As the New Year approaches, many of us look forward to a fresh start. Some will decide to go vegan, or at least include more vegan foods in their diet. Here are 5 mini resolutions that can strengthen you in your newfound conviction.
1. I resolve to think about where my food comes from. There are no hamburger or hotdog trees in the wild. Our food begins to look differently when we think of what was involved in bringing it to the table. Remember that ‘veal’ is actually a baby cow and lamb chops come from baby sheep.
2. I resolve to examine the impact my food choices have on the planet. Plan on going green in ’09? Realize that by choosing plant based foods at every meal you are reducing your environmental impact more than by driving a hybrid car or even bicycling to work.
3. I resolve to be kind whenever possible. Deciding whether to dine on sushi or a cucumber avocado roll? Making your food choices based on which option causes the least suffering is a radical step to bring more peace into this world. One of our favorite sayings is ‘Peace begins in the kitchen!’
4. I resolve to read labels. This step will help you to make healthier food choices and eliminate hidden animal products in your foods. Even “non-dairy’ creamers actually contain dairy products! Remember that ingredients such as whey or sodium caseinate are derived from milk.
5. I resolve to learn more about the benefits of vegan cuisine. Read books like Vegan Fusion World Cuisine, Diet for a New America, The China Study, The World Peace Diet and others that delve into the many benefits of vegan cuisine for our health and the health of our planet.
Thanks for the post and info and Happy New Year to you and yours too!
You are awesome. You wrote just what I needed to hear. Thanks!
Gina
Dear Mark,
Wonderful tips for starting! My daughter is vegan, and this is my year for completely vegan. It is more than a "diet" or "healty life change" it is a conscious decision to end suffering. We can not be whole when we induce suffering on others. It is scary for anyone making the change, but once your mind and spirit unite on this it is easy. For anyone thinking of starting this this year, meditate on your intentions and align them with your desires and it will be an easy move. And most of all forgive yourself if you become frustrated or slip up, or betray yourself when out dining with friends, and get right back aligned with your heart.
Arm yourself with the knowledge of how your change will impact the earth by some of the references Mark has suggested.
Thank you Mark for making me stronger and by wishing this wonderful loving impact on the world!
Love,
~Gail
Great blog Mark! I am going to print this out and post it where I can see it everyday as a reminder to eat more consciously! I also believe that when we consume 'dead' food (meat), that we are putting that energy into our body, and I for one want LIVE, healthy food energy in my body! And great idea to go green!
Great article once again!
Peace in the New Year-
Lynn
Hi Mark,
These are excellent tips, and I will be using them to keep myself focussed on why I have chosen to take The Vegan Society 30 day Vegan Pledge, as I switch from omnivore to vegan, hopefully for good!
If I think about why I want to live this way, it doesn't seem like I'm depriving myself of anything.
Thanks and a very Happy New Year!
Ali
http://www.minkbaby.co.uk