the documentary Forks Over Knives. Not only was he ecstatic over the weight loss but he said he felt AMAZING. He noticed his overall health had completely turned up for the better and had never been happier. I'm not sure why it took this massive linebacker sitting in front of me telling me his story to help me get where I am but regardless it was profound and meaningful. I then proceeded to watch the documentary myself and thought, hey, that looks delicious!!
Cutting out meat and dairy was not hard whatsoever. The only tricky part was actually READING LABELS which I've learned is SUCH a necessary practice and I still occasionally slip up these days (ie: ketchup with high fructose corn syrup at a restaurant last weekend...yucky)
Also - protein IS SO MUCH MORE delicious in plants!
If you're ever wavering on whether you want to try to eat more vegan things or if you just are curious "what do vegans eat!?" I get this allllll the time. And it's not offensive to ask! I need to learn this too when unsure of other people's lifestyle habits. My favorite blogs/recipes typically come from Nora Cooks Vegan or Love and Lemons (not the lingerie company) because their recipes are simple, delicious and typically have a lot of curry options (we LOVE curries!)
Questions? Just ask!
I dare you to try it!
You may just feel better!
You also might lose weight, improve your cardiovascular endurance, heart health, have smoother skin, etc! The research is there to support a diet high in REAL food. Vegans can also eat super unhealthy and still be vegan....don't be that vegan :)
Until next time,
Dr. Alexis Booth, PT, DPT, CSCS
Founder of Body Better Physical Therapy located in Milton, FL
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
P.S. Yes, I take a B12 supplement. Don't fret.
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