In a previous interview with Meatless Movement, Lauren, a dedicated Plant-based Educator and Speaker, shared her passionate journey towards a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. Emphasizing the transformative power of this dietary choice, she highlighted its potential to prevent and even reverse disease while promoting overall well-being. Now, continuing her inspiring vegan journey, Lauren invites you to delve deeper into her ongoing experiences and insights. If you missed her initial interview, you can catch up on her compelling story here.
With a focus on health, vitality, and the joys of guilt-free eating, Lauren’s journey offers invaluable lessons and encouragement for all seeking to embrace a plant-based lifestyle.
Reflecting on Your Continued Vegan Journey:
Since our last conversation I have had medical confirmation that I have indeed reversed my heart disease by following not only a vegan diet, but a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.
I have also launched a podcast with my friend and colleague, Lisa Rice. It’s called Age Like a Badass Mother (available wherever you get your podcasts). We have interviewed vegan luminaries like Jane and Ann Esselstyn, Dr. Klaper, Dr. Pulde from the documentary Forks Over Knives, and Dr. Greger, but we’ve also interviewed musicians, authors, and others who are showing us what it means to age well.
A vegan diet is part of aging like a badass, but there are so many other components that I am excited to share with everyone.
Navigating Nutrition and Health:
Like I said, I eat what is called a whole-food, plant-based diet. It means that I stick to legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), whole grains, fruits, vegetables, some nuts and seeds.
I try to stay away from added oils and processed foods. I did it to reverse heart disease, but it reverses all diseases. This is the diet that is scientifically proven to lead to the longest, healthiest life. It is the primary diet of the “Blue Zones.”
Many people, mostly Americans, are brainwashed that we need tons of protein, but that is a myth. If you’re getting enough calories, you’re getting enough protein. Along with reversing heart disease, lowering my blood pressure, losing, 20 pounds and keeping it off for nearly nine years; I feel more energetic and vibrant at 55 years old than at 35 years old!
Ethical and Environmental Impact:
I began this journey for health reasons, but when I stopped eating animals, it allowed me to open my eyes to the cruelty that the animals endure. Most animals are raised in filthy, over-crowded conditions where they are treated as commodities and not sentient beings.
I do a lot of public speaking and I try to talk about this topic without shaming people who are still eating meat. I talk about the farm animals who I have met (pigs, cows, chickens, lambs, and goats) and their various personalities.
They are truly no different than the dogs and cats that many of us have rescued. I talk about the white-washing of the humane, grass-fed, and cage-free labels.
They are largely B.S. The animals suffer. Of course, there is also the huge impact that eating animals has on the environment. Being a vegan is a win for your health, the animals, and the planet.
Advocacy and Education:
I advocate for a plant-based lifestyle through my website https://wellelephant.com/ and my podcast https://agelikeabadassmother.com/ and through public speaking engagements. I give away recipes, how to videos, and a free cookbook on my website because I want people to have access to the information that I have collected over the years.
I think it is of the utmost importance that we don’t shame anyone for eating meat. I hate it that people do this, but we must show them compassion or they will tune us out. I have gently talked to my friends about cutting back on meat for their health. I try to encourage them to eat more plant-based meals.
When I host people at my house, I always make sure to make fabulous spread that omnivores will enjoy. It works! I have turned so many people on to this way of eating, even if they are coming to it slowly. Don’t judge, preach, condemn, or shame. Lead by being a gentle, loving example.
Balancing Passion and Compassion:
On top of being whole-food, plant-based, I also don’t eat oil. Therefore, I usually end up bringing my own food to events like book club and parties. I call the host ahead of time, find out what they are serving and make something similar to bring. That way I never feel deprived.
When I go to a big social event like a wedding, I usually ask the bride or groom if I can have the phone number for the caterer. I don’t want them to have to deal with it, plus I can explain what I need better than they can.
Then I request a vegan, oil-free meal, explaining in depth what I need and how they can provide that. I am courteous, and very grateful to the person with whom I am speaking.
I assure them that I will love it. I get the name of the person who will be responsible for getting my meal to me. It works out perfectly.
If I am going out to dinner with a group of people where I will not have control over the food, I simply bring a great homemade salad dressing in a leak-proof container in my purse along with some air-fried tofu. That way I can add it to the restaurant salad and make a hearty meal in a pinch.
In other words, I don’t make my choices someone else’s problem. I come prepared to eat. I make it a point not to be a pain to others.
Many times, it starts a conversation with people who don’t know me, about why I eat this way. They are intrigued and then I can advocate for this lifestyle without putting them on the
defensive.
lauren bernick
Entrepreneur
Plant-based speaker and podcaster. Get my free eCookbook and find out how to ACE Plant-based Eating #wfpb #plantbased #oilfree #agelikeabadassmother
all images courtesy of lauren bernick