For over five years, Madison has passionately embraced a plant-based diet, driven by a deep understanding of its profound benefits. Intrigued by the compelling evidence highlighting the health, environmental, and ethical advantages of plant-based eating, Madison made a conscious decision to adopt this lifestyle.
Meatless Movement recently had a chat with her.
Madison continues to thrive on their plant-based lifestyle, experiencing sustained vitality and a profound sense of fulfillment. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of conscious dietary choices in promoting personal health, environmental sustainability, and compassion towards all living beings.
Please tell us more about yourself.
If we eat foods that we like and move our bodies in ways that we enjoy- we are much more likely to keep up with it
Madison Eshel
My name is Madison, and I’m from New York. I’m a graduate student in university studying clinical dietetics, and I’m passionate about healthy living, food, exercise, and nutrition. I also love sharing and educating others about what I know.
I love to run, and strength train, and I’m in the midst of training for 2 marathons including the NYC marathon. My goal is to complete all 6 of the World Major Marathons.
Getting protein on a plant based diet is super simple once you get the hang of it
Madison Eshel
I’ve been vegan/plant-based for more than 5 years. I started following a plant based diet after researching more on the health, environmental, and ethical aspects of it. The evidence was strikingly clear, and it seems that plants are synonymous with not only human health, but planetary health, and animal welfare (how convenient!). Once I started adding more plants into my diet, I immediately felt my energy levels skyrocket. I felt amazing. 5 years later, I still feel the same.
Of course, there are always going to be challenges when finding food, but I think there has been a vast improvement in options. Whenever I travel, I can always find something whether it’s a vegan restaurant or a place with plant based options. Sometimes, restaurants are even nice enough to put something together for you. Most major cities have plant based options. Non-major cities or towns usually have something to eat (fruit, nuts, pasta, bread, rice, vegetables etc).
In 2024, with plant based options so accessible and mainstream there aren’t really any excuses for restaurants to not be able to offer an option. When I eat out with friends and family, they’re aware of my diet and either let me choose a place or we find somewhere that has an option for me. I haven’t had an issue with eating out in years. There are also a few cuisines that tend to be more plant-focused which can make things easier (Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian, Thai etc..)
Nuts are so beneficial for our health, and are so convenient. They are packed with vitamins, and minerals. Plus they have healthy fat, protein, carbs, and are loaded with antioxidants
Madison Eshel
If I were to give someone advice on how to incorporate more plants into their diet, I would offer this. Try to add more vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts/seeds, and whole grains into your diet. Don’t take anything out of your diet, just focus on adding more. Once you start to incorporate these foods into your diet, you’ll immediately see how much better you feel, and can try to slowly replace the meat with a plant-based substitute.
If we completely change our diet overnight, it might get overwhelming and we won’t want to do it anymore. I would also suggest trying to eat the same foods that are usually in rotation in your diet, and trying to find similar alternatives. If we usually eat burgers everyday, try a vegan burger instead of completely changing up the routine and having a buddha bowl. Essentially, it’s not a good idea to change too much at once.
Some great food places in NYC to try are
- Peacefood cafe
- Le Botaniste
- Love and Dough (Vegan menu)
- Ras Plant Based
- Martha’s country Bakery (Vegan cakes)
Some great places in Rome, Italy (pictures below)
- Rifugio Romano
- Aromaticus
- Buddy
- Origano
- Grezzo Raw chocolate
- Bar La Licata
I study nutrition, and have been vegan for 5 years. I’m always happy to share some tips and tricks that I learnt so transitions to a plant based diet can be more feasible
Madison Eshel
Some misconceptions about eating a plant based diet is that it is restrictive. I think we look at it like we are going to be missing out on our favorite foods, but that’s not the case at all. There are so many amazing chefs in the world who make excellent plant based food. If we think about it, regardless of whether the meal is plant based or not, if it is not cooked and seasoned well, it will not taste good.
Once, I started eating a vegan diet, my cooking skills improved immensely, and I started to like foods that I would have never tried before. There are thousands of different fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains that are just waiting to be tried. They are delicious, and absolutely loaded with antioxidants to fuel us. This whole world of amazing food just opens up, and it is amazing.
If you are able to try eating more plants, you should go for it. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Worst case scenario, you don’t like it. Best case scenario, you love it.
Madison Eshel
🌱Plant-Based Nutrition
🏃♀️I like to run
🍓Nutrition B.S from NYU
💪Helping you achieve your fitness goals through an evidence backed, plant-based diet
all images courtesy of Madison Eshel