Why I’m Vegan!
Why I’m Vegan!
My vegan journey started about 10 years ago when I moved to Los Angeles. A friend of my husband inspired me to try eating vegetarian, and I felt so healthy that I continued for years. My digestion improved, my energy skyrocketed, and my weight naturally dropped with ease. About 7 years later, my husband and I watched a few documentaries, one, in particular, called What The Health. I realized there are so many benefits (on both local and global scales) to choosing plants over animal products! Therefore, my family committed to a vegan lifestyle and launched JustFit LA into a company that is fueled by plants. A plant-based diet manifests pure energy and I pursue clients who aspire to eat more plant-based or go fully vegan as we did!
My reasons for continuing to eat a vegan diet?
- Animal well-being and a mission to end factory farming
- Environmental benefits
- Health and longevity
- Taste and creativity
These are the top reasons why I continue to live a plant-based lifestyle. Each reason is explained in detail below!
Animal well-being and ending factory farming:
When I learned about factory farming and all of the suffering that it causes, I knew I couldn’t contribute to that any longer. Then I realized that even non-factory farming practices end animals’ lives too shortly and often brutally. Thus whether the meat product declares humane or not, I recommend choosing NO meat. In the way of dairy, the only way humans obtain cows milk is to take baby cows from mothers so the mothers cannot nurse. The baby calf is usually sold for meat or veal. This is a very cruel system and I don’t want to support it.
Environment:
Deforestation and large amounts of CO2 gasses are caused by the demand from farm factories. The demand is caused by humans eating enormous quantities of meat. If we stop purchasing meat products, factories will have to shut down or find a way to make money, hopefully in a way that will benefit the future. Some may say, “but what do we do with all of these cows,? They are overpopulated?” Cows are only overpopulated because we are over breeding them. Cows wouldn’t naturally have as many babies in their lifetime as farmers force them to have through forced impregnation (another reason to stay away from dairy).
Health and Longevity:
Eating a whole-food, plant-based diet can help prevent cancer and diseases. Eating plant food will fill you with the macronutrients and an abundance of micronutrients to help you heal, repair, fight off colds, age gracefully, and keep you fueled for the day. Sounds pretty good to me!
Taste and Creativity:
Since going vegan, I have found a new enthusiasm for cooking. The colors, taste, and nourishment of every meal is so fun and inspiring. I get to be creative with food when eating a healthy, whole food diet. Think about how boring a plate of meat and potatoes looks. Now take a look at the beautiful salad above. Doesn’t one just seem better?! I help clients find their stride with eating a vegan diet. I share tricks to sneak in extra fruits and vegetables and I hope to be an example of someone thriving on plants.
By choosing plant foods more often or going full-time vegan, you are taking a mighty stance by lowering the demand for animal products, in turn providing a better, longer life for animals, boosting your nutrient intake, and saving the planet. By choosing to live a vegan lifestyle, you are saving water, decreasing the need for deforestation, progressing the goal to end factory farming, and improving your health and well-being.
A personal challenge for you:
Next time you question what to eat for lunch, REALLY think deeply about the four reasons I talked about above. Consider them all, or even just one that speaks volumes to you, and choose to enjoy a plant-based meal. Afterward, consider how you feel: Lighter? Healthy? Proud of the difference you made with your choice? You did make a difference! Every instance you choose plants over animals or animal products, you made a difference and a large community of vegans (and animals) are thankful for your choice too!
Want to learn more about why I am plant-based? See the About Justine page!
To read my guide to going plant-based, click here.
If you are looking for guidance in fitness or plant-based/vegan living, send me an email. I work with clients one-on-one in person or online to help them live the best plant-filled life they can!
