While I was studying abroad in Barcelona, my mom was back home in Los Angeles, CA adopting a vegan diet. I literally thought my mom had gone crazy. She loved fish, a good steak, and even bone marrow (ew). I was so confused as to why my mom would make such a drastic change with her diet. My mom explained to me that she was doing it to support her friend who had ovarian cancer (whose doctor had told her to adopt a plant-based diet). After being 100% plant-based for a few months, my mom became a whole new person. She lost about 40 pounds, lowered her cholesterol, and had more energy than ever! Meanwhile, I think I knew somewhere in the back of my head that my mom wouldn't just make such a radical change if there wasn't any merit to it. I realized I hadn’t eaten much meat when I was studying abroad, and when I returned from studying abroad, I started eating my typical college diet, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, etc. However, I kept getting so sick all the time. I would eat and my stomach would kill me. Sometimes I’d get nauseous or even throw up after I’d eat. I was so confused, I thought something was seriously wrong with me. I began eating vegan meals 3 days a week to see if it made a difference in how I was feeling - and it did! I felt a thousand times better. Then, I started following @FullyRawKristina, and I couldn't help but think to myself if she can do it, I can do it. So my 3 vegan days a week, soon became 4, 5, 6 days, until I one day realized I hadn't had any meat or dairy in months. I too had become a vegan. In addition to feeling better, my eczema went away and my asthma disappeared! (It was “normal” for me to carry an inhaler with me everywhere I went, now I don’t even own an inhaler). My acne was no longer an issue for me and I even lost 20 pounds. I didn’t mean to lose weight, nor did I ever think I was overweight; my body just became healthier overall. This was 5 years ago. Today, every time I eat, I am not just eating for myself, I know I am helping animals and the environment too. I feel as though every single time I sit down at the table, my choices have a greater impact on the world!
