I now call myself 'vegan' - here's why!

A friend of mine sent me a message on Facebook and I decided to share my response on this blog entry!

"Hey BEA!!How are you love? I noticed you are calling yourself Vegan now, the last time we "talked" (Lol) you said you didn't like to call yourself Vegan! Just curious on what changed your mind!" 

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  Beatriz Sosa-Prado
  
  

  
  

  • Hi _______ !
    
    
    .....You're right. I didn't call myself vegan before, I preferred to say "I have a plant-based diet" but I feel that may not be clear enough about what it means.
    
    When I say "plant-based" if feel I have to provide a long description of what is is and it is much easier to just say "vegan" because essentially, that is what it is...
    
    Using the term "vegan" to describe me is something I had to be comfortable with and I am getting there. I think that by promoting this type of lifestyle is advocacy for human health and the health of the planet.
    
    I realize that this type nutrition is not ideal for everyone (many people love their meat and/or cheese!). Although I personally think that it would be beneficial for everyone to adopt, I accept that we all choose to eat differently and there is no right or wrong way. What I do promote is eating less of it.
    
    I am an activist for many issues, and this is one of them. I am very against the US (so-called) Food, Fast-Food, Health Insurance Industries and though VEGAN living I am being an activist.
    
    
    I also realized that by using my body to be a 'walking billboard' of health There are so many myths about vegans not getting enough protein, etc. But it's not true. I love dispelling myths.
    
    

    

     

    
    __(friend's name)____, I appreciate your curiosity and for asking me this question. I don't ever want to give people the wrong impression- and many people get defensive and don't like when people talk about veganism/vegeterianism. But it really is about a movement and changing the way we look at food and eat it.
    
    This country is facing devastating health problems and to be honest (as a public health professional, in training) it is scary. So why not "be the change you wish to see in the world"?
    
    Thank you for all the beautiful words. They mean so much to me.
    
    Love,
    
    Bea