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When I tell someone I'm plant-based, I usually get one of three reactions: "What does that mean exactly?" "Oh, you're one of those." Or, "so what can you even eat?". In all honesty, I actually quite enjoy explaining it to those who seem genuinely open and curious. Unfortunately, it's true that oftentimes people don't want to hear about it, or they make assumptions before even understanding my reasoning; "you must not get enough protein." "So you're some kind of crazy animal-lover or environmentalist, huh". With that being said, I have a few thoughts I'd like to share.
To start, I'm really happy with the decision I made to go plant-based and I wouldn't change it in a heartbeat. :) But I also don't look down on anyone who is not. In fact, I enjoy talking to others about food a lot; this makes sense given that my focus area for my Bachelor's Degree in Sustainability was Food Systems. To me, being plant-based means usually not consuming animals products of any kind, including meat, dairy, honey, and eggs, and also trying to choose whole foods rather than ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Additionally, I try to choose products that aren't tested on animals, I try to shop secondhand, and I try to support local. For me, there are many reasons this lifestyle holds value. Yes, one of them is the animals. If you were to ask anyone in my close circle, they would tell you that I am the last person to use the word "hate". Positivity is something that I've always radiated, and I can say that with confidence. However, one of the things in life that brings out the angriest emotions in me is seeing other living things get mistreated. The suffering and distress that CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) animals go through is incredibly inhumane to me. Being forced to stand in their own feces, suffer diseases from living so close together, and living their lives in confinement just doesn't sit right with me. And so much of the meat and dairy products that we see in the stores comes from feeding lots or operations similar to this; systems where profit is maximized over the health and well-being of the animals and the environment. Air and water pollution are a consequence of the way we raise animals as well, oftentimes disproportionately affecting lower-income communities. All in all, I don't believe it's right to make animals suffer for our benefit, especially when there are other options available. It takes a lot less resources (land, water, labor) to simply grow food for humans rather than food for animals for humans. Additionally, energy is lost the further you go up in the food chain due to the inefficiency of energy transfer. This means that, since animals are higher up on the food chain (they eat the producers who make the energy from the sun), they only carry about 10% of that energy that they consumed. So, if we ate the plants that a cow eats rather than eating the cow itself, we'd be gaining a lot more energy. Not only that but there are a lot of nutrients you can get from eating plants, including protein. This touches on the health aspect of this lifestyle, the part that can speak to people more than trying to defend the animals or the planet. Not only is there a decreased risk of some of the deadliest, chronic diseases facing society today, such as type II diabetes and heart disease, but we develop much healthier gut microbiomes on a plant-based diet. The pure, whole, plant foods are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and even protein. Take a rice bowl for example. It may contain rice, black beans, and a handful of veggies, like broccoli, peppers, or others and may be seasoned with lemon juice and cilantro or something of the sort. You are getting complete protein via the rice paired with the beans, fiber from the beans, and many nutrients from the vegetables such as vitamin A and C, to name a couple. It's a fun dish to put together at home, can be personalized to what you like (maybe it's quinoa instead of rice or something else to add to the flavor), and supports your gut microbiome and health. Your gut microbiome can help to decrease your chances of getting chronic illnesses as well as increase your mood because your brain and gut microbiome are in constant communication!
That was a lot, but I just wanted to get it out, to explain a little where I pull from when I make the decision to order a veggie burger at a restaurant rather than a beef patty, or mix oat milk into my coffee rather than 2%. On the note of people getting annoyed with caring about the well-being of animals or of the planet, my response to that is, "why does that bother you?", and I think a lot of it has to do with misconceptions on what people who are plant-based are like. You hear of the crazy vegan who thinks that everyone who has ever consumed an animal product is evil. To tell you the truth though, since switching my diet, I haven't run into a single person like that in the number of people I've connected with who are also vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based. We simply have an understanding and a little background on issues involved with the way our food system runs today; because of what we've learned, we try not to be a part of the problem. Yes, there are passionate people out there who may vocalize their reasons for their diet more than others, but at the end of the day, I believe that most people really just want others to understand why they make the choices they do. Also, they may want to possibly promote their reasoning in hopes that others may understand where they are coming from and want to consider the food choices they are making, such as not harming animals and the planet as much.
Quickly, I'd like to explain the difference between being plant-based and being a vegan (from my understanding). Both refrain from consuming animal products, but a plant-based diet isn't definitionally as strict as a vegan diet. A vegan follows a lifestyle that strictly refrains from all animals products, but someone who is plant-based may partake in eating fish that is sustainably caught, or eat eggs from a local, family farm where they know the chickens are treated well and cared for. Honestly though, I don't like the idea of categorizing people (in many aspects of life). Labels aren't helpful in my opinion. Instead, I think it's best to find what is right for you physically and morally speaking and then on the other side of it, listen to the reasoning that people have for the choices they make. For example, I have two hometown friends, sisters to me since we grew up together, who's mom is allergic to dairy and gluten. I think she may have an intolerance to soy as well? That I'm not 100% sure about. But, it is totally understandable to me that she wouldn't want to wholly follow a diet based on plants and grains and whatever else there is that isn't an animal product. For her, eggs and certain meats are an excellent source of protein and nutrients. Another example is a community living in Alaska who, for years, has relied on sustainably-caught fish as a main source of fuel for them. This is a part of their culture and, if it is done in an ethical way, I have no problem with their eating habits. Again, the way you eat can look different depending on your own body or where in the world you reside.
Also, the way you eat is equally as important as what you consume, in my opinion. By this I mean that eating in a slow and mindful way can be just as beneficial as choosing whole, plant-based foods rather than rushing to choke down a prepackaged breakfast sandwich before heading to the gym before your 9-5. What I try to do is prioritize mealtime into my days. Getting up with enough time to prepare a nice breakfast for myself and eating it at a slow pace, oftentimes outside on my porch if it is nice out, with my phone away makes me feel my best. I feel that I can really enjoy the food I'm consuming that is going to fuel the next portion of my day without the distractions of television or another form of entertainment. Also, I'm chewing thoroughly and with gratitude, and studies have shown that this can actually help the process of digestion, leading to a happier and healthier gut microbiome.
To wrap it up, I've already learned so much from my journey in switching to a plant-based diet and have actually really enjoyed some of the conversations I've had with people on my reasoning for choosing this type of lifestyle. For me, what is most important is trying not to be a part of the destruction that takes place from the operations of our food system, such as animal abuse, air and water pollution, and diseases from fast, ultra-processed foods. To promote a more mindful way of eating that is slower and more connected to the land (through rich, tasty, nutritious plant-based foods and meals) is really my goal. Thanks for giving this a read- I think I may touch on this topic again in the future since there is a lot more that could be discussed around it/considered! That's it for now though, take care! :)
xox, kat
