Why I shifted to a vegan diet and what happened after that

Vegan since 2008

In April 2008, with thanks to PeTA India, I saw a video that changed my life. It was about the dairy industry. Before watching this film, I had no idea that there was any cruelty beyond being vegetarian. That footage was enough for me to make the shift from a vegetarian diet to a vegan one. 

I started to find out about vegan-related matters, such as, the huge variety of meals that I can prepare, the ingredients to watch out for when grocery shopping and the variety of shoes that I can buy without forfeiting style and choice.

It hasn't been plain sailing all the way. Over the last five years some struggles have included:

- the urge to eat non-vegan items for the sake of ease or because I just fancied eating what was in front of me 

- attending social events and being in the spotlight

- battles with others about why I made the shift and their assumptions about it being a hindrance to good health 

Regardless of all this, I found ways to keep my motivations at the forefront of my mind and I continued on the path that I wanted to be on. 

Within months of becoming vegan, family members were enjoying taking special care of me at mealtimes, I was able to quickly scan labels in supermarkets, and it was easier to live according to what is really important to me - reducing harm. 

This choice of diet, soon became a lifestyle, which, after 5 years plus; still feels good, grounding, nourishing, exciting and right for me!