Being vegan for me is more than just a way of eating—it’s a lifestyle rooted in awareness, health, and compassion. For me, it’s about making choices that nourish my body while also being thoughtful to the rest of the planet and all who live on it.
That’s why I love sharing plant-based recipes, hoping to inspire others to explore healthier, more intentional ways of eating. But I often wonder—does this resonate with you? Have you ever tried one of my recipes or thought about including more plant-based foods into your diet, even if you’re not vegan?
Beyond recipes, I also care deeply about what’s actually in our food and the overall impact of processed foods have on our health. With growing concerns about GMOs, harmful pesticides in our produce, and heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, in most of of our spices, I believe we all deserve transparency, education, and awareness about what we’re putting into our bodies and how it's affecting us, our planet, and our water supply. Awareness, not fear, is the key. That’s why I try to focus on whole (not processed), nourishing foods and ingredients I can trust ( If I can find them).
I know many people don't believe that organic (less pesticides) is not any better than those grown with a full spectrum of pesticides. Or those that feel safe using plastic water bottles or plastic to store food or use in the microwave. Many eat many processed foods and are comfortable with it. It's hard to know who is right. Yet, we see that the rate of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol are in astronomical numbers, while research indicates they are correlations between what and how we eat and disease.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are these topics important to you? Do you like to see my recipes, discussions on food quality, or both?
Whether you eat plant-based or are looking for inspiration for plant-based recipe ideas, simply like my delicious food, or are here out of courtesy for me visiting your blog, I do appreciate you being here and your comments. I've just been curious. I would love to hear your feedback and thoughts.
My Notes:
I am a Whole Foods vegan by choice.
I am gluten-free because of Celiac and get very sick if I consume gluten.
For years now I make almost everything from scratch with the best ingredients I can find. I want to know what is in my food. For 5 years back in the 80's I was a vegetarian mainly because of so much research into the US meat industry. (I grew up only eating meat our family raised) When I moved out on my own I was buying grocery store meat. When I was able to find local meat I started eating it again. After reading Vegan before 6 many years ago I decided that would be perfect for me. What produce I don't grow myself I try to get from local farmers. As a last resort I try to find organic at the grocery store. About 7 years ago I thought I possibly had Celiac disease but after a long elimination diet they decided I have a strong sensitivity to glyphosate. So organic is even more important to me and also I now buy higher quality flour and make all of my own bread products and I have no issues anymore. I love your posts and have tried a number of your recipes.
ReplyDeleteWe eat vegetables every day with a maximum of 4 oz of meat/chicken each. We have meatless meals every week too. Vegetables are satisfying and easy to change with spices and herbs. We are not enjoying tofu yet though we eat it occasionally.
ReplyDeleteI have serious gut issues, and while I eat meat, I do find that more and more I rely on vegetables to sooth my gut when it gets inflamed. Right now about 30% of our food budget goes to vegetables and fruits in order to get what we/I need. I shop organic due to this issue, and it has made a difference in my overall health and of course my gut health.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy my visits to your blog, you have a good mix of posts.
ReplyDeleteLifestyle, food choices, exercise etc must always be a personal choice.
If any of us have health issues, food allergies etc these must always be taken into account, and if necessary always consult with your Doctor or health care team.
My preference is always to eat whole fresh food.
All the best Jan
I couldn't go the whole nine yards with plant-based but I think we probably all should do a little more than we do.
ReplyDeleteI was vegetarian for years as my parents didn't keep a kosher home and I wanted to be kosher. I'm now the opposite on that spectrum and eat pork. Believing that everything in moderation is good for you. I do however believe in eating whole foods, and we have farming for the future here which focuses on good farming practice. Luckily, our food quality is good in South Africa. Being coeliac must be very difficult. I grew up with friends who are coeliac and they had to be very aware of what they ate. Thank you for sharing your recipes.
ReplyDeleteTandy (Lavender and Lime) https://tandysinclair.com
I doubt that at this stage in my life I am going to become a complete vegetarian, and certainly not vegan, but I do eat substantially less meat than ever before. Yesterday was a hundred percent vegetarian and today will be too. We eat more fish and other seafood than meat protein, but that is of course no more meritorious if one is concerned for animals. I admire greatly your way of life and applaud it wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your recipes and posts. While I'm not longer a strict vegan, I still enjoy a mostly plant based lifestyle.
ReplyDelete