How I became "The Vegan Mom"
Have you ever had a moment, where everything you thought you believed about something, was changed in an instant? I did, and that is how I became a Vegan.
I have always had a strong love for animals! Dogs, cats, sheep, hamsters….. I pretty much adore them all. As a child I had a stronger bond with my cat than I did with my sister! I stopped eating red meat and pork for a few years in my early teens, but I went back to my meat eating ways soon enough.
I can’t help but to wonder now, how does a person who loves animals on such a deep and profound level, eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day? And why do human beings feel this sense of superiority over animals, and assume that these creatures were put on this earth for the purpose of food, fashion, experiments & entertainment? How has our horrible treatment of these innocent creatures become completely justified over the years? When will the human race move beyond cruelty and barbarianism, and begin to respect all earthlings? These questions are on my mind each day, and I realize now that sometimes you just need to question the “norm”, you need to ask yourself, “is the pain & suffering of millions of animals each day, worth it”? “Is this really what our creator wants us to do, with these beautiful, intelligent, sentient beings”?
In June 2009, I saw a program based on the book “The China Study”. I learned about the damaging effects meat and animal protein has on our bodies. It was at that time, that I also thought to myself…. why am I eating animals anyway? I mean……. why??? I get all of the nutrients & protein I need from plants, and when was the last time a doctor told a patient to eat more meat???
My kids & I immediately became Vegetarians and soon after Vegan. I stopped buying any animal products, and began to cook Vegan meals daily.
Both of my children are passionate about animal welfare, just as I am. So they were on board with our lifestyle change. (with a few minor complaints of course)
The greatest thing is, since my 7 year old daughter Ava gave up dairy, her Asthma symptoms have vanished…. I never realized that “food” makes such a huge impact on our health, as well as the earth.
Shortly after becoming Vegan, I began this blog so I can offer support to other parents in similar shoes. I love that our life is cruelty free and we are helping our health & environment, while enjoying fabulous food! And by the way, the food is DELICIOUS!! Never let anyone tell you otherwise. I have become so much more creative with my cooking since we have omitted meat and animal products! Check my Favorite Vegan Cookbooks Page for recommendations.
Hi Vegan Mom – you and are both in the same boat – I have been a vegetarian for 20 years but I read the book Eating Animals and watched the movie Earthlings and went vegan pretty quick. my kids remain vegetarian but they eat vegan whenever they are at home – i look forward to reading about your journey – and sharing recipes – i have a few on my blog
Thanks for your comment, sounds like we have a lot in common!! I love your blog, it is very inspirational! You are quite a power house!
Lisa
Great blog, really like it. My family is fairly new at vegetarianism, I do not buy milk (ever) anymore, I occasionally buy organic butter and a small amount of eggs from a coop. I very much enjoy reading your blog, love the pics..you refrigerator is awesome!
Thank you for sharing and being an inspiration!
I find it very inspiring that you are sharing compassion and conscious, healthy eating habits and with your family. Nice work Mom! I send my respect.
Best,
Matt
Wonderful thing you are doing! My husband and I had gone vegan for health reasons for him over 3 years ago and never looked back. Since we had also gone high raw and totally unprocessed and our well-being is at its best.
Amazing things happen when we learn that the answer to our problems is as close as a fork to our mouth. Don’t they?
If only I knew then, what I know now!! But I can’t change the past, so I must simply be thankful for my new lifestyle, and do my best to educate those who still eat animal products.
Health & compassion, really do walk hand in hand.
Hi Vegan Mom,
Quote “The greatest thing is, since my 4 tear old daughter Ava gave up dairy, her Asthma symptoms have vanished”
You have no idea how happy I am to hear somebody else say this! I am 40 and have suffered from Asthma all my life. I could run in gym class in high school because I couldn’t breath after.
I used to drink lots of cows milk and cheese. But not anymore. I started weaning my self off milk a number of years ago and went Vegan or plant based nearly 2 years ago.
I am now running 5km in 35 minutes non stop without the use of an inhaler!!!
People say that it is a coincidence that I gave up dairy and my Asthma is gone but I “knew” different. Now you say your daughter’s Asthma is gone.
Vegan Mom, thank you. You just made my day.
Never let anyone tell you that dairy & asthma are not connected! Some pediatricians in my area are FINALLY beginning to advise asthmatic patients to skip the dairy! I am very pleased about this!
I am glad that your health has improved! I love that my daughter can run and play just like the other kids now! No more coughing & wheezing!
Hi Lisa,
I just came across your site, and I think it’s great! I’m sure lots of vegan (and veg-curious!) parents out there really appreciate the info you’re sharing. (:
I think you might be interested in an exciting, new project of mine. I recently wrote, illustrated, and self-published a children’s book called “Garlic-Onion-Beet-Spinach-Mango-Carrot-Grapefruit Juice,” which raises questions about eating animals. It’s funny, mindful, and fresh- a great book for vegan families! Please check out my site and let me know what you think! http://www.thorathinks.com/
All the best,
Nathalie
My son also was completely “cured” of asthma with adoption of a vegan diet. Quite the bonus indeed!! I can’t get over that amidst the inhalers, the nebulizer, and the recommendations for daily doses of Zyrtec, Singulair, etc. there was not one doctor who suggested a dietary change. Great to hear doctors are listening in your area!
Let’s hope that more doctors, begin to advise patients about the dangers of dairy! Drugs, drugs & more drugs…. enough already!!!
Hi, I am thankful to find another mom like me who changed her families lives to be healthier, kinder to animals and better for our world= going VEGAN! We are new to this, but loving it! Congrats on being such a great Mom! I am looking into blogging and wondered if you could tell me how you got started? Thanks,
I just jumped on wordpress, came up with a name and started to blog. It is exciting to reach so many people, and to have parents (and non-parents) thanking me every day. It feels great! I highly recommend it!
Hello Again,
I took your advice and started a blog! Thanks. I wondered if you would sign my pledge to eat less meat and dairy?
http://momwithmissionseatsvegan.blogspot.com/p/sign-my-pledge_5.html
Thanks and keep being you, because you rock!