Being a Vegan Is Hard This Is My Solution to a Healthier Diet

November 2019 my family and I started eating healthier and stopped eating meat in most of our meals. I was only eating fish and shrimp now and then, but my husband and daughter eat a 99% plant based diet. We made this decision after watching The Game Changers on Netflix. The documentary is very good and explains in depth the impact a meat focus diet has on both the world and our bodies.

The three of us lost weight little by little became more active and as a result we felt much better. Personally, I’ve experienced fewer headaches and my knee pain. Last August I had my physical, and the results were very good. The doctor noted my cholesterol, sugar levels and even my thyroid hormones results were much better. You see, I've been taking thyroid medicine for over 10 years to maintain healthy hormone levels, but now the levels are low enough that I might need the medicine anymore. My doctor asked me what changes I made to my diet, and when I told him I reduced the amount of meat I ate, he told me he could see the difference. The hard part of not eating meat for me is I am Peruvian.

The Peruvian Struggle Is Real When It Comes Not Eating Meat

Last summer we spent four days for both my mother’s birthday and a July 4^th celebration, and this was a tremendous challenge. Each day steaks, sausage, chicken, burgers, and more came off the grill and I could not resist. I got so sick that I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital. Over-the-counter medicine, ginger ale, water, everything but nothing made me feel better, it was terrible, and I was in horrible pain.

This was my first-time eating meat since November, and it got me really sick. So I pivoted. I started eating meat again, but not like I used to, only when I go out to restaurants or a family event. But in our house we do not buy meat at all.

I can tell you I feel the difference in my body, my headaches have returned, I’ve gained weight, I feel tired, and feel bloated all the time. It is a big difference; I do not think is worth it, especially since I know the difference it can make in my body not eating meat.

I know there are people who just like me stopped eating meat, but then life happened. It’s how you were raised, and the immediate effects aren’t visible, I mean no one grows an extra arm when eating a steak. Peruvian dishes, especially my favorites, include meat of some type. Like I said, the struggle is real.

Stay Active, Reduce Meat Consumption, and Remember the Benefits

My goal is to lose 15 pounds to be in better shape and for my health. My husband and I go to the gym in the mornings (and he likes to go early we are talking 4:30 early) to motivate each other. I find it very difficult to lose weight however my husband loses weight easily. He is 44 but his metabolism is 39 years old, but I am 47 years old, and my metabolism is 53 years old, according to our cool scale, which is frustrating and embarrassing. Aside from that fun fact, consistent activity and exercise will help me reach my goal and improve my health.

I love my meals that include meat, but I have reduced even the small amount to just a fraction of that, for my health and to feel better. It is worth it to see the benefits in my body, fewer headaches and weight loss. It is something that requires discipline and willpower, but it is not impossible. Since grocery stores are now offering so many reasonably priced meat substitutes, I find it easier to reduce the amount of meat I eat.

As I continue down this fresh path, I'll be back in a couple of months to let you know the progress and let you know how I am feeling.

And you, do you eat meat? Would you like to make this change?

Or are you a vegetarian? Do you have any suggestions to share it with us?

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