Soapbox Sunday

Thoughts while out on my run.

I have been thinking (again) how a society consisting of Vegetarians, or Vegans, could change the world.

Individually eating a plant based diet will:

Reduce weight

Lower blood pressure

Lower cholesterol

Enhance your sense of well being

Eliminate hunger pangs

Eliminate dieting

As a result of a multitude of people following the same diet:

Reduce world hunger: allow food production to go directly to the table instead of livestock

Reduce deforestation for grazing and planting of feed crops

Reduce extreme water consumption, reducing drought

Reduce methane air pollution which is #1 impact on global warming

Reduce water pollution from animal waste

Reduce unnecessary cruelty toward animals

I will climb down from my soapbox now.

The 99% Vegan

So what is a 99% Vegan? Perhaps I might give myself credit as a 99.5% Vegan, or maybe 99.9%?

My reference to a less than 100% effort reflects my need to not become so totally focused on “all or nothing” effort that I will succumb to momentary lapses or be too hard on myself if I were to indulge on a given occasion.

My goal is to commit to a healthier diet, one that provides the benefit of knowing I am making some gesture towards improving the planet through kindness to animals and to limit my support of the harsh reality of industrial agriculture.

Am I perfect? No! I have had my cake and eaten it too. I have had cheese on a burrito without digging through the mess to scrape off the cheese. And I have had (GASP!) more than one Cadbury Egg in recent weeks. AND I MIGHT JUST HAVE ANOTHER!

So I am a 99% + Vegan, proud and happy. But in a reality based world.

"Hello, my name is Chris and I am a Vegan!"

This will be my first post on this blog and an introduction to my evolution into Vegan-ism. My intent with this effort is not to post lengthy diatribes arguing scientifically regarding this choice. No, I hope to celebrate my new lifestyle, share the benefits I have experienced and hopefully share a bit of humor.I hope you enjoy.

01/01/2015: The beginning: 

I have been 99% Vegan for about two months now and progressively working to achieve that final 1%. But I did not set out to be Vegan. Over the holidays I gained a good bit of weight reaching a high of 211 pounds despite a very active running routine. My blood pressure was dangerously elevated and I had long since been popping cholesterol lowering medications. With the likelihood of adding a new med to counter my dietary choices I began to explore alternative diets.

Weeks later I am an enthusiastic and dedicated Vegan and I could not feel better.

I have normalized my blood pressure, dropped 20 pounds and also dropped my cholesterol medications.

.

Labs will be completed in two weeks as the true measure of success.

So why the 12 Step reference?

First, let me be clear that I am in no way making fun of 12 Step Programs, including Overeaters Anonymous. As someone in recovery I am thankful for the growth I have experienced through the 12 Steps.

My reference is based on how similar I have found this change in diet to my past elimination of alcohol from my life.  There is the difficulty of finally deciding to commit to such a major change and the incredible focus on all things surrounding the change. There is also the enthusiasm to want and share the joy of change with everyone (sorry everyone). And finally there is the incredible commitment to follow the plan until it becoming a way of life.

So, Hello!