Wanting to Make a Change - Eating in the Light

Recently in my world wide web exploration, I’ve come across a book by one of my favorite authors – Doreen Virtue. The book was called “Eating in the Light” and it’s about making the switch to veganism/vegetarianism as a greater part of spirituality. I’ve found this to be a very interesting concept… For me, it’s an obvious change in how my body feels when I am eating a mostly plant based diet – I feel less bloated, bowel movements are easier, I sleep better and my skin looks more radiant and is more balanced. Additionally, I am able to give easier and clearer Angel Card Readings, and find that I am more easily able to channel and speak my truth when my body feels clear.

There’s a lot that goes into Veganism and Vegetarianism.

Growing up – I only knew one vegetarian – and she is still one of my good friends to this day! It was a change in perspective I hadn’t explored before. My meals as a kid consisted of a protein (usually beef, pork, salmon), some kind of side like potatoes or rice and a few veggies on the side. When I was a bit older, I frequently ordered pizza, drank slurpees and ate lots of other foods that were packed with sugar, calories and other yucky chemicals I shouldn’t have been taking in.

Thinking back I did have a lot of digestive issues – this might be TMI so buckle up – I was constipated, feeling sluggish after meals and packing on more weight than some of my peers. I never made the connection that what I was eating might have had something to do with that. If I’m being perfectly honest, I still indulge in these ‘bad’ foods from time to time. But I am learning a lot about moderation nowadays because my body (now that I’m a little older) can’t handle or digest in the same ways it used to.

Since I’ve moved out to the BC coast – I have met a lot more vegetarians and vegans – even pescetarians (people who do not eat meat, but do eat seafood). From person to person, their reasons for their diet vary.

Many people choose a vegan or vegetarian diet due to ethical reasons.

To be clear, I am in no way saying that all meat/animals are raised in an unethical fashion – however, most of the meat that we buy at our conventional grocery stores has been raised in cruel and inhumane ways as well as processed through factories or factory farm like settings. I recommend a book called “Eating Animals” by the author Jonathan Safran Foer if you’d like to delve more into that subject. After reading his book, I have definitely had a lot more questions about the meat industry and the mass agricultural industry. Nowadays, I try to buy meat from local butchers where I know the animals have been treated right – or use meatless protein subs in my meals instead like tofu, beans or lentils – which are all very tasty when prepared right!

Many people choose a vegan or vegetarian diet for health reasons.

A plant based diet, or a diet with less meat and animal products has been effective in lowering blood pressure, lowering risk of heart disease, weight loss, increasing ones vitality as well as decreased risk of cancers, diabetes and obesity. Not only are these diets high in vitamins and minerals – they are very rich in fiber and water which helps you digest more effectively, making elimination of wastes from the body easier. There are many people who have literally saved their lives by switching to a plant based diet – healed their diabetes, removed the need for medications and lost excess fat – shocking their doctors and health professionals. Your diet is a powerful medicine if you know how to fuel your body right.

If you want more information on this subject, Google has a plethora of resources. There are many great books and documentaries on this as well – “Forks Over Knives” on Netflix is excellent for a range of different information about plant based diets, health benefits and the agricultural impact on the world. Of course, go into your research with an open mind and don't believe everything that you read, but I promise you’ll be surprised at what you find.

The health factor is what appeals to me greatly. Heart disease runs in my family as well as high blood pressure and cancer. Digestive problems are also a problem I’d like to avoid if at all possible and I believe that a plant based diet rich in fiber and probiotics will help this immensely. I notice a huge difference on the days I eat plant based and the days I do not. Not only does it help my digestion, but it helps my mood too. I feel more energized and I have more motivation to work, to exercise and move my body around. I also feel more like cooking and taking time to prepare healthy meals for myself instead of reaching for something quick and unhealthy!

Many people choose a vegan or vegetarian diet to help the environment.

“How much stress does our meat-eating put on ecological systems? (…) In 2006, the UN calculated that the combined climate change emissions of animals bred for their meat were about 18% of the global total – more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together.” (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jul/18/vegetarianism-save-planet-environment)

Going for a plant based diet means that you will no longer support unnecessary deforestation, excessive water usage (fresh water is not an unlimited resource) and help reduce green house gas emissions. It also helps to reduce oil usage (also not an unlimited resource) from transporting meat to stores etc. and helps prevent spillage of wastes into our oceans. If we, our children, and grandchildren want to enjoy the beauty and abundance of water, food and this amazing natural world we have been blessed with – we must take action steps towards protecting those resources now. We have more control as consumers than we think by choosing to eat a certain way. Even something as simple bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store to transport your food home helps!

No matter what reasons you have for choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, they are all valid. I plan to explore more into this way of life by slowing transitioning like I have been over the past 6 months. I want to infuse more vitality into my life and feel healthier for longer – especially as I grow older. We'll see how it goes! Maybe I'll love it - maybe I won't. And thats OK.

I believe that this change will also help me to have a clearer mind and body – and to be able to continue on my spiritual path easier. For a while now, my guidance has been showing me that a plant based diet would be best for me, but it will take time to give up my addictions to sugary foods and move towards a more healthy option knowing I am doing good for my body.

As I make my way through this, I’m going to share bits and pieces of my journey through my blog and my YouTube channel. I’d like to be able to share easy and delicious recipes, thoughts and ideas about how I’m feeling the whole way through so that others who are going through the same journey can find support knowing they aren’t alone.

Food of course is a very sensitive subject. At the end of the day – no matter what you eat or believe, you should do what makes your body feel best. And if that involves eating meat or animal products, you should keep going. I am not here to judge anyone, but merely to provoke thoughts and thinking about ways we can better source our food and about how what we are putting into our bodies will effect us now – and for the long term.