I became vegan almost two years ago. I skipped the vegetarian bit (although I’d given up red meat some years earlier) and dived straight into the vegan pool, to realise I’m a strong swimmer. But to swim well, I’ve discovered, you need to have reasons for doing it. In my pool, there are plenty of sharks to keep me on task. The more reasons you have for becoming vegan, the less it feels like a diet. The more reasons, and being vegan simply becomes a fabulous way of life.
Growing up in a regional Australian town where the main industries were (and still are) meat and dairy, it was just a given that my parents would serve up animal products at every meal. Being allergic to dairy from birth still didn't stop me from eating ice cream and drinking chocolate milk. I constantly see-sawed between slim and chubby. Regardless of my weight, I felt I carried a toxic layer of fat around with me. Although I couldn't explain it back then. I just knew my body wasn't quite right. The real me was somehow hidden underneath a layer that wasn't meant to be there. No matter how much weight I'd lose, I just didn't feel right.
It wasn't until I moved to Los Angeles in early 2007 that I began to explore and immerse myself in the vegan culture there. I became vegan after completing my Reiki I certificate (an energetic healing modality). I turned vegan the very next day and gave up a two-year addiction to coffee.
Since leading a 100% vegan lifestyle for the past two years, it's not only my body that has changed shape. I'm mentally clear and find I don't have nearly as much mental chatter going on as I would have in my pre-vegan days. I feel more connected to source, or God, if you will. I have a life purpose that drives me like nothing has before. I also have a spiritual connection to the food I eat. Dinner is no longer just a meal to stop the hunger pains. It's a conscious action that affects my life in countless wonderful ways.
Since becoming vegan, my life has become blessed. I've found if you respect all living things and act from a place of selfless love, the universe will thank you endlessly. It is my belief that veganism is one of the most selfless acts of love you can offer yourself, other people, animals and the planet.
For me, leading a lifestyle free of animal products (spanning food, fashion and anything in between) isn’t about joining an exclusive club. It’s also not a religion. Sure, when you have a solid understanding as to why going vegan is a great health choice for you and the planet it’s hard not to get excited and want to shout it from the rooftops! But if there’s one thing I have learned on my journey so far, it’s that everyone is on their own path of discovery.
My main reasons for going vegan?
• Being dairy and meat free is the healthiest choice for my mind and body and soul.
• I believe animals have as much right to be on the planet as I do. It wouldn’t be right for me to take an animal’s life when I can survive perfectly well on all the other goodies God’s green earth provides. If it’s ludicrous to eat a horse or a dog, what makes eating a cow any different?
• The biggest cause of global pollution comes from the raising and slaughtering of animals. Being vegan is the greenest thing you can do.
• Meat and dairy consumption can lead to diseases such as cancer. My choice is to live a long, dis-ease-free life.
What I've learned so far:
• The only way to affect change in others is to lead by positive example.
• Vegans who eat healthily get plenty of protein and iron, thank you very much!
• Being vegan-healthy doesn't necessarily fit into society's idea of what a "healthy" person looks like. Today, I'm skinny and have never been healthier. Meanwhile, my parents think I need to add quite a few more pounds to "look healthy".
• Mainstream media exists to make money, not to help the world's population achieve optimal health or well-being. Turning off the television and questioning "authority" is a must in order to live life consciously and purposefully.
• Never put any products on your body that you can't eat.
• Making nut milks are so easy (and so nutritious!)
• You can't be a picture of perfect human form until you live and eat as nature intended.
• ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Shannon Dunn, global citizen (currently New Zealand), Author of Diary of a Vegan and The Green Dovemy favorite vegan things:
We Like it Raw (Website community)
Kal's Natural Yeast (Nutritional food)
Conscious Eating (Book)
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (For hair and skin)
Fashion: Anything recycled, upcycled, or animal-free
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