Like so many… I only wished I had made the choice to become Vegan sooner

Shelli is a proud mother of two children and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (specializing in trauma resolution) in the Seattle area. She has been providing crisis response and direct service through therapy services for the past 30 years. Living a life of intention has been one of her guiding principles.

Shelli enjoys providing nutritious Vegan meals for her teen kids and practicing yoga and weight training with them in the gym. She also enjoys taking them to various vegan events, animal sanctuaries and travel. She’s proud of how mindful they have become to how their actions have an effect on the planet.

Shelli prioritizes sourcing organic and as much as possible, locally grown plant food. Compassion and respect towards animals, mammals and the planet we inhabit is an existential aspect to her integrity and her core values.

Please tell us more about yourself

In my early 40s, I converted from being almost a 20 year vegetarian to Vegan. 💚🌱
Shelli Beecher-Seitzler

My name: is Shelli Beecher-Seitzler. I just turned 51 years old, two days ago…. I am originally from Anchorage, Alaska – however, I have lived in Washington state for the past 41 years.

My passion for animals began in elementary school. I would save my allowance money to donate to ASPCA, The Humane Society and later, PETA. I became Vegetarian once I left home to go to college and traveled to Hong Kong. In the United States, I was sheltered from understanding the harm that came to animals in the production of meat.

However, traveling abroad, awakened my awareness walking through markets – seeing animals and cages and fish in aquariums within the restaurant – awaiting their fate. it was very eye-opening . I became vegan 10 years ago following an umbilical hernia surgery. I wanted to detox from being under general anesthesia and so I read and completed The Clean in 14 Detox, written by Karma Chow – Melissa Costello. It was only then, that I recognized after re-introducing organic dairy cheese to my diet, hormonal jawline acne presented.

After I consumed organic eggs, I had rosacea on my cheeks. It was clear that my body did not want these animal secretions/products. I then came to understand the horrors of the dairy and egg producing industry and in April 2014, I woke from the ignorance that I had previously had.

JOIE DE VIVRE! I find great pleasure in making highly nutritious foods for my family and friends! ✨💖
Shelli Beecher-Seitzler

My transition to vegetarian was a process beginning 20 years before becoming Vegan. Once I became Vegan, it simply was overnight. There was/is no turning back! I tend to avoid processed foods, and therefore, I use the HappyCow app when I travel domestic or abroad to locate restaurants and natural / organic community co-ops and food markets to source the type of food that I seek. I have grown to love cooking and envision someday perhaps having a Vegan bed-and-breakfast/Airbnb as a source of semi-retirement income.

My journey as a Natural Pro WNBF (World Natural BodyBuilding Federation) BodyBuilder began when I was 45 years old. It was a bucket list goal and I diligently trained and prepared to compete within five months time. I was shocked to receive Overall FitBody Champion and my WNBF Pro Card at my first competition in 2018. I attribute the success to becoming Vegan four years, previous to this accomplishment. This past October 2023, I earned (all ages) WNBF Natural Figure Champion in the Washington State Pro/Am. The previous year in November 2022, I earned WNBF Worlds Silver Medal title in Pro FitBody. My other Pro card is in Masters Figure. I do believe that my Vegan lifestyle provides a competitive edge in my sport. This year on October 12, 2024, I will be sponsored by VeganStrong PlantBuilt Team to compete again at Mr/Ms America All American Sports Festival in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We have some incredible Vegan athletes from all of the world on our team!

My friends who come to eat at my home are impressed with the flavor and color of the foods in the dishes that I prepare. As mentioned previously, I have a passion and awareness of not only macro-nutrients, but also micro nutrients within the foods I eat. These are readily available in minimally processed, Whole Foods Plant-Based Vegan meals.

Given there are certain animal agricultural businesses that pay influencers to confuse consumers… It is important to understand that it is clear that plants have all the protein we need. Being a natural (meaning no steroids/human growth hormone) tested athlete, it is evident my athletic performance and competition outcomes reflect this.

For someone transitioning to a Vegan lifestyle… have fun finding Vegan recipes readily available online to replace the foods that you enjoy! Each year it becomes easier and easier to find those replacements. In 2019, when I traveled solo to Paris, I was amazed with the variety of vegan cheeses available for purchase! Finally, in 2024, the United States is catching up!