The Herbivore Family
7 Years Vegan: A Reflection on How My Life Changed
I recently celebrated my 7-year “veversary” (vegan anniversary). Looking back, I realized that this decision didn’t just change what was on my plate—it fundamentally shifted how I view the world, my health, and my purpose.
Here is a breakdown of the major changes I’ve experienced over the last seven years.
1. My Health Significantly Improved
I had dealt with digestive issues my entire life—doctors, medications, the works. Within a couple of weeks of cutting out dairy and going vegan, those issues completely vanished.
- Skin: My acne and breakouts, which I suspect were tied to dairy, cleared up.
- Energy: I have significantly more energy now than I did before.
2. I Became an Adventurous Eater
Before, I had a limited palate. Now, I eat a massive variety of foods I never thought I would like—Brussels sprouts, beets, and spaghetti squash.
- New Flavors: I discovered ingredients I didn’t even know existed: kimchi, tahini, za’atar, pomegranate molasses, gochujang, and tempeh.
- Inspiration: Realizing I had power over what I ate made me excited to cook.
3. I Found Purpose and Meaning
Understanding the impact of veganism on animals, the environment, and health gave me a deep sense of purpose. It inspired me to leave my job as a private chef in New York to do “Sweet Potato Soul” full-time.
- Motivation: When I need motivation, I remind myself: The more people who are vegan, the fewer animals are born just to be killed.
4. My Family Changed With Me
I didn’t preach to my family or tell them what they were doing was “wrong.” I simply lived by example and shared tasty vegan versions of our family recipes.
- The Ripple Effect: My parents and grandmother gave up chicken, and my dad eventually went vegan!
- The Lesson: You don’t need to force it. Being a healthy, happy example is often enough to inspire loved ones.
5. My Circle of Compassion Expanded
Becoming an ethical vegan was a gateway to other ethical lifestyle choices. I stopped looking at just animals and started looking at human exploitation, too.
- Ethical Living: I stopped buying fast fashion. I started caring about farming and manufacturing practices and how they affect human workers and the environment.
6. I Detoxed My Home and Beauty Routine
Reading food labels taught me to read all labels.
- Skincare: I tossed products with hidden animal byproducts (like animal-hair brushes or soaps with animal fat).
- Cleaning: I moved away from toxic chemicals and now make my own cheap, effective home cleaning products.
7. My Perception of “Normal” Shifted
I realized that going against the grain—doing the “alternative” thing—is sometimes the best thing you can do.
- Social Life: I didn’t lose my friends or my family’s love. I still have a normal life; I’m just a better version of myself.
- Food View: I genuinely stopped seeing animal products as food. I don’t crave them because I am now hyper-aware of the process involved in getting them to the plate.
