The Difference Between Plant Based & Vegan

With the rise of the use of the term 'Plant Based', the waters are getting a little muddy.  Are plant based and vegan the same thing?  Can you be both?  Are they mutually exclusive?

Let's talk about the difference between plant based and vegan.

Watch the video here or on YouTube!

What are your thoughts on the matter?  Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

Labels: How They Can Make Us Or Break Us

Labels are complicated things. Once a label is attached to you, whether you voluntarily adopt it or someone else bestows you with it, it can be hard to be rid of it. Labels bring judgement, positive and negative. Many would argue the drawbacks of labels outweigh the benefits.  I don't see it that way. I started collecting labels years ago and don't know if I'll ever stop. They define me. They guide me. They lend purpose and clarity to my life. 

I say, get out the labeler and let your identity hang out for all to see. 

But what about those who target members of a group because of that very identity?  What do we do in the face of a horrific tragedy such as the mass shooting in Orlando on Sunday? 

Maybe it isn't quite so black and white. 

I want to begin with my own story for context.  I primarily identify with four labels, although each encompasses further, sub-labels. Kind of like a mind map of my identity.  In order of my adoption of them, my labels are...

• Feminist
• Atheist
• Vegan
• Minimalist

You probably already knew that I consider myself a minimalist vegan if you've spent any time on this blog, but a feminist atheist? Perhaps not. 

Regardless of how vocal I am on each subject in my day to day life, they are all a part of who I am. They also each influenced and grew into the next. 

I've pretty much always been a feminist. My parents are wonderful and raised me right, and I always knew that equality should be a given. Identifying as a feminist has allowed me to foster an inner strength that I've relied on time and time again throughout my life. It reminds me on a daily basis that I am worthy. That despite what society may say, I deserve to be heard and to make my mark.

It is partially my feminism which led to my eventual transition from Christianity to Atheism.

The patriarchal themes throughout the bible have always irked me, even as a child. But it wasn't only my awareness of sexism which led me down this path.  Having already spent years going against the grain, accepting the feminist label with open arms rather than hiding or shunning it, I wasn't afraid to venture out and leave religion behind. Feminism opened my eyes to injustice, inequality, and oppression - themes I began to recognize in religion and wanted to distance myself from. 

I happened to accept my atheism at a time when I was beginning to consider transitioning from my vegetarian lifestyle to a vegan one.  As I realized the truth about the egg and dairy industries, I knew I could no longer support them.  My atheism allowed me to separate from the belief that humans are the prime species and accept that all sentient beings deserve to live a life of freedom and joy.  Without the belief in a God who made us in his image, I was able to see the world more clearly - and what I saw horrified me.  Humans using and abusing others for their pleasure on a massive scale for no good reason.

My adoption of a vegan lifestyle has over the years morphed into a craving for minimalism.  Being forced to consider all purchases on a deeper level and acknowledge their impact began to turn me away from consumerism.  I started eating a more simple whole foods plant based diet and felt a freedom and calm that was new to me.  As my leaning towards minimalism spread to different parts of my life I felt as though I finally had space to breathe and just be.

I am proud of these labels which define me.  I wear them on my sleeve willingly.  I find fulfillment in being a part of larger movements of individuals with common perspectives.  I am passionate and an advocate.

I have been thinking about labels a lot lately, and even more so now with the tragedy in Orlando. 

It's really quite terrifying, what has happened.  And if you boil it down, it was all because of a label.  This was a gay bar.  It didn't happen at a bar, it happened at a GAY bar.  That extra label, that specific identity, was what allowed this sick person to target a group, a group under a collective label that for some reason this man felt a deep hatred for.

This is the dark side of labels at it's most extreme.  

Once you put yourself out there as belonging to a certain group there are people who will rise up against you, who will hate you, just for that label.

Now, let me make something very clear.  I live an incredibly privileged life.  I am aware of this.

I am white.  I live in a first world country.  I have resources and a support system.  I fit the standard expectations of beauty. 

And yet despite all of this, my priveledges aren't enough to protect me from prosecution for the labels I have adopted.  I am on the receiving end of hatred, judgement, insults, and jokes on a daily basis for my feminism and veganism.  Every.  Single.  Day.  

I know what it's like to be targeted because of a label.  My adoption of these labels made me vulnerable to this kind of attack, to the hatred of those who decide to hurt me before they even know me.

People hate me for being outspoken about the things I believe in.  For not shutting up and going away.     

And that's why I won't, why I CAN'T, back down, on either front.  I am a feminist and I am a vegan.  And those labels hurt me, on a daily basis, but they also liberate me.  They ARE me.  And I won't reject them no matter how much hatred comes my way.

But what if those labels are a risk to your life?

I am incredibly grateful that so far I have not felt as though my life has been threatened by my being an openly vegan, feminist, atheist, minimalist woman.  But who's to say that there isn't someone with as much hate for my identity as the shooter had for those in the LGBTQ community who will one day target me for it? 

I can't know.  But I refuse to live in fear or hide who I am.   

I know how important it is to accept who you are, to be open about it, to embrace it and be proud of it.  To be seen for who you truly are. 

No one should have to hide their identity from the world. 

It hurts my heart so deeply that there are so many people who are afraid for their lives every single day.  Who avoid living in their truth to protect themselves against the hatred of others.

It shouldn't matter what labels you identify with, we should all be safe to be ourselves.

It makes me incredibly angry that an individual would target a group of people and decide, without knowing them, that their lives have no value.   

And I don't just feel this way about what happened in Orlando.  I feel this way about people who target women, people who target vegans, people who target animals.  Those who believe they have the right to end another's life.  That they know best.  

NO ONE DESERVES TO DIE FOR WHO THEY ARE.

A cow doesn't deserve to die because they're a cow.  A woman doesn't deserve to die because she's a woman.  And an LGBTQ-identifying person does not deserve to die because they are part of the LGBTQ community. 

And what about Muslims?  How are they affected by those who take their religion to an extreme?  How many peaceful Muslims have been targeted or killed needlessly?   How many of them are afraid for their lives because they may be attacked for what others they have never met have done?  How many will have to pay for this shooter's horrific actions?

So what can we do?

I can't speak for everyone, but I'm not going to shut up.  I'm not going to hide.  I'm proud of who I am, every single part of me.  The good and the bad.   

It's not easy. None of us is perfect. Sometimes others will try to use the labels you choose to hurt you. But they're important. We must all stand up, together, and say enough is enough.

We all deserve the chance to be who we are. 

We all deserve to be heard. 

We all deserve to live. 

The LGBTQ community has suffered a great loss.  As an ally, I offer all of the support, compassion, and love that I can and hope that my friends and family know that I am here for you if you ever need anything.  We will never find strength divided.

Enough is enough.

Love is love.

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How has this tragedy affected your life?  What labels do you identify with? Continue the discussion in the comments.

Watch Anderson Cooper read the names of every innocent life we lost.  They deserve to be acknowledged and mourned individually, not just as a group.

If you live in the States, consider taking political action.

If you live in this world, consider putting kindness first.

Until next time,

Happy Veganniversary to Me!

Today marks the beginning of my 4th year as a vegan!

1,095 days as a vegan has taught me a lot, and I thought I would take this opportunity to share my top 4 tips for living a purposeful and happy vegan life!

ONE... Sriracha and nutritional yeast are your friends.

Feel free to use liberally.

Feel no shame.

TWO... Don't let anyone steal your spark.

I mean this in both a specific and more broad be-your-own-majestic-unicorn sense.  

Specifically, in relation to veganism, don't let anyone make you feel guilty for your choices.  You are doing immeasurable good for the welfare of animals, your health, and the environment.  Don't feel you ever have to apologize for that.  People will try to tear you down.  That's the unfortunate truth.  But you're doing your best to leave a positive impact on the world, and if that makes other people feel bad, that's not your problem.  

I understand that vegans tend to be sensitive people.  Plants know, I am.  But don't let the haters give you a heavy heart or make you a stereotype of 'the angry vegan'.  Be proud of who you are, of what you're doing.  Be passionate.  You deserve to be!

THREE... Know your facts.

The more you know about the realities of animal agriculture, plant based nutrition, and ethics the easier your life as a vegan will be.

When someone criticizes or questions your way of life, the easiest way to diffuse the situation is to educate.  If you really know your stuff, it becomes much harder to argue against.

Be kind and understanding but don't back down on the facts.  Truth is truth, no matter how much people try to deny it.  Eventually the facts will add up.

That's exactly why I started this blog, to simultaneously educate omnivores, vegetarians, and fellow vegans!  I wanted a place to record the information I have been continuously learning over the past 3+ years where it could benefit more than just myself.

If you really don't know where to start, go to this page and download the vegan 101 booklet I created for just that - quick, easily digestible facts on the main facets of the vegan lifestyle.  (It's free!  Just scroll down a bit to the green box.) You can even print it out and carry it around with you for reference when you need it or save it to your phone!

Empower yourself and take charge of your interactions with others.  As much as we might dislike the responsiblity, we may be the only vegan this person has ever met.  You, at some time or another, will represent all vegans.  So know your stuff!

FOUR... Have fun with it!

Being vegan isn't all about doom and gloom.  Yes, the world is in a frightening state.  Yes, there is much to be sad and angry about.  Yes, change is coming far too slow.

But if you focus on these things too much, they will take over your life.  And not in a good way.  (Believe me, I know.)

Activism is important.  Every kind of activism has its place.  And there's no rule saying you have to stick to one kind of activism for your entire life.  

Feeling particularly riled up?  Go protest or participate in a demonstration!  Yell until you lose your voice!

Feeling more grounded and at peace?  Take time to connect with people about these issues one on one.  Have deep, meaningful conversations.

Feeling inspired to cook glorious vegan foods?  Do it - and share widely!

Veganism is about being compassionate to all sentient beings.  And guess what... that includes you.  Don't neglect to show yourself compassion.  We need as many strong, happy, fulfilled vegans as possible to bring about the changes that are sorely needed.

Don't forget to be one of them.

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How long have YOU been vegan, vegetarian, or veg-curious?

I want to know!

Until next time,

Linked Up!

How To Go Vegan

Last week I encouraged all of you to go vegan for the month of January with Veganuary and promised a "how to go vegan" tips and tricks post.  Well, here we are!  Whether you signed up for the challenge or are just interested in making the transition to veganism on your own, I'm here to try to make the process as seamless as possible!

Before we start, did you know that I have a Resources page with lots of goodies to help you on your journey?  Be sure to give the list a read through once you finish this post!  

Also, one more thing...  I made a video version of this post for those of you who prefer listening to reading!  You can watch it on YouTube or right here on my website at the bottom of this post!

Ok.  Veganism.  It's kind of a scary word, isn't it?  It conjures up images of an ancient religion, or a strict order, or an overbearing ideology, right?  The good news?  It isn't any of those things.  Veganism is, at its core, compassion.  And the even better news?  You're already a compassionate person!  All you need to do to go vegan for good is to connect the compassion that is already inside of you to the plight of the animals, our fellow humans, our planet, abd your own health!

Now, you may be thinking; "That's great, Elizabeth.  But HOW do I do that?"  

I'm glad you asked!

For me, this connection came about through exposure to the realities of the animal cruelty inherent in the animal agriculture industry of today.  Or, more simply, I educated myself!

1. GET EDUCATED

The more you know, the easier it is to stay motivated.  Every time I learn something new about an aspect of veganism, my resolve strengthens.  For example, the recent release of the documentary film Cowspiracy educated me far more deeply on the environmental impact of the animal agriculture industry than I had ever been before, the environment being an aspect of veganism that was low on my list of interess.  If you asked me about the benefits of veganism today, saving the planet would be amongst the very first mentioned.  If you get in the know now, and keep on top of learning more on an ongoing basis, going and staying vegan won't be nearly such an imposing challenge!

The more I learn, the more committed I become.  Click here to open the resource page in another window and sign up below for my Vegan 101 info booklet to give yourself a starting point!

There's another  important reason to get educated - the more you know, the more confident you'll be answering the questions of the non-vegans in your life.  This is important not only for you - the more confident they see you are, the less like they'll be to question your choices or make jokes at your expense - but for the vegan movement.  If you're going vegan you probably have a compelling reason.  The more researched and well-spoken you are, the more likely others will be to take your message to heart.  And that, my friend, is how vegans make more vegans!

Check out the Plant Based Bride blog archives for lots of informative articles to start with!

2. FIND YOUR WHY

Finding your main motivation(s) behind maintaining a vegan lifestlye is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your success.  Perhaps it is about health and healing above all else, or maybe it's about reducing your impact on the planet.  For me it is animal ethics, far and above any of my other motivations.  Knowing this is a great help to me, and was especially indispensable when I was a new vegan.  Any time I felt that it was too hard to be vegan, or I ate a non-vegan food by mistake and thought about giving up, or had had enough of the jokes and comments, I had only to think of the animals I was saving each and every day to get right back on track and to feel more inspired than ever.

Not sure what your reason is?  Try beginning with my 10 Reasons To Go Vegan post and use it to identify the aspects of veganism that resonate the most with you and where you are currently in life. 

3. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM

I've said it once and I'll say it again - everything is easier with a friend!  I know from personal experience that going vegan alone can be tough.  That's not to say it's impossible - I did it, and more do it every single day!  But I wish I'd had someone to talk to during my transition who was going through exactly what I was - not so much for the food part, which I found to be the easy part, but for everything else.  

It's hard when you feel like no one understands you or supports you, and unfortunately for us, many people take a while to warm up to new ideas that go against everything they've ever been told.  Your friends and family may not react the way you hope or expect them to when you tell them about the change you are embarking on, and that can be much harder on you than you might think.

If at all possible, enlist someone in your life to go vegan with you or find a stranger in your city through facebook groups or local meetups to be cyber (or even real-life) vegan buddies!

4. FIND A MENTOR

If you can't find someone to go vegan with you (or even if you can!) consider finding a vegan mentor.  Whether they've been vegan for a short time, or for longer than you've been alive, someone who has gone through their transition to veganism has a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable!

I've acted as a mentor for quite a few people in my life, including my fiance, Jason! Every time Jason had a question, or a struggle, or an observation I was there to answer, aid, and acknowledge his experience.  How I wish I'd had someone to do that for me!  That is why I continue to act as a mentor for everyone who asks me - whether in person or over phone or skype!  

If you have a vegan in your life, you have a built in mentor (and are very lucky!)  If not, try jumping into online forums or facebook groups!  Most vegans are happy to offer guidance to those who are in the midst of their transitions.  Reach out and see what happens!  I promise you won't regret it.

5. GET INSPIRED

Inspiration is definitely your friend!  Get on Pinterest, follow vegan You Tubers and instagrammers, read books and blogs, watch films, and listen to podcasts every day!  One of my favourite things to do is to listen to podcasts as I walk to and from work.  It's a great way to find inspiration in what would otherwise be wasted time.  Go to my resources page for some of my favourites and check out my Pinterest page!

6. COLLECT SIMPLE RECIPES

While you're shopping around for inspiration, be sure to save any easy, delicious-sounding recipes you come across!  Consider buying a couple great cookbooks (see some of my favourites here) or check out some of the many awesome vegan food blogs out there.  

One of my favourite ways to find new recipes recently has been to follow instagram accounts run by vegan food bloggers!  You can stay on top of all of their new creations, and they often include the recipe right in the picture's description.  Try starting with bestofvegan - they curate recipes from vegans all over instagram!  It's a great way to get recipes AND to find new people to follow.

7. CLEAN UP YOUR KITCHEN

One of the very first things you want to do once you're ready to go vegan is refresh your pantry and do a kitchen rehaul.  Go through everything you have and separate the non-vegan products.  Whether you decide to discard them all at once or to use them up over the next couple of days is up to you.  For some, eating animal products once they've decided to go vegan is too hard and they need to get those products out of the house as quickly as possible.  For others, the waste seems to be the worse crime, and they prefer to use them up. 

As you restock your kitchen be sure to load on up the staples: fruit, vegetables, rice and other grains, beans and legumes, oatmeal, frozen fruit and vegetables, and some prepared vegan foods.  I don't suggest eating processed foods too often, as they aren't conducive to optimal health, but the one exception to that rule is during the transition.  Especially for those with strong addictions to animal products or those with little cooking experience, stocking up on prepared vegan foods and fake meats and cheeses can be the difference between success and failure.  One thing to remember: be sure to read the ingredients on all foods you buy, including those that should be vegan.  Sometimes fake meat and dairy products can still contain animal products (sad but true) so keep your eyes open!

8. READ THE INGREDIENTS

On that note, get used to reading the ingredients on EVERYTHING. At first it may seem tedious, but over time it will become a habit that you barely even notice.  Check out my post on Non-Vegan Ingredients to Avoid and on 25 Surprising Non-Vegan Foods for some ideas to get started.

I also suggest you download the app Vegaholic if you drink alcohol.  You can search the specific brand and flavour to see if your favourite drinks are vegan, right on your phone!

9. GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD (AGAIN)

Do a google search of vegan restaurants, cafes, and stores in your area and make a list on your phone.  Make time to visit them and ask the people you meet there what their favourite places in the city are for all things vegan!  It's kind of fun to get reaquainted with your neighbourhood or city and to visit places you didn't even know existed!

Another thing that helps me all of the time, especially while traveling, is the Happy Cow app!  If you're still not sure what's available around you, or are on the go, this app will be a life-saver.  You can quickly search vegan, vegetarian, or vegan-friendly restaurants, stores, cafes, and bars near you or in any place you like.  It's become indispensible for me!

10. PERFECT IS THE ENEMY OF THE GOOD

Mistakes will happen.  You will eat something that isn't vegan by accident.  You'll forget to read the ingredients.  You will assume something that used to be vegan is still vegan without double checking.  Don't dwell on it because, guess what, it literally happens to all of us!  Going vegan in an omnivorous world that sees animals as commodities is HARD.  But as the saying goes, nothing worth getting comes easy.  And living a vegan lifestyle is 100% worth it.

Don't let your need for perfection lead you to giving it up all together.  Just do your best!  Remember, your best effort to be as vegan as possible makes a HUGE difference for the animals, the earth, your health, and the wellbeing of others.  Please don't let a need for perfection crowd out the good you're doing everyday.  Be kind to yourself as you are kind to every other living thing on earth.

This also applies to the process of GOING vegan.  For some, an  immediate change is the best way to do it, and that's great!  But for others a gradual approach is needed.  And that's also great!  Do you know why?  Because in BOTH cases the person is moving closer to an ethical, sustainable, and healthy life.  Gradual is not bad or wrong.  Gradually moving in the right direction is better than going full bore, failing, and giving it up all together.

Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good!!

Ok?  Ok.

11. EAT ENOUGH

I don't want to hear you complaining about this one.  I mean, seriously, who wouldn't want to be able to eat more everyday and not gain weight?  Plant foods tend to be lower calorie per pound than animal products, meaning you need to eat more to fulfill your daily calorie and nutritional needs.  I'm not going to give you a minimum calorie amount or a goal because it's a personal and intuitive process that you need to explore yourself.  But I will say:  

If you're hungry, eat.  ALWAYS!*

*And try to make what you eat mostly fruits and vegetables, if you can.  Those are the nutritional powerhouses!

12. LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Unfortunately, in this day and age anyone going vegan should expect comments, negative criticism, and jokes. I'm here to tell you not take what people say to heart.  It's their insecurities, their ignorance, their guilt, their fear, THEIR thoughts and feelings that are making them say and do those things.  It's not about you, it's about them.  And that's ok.  Everyone is on a different chapter in their life, and it's not up to you to force them to skip ahead if they aren't ready.  The very best thing you can do for everyone involved is to lead by example.  

I know it's hard.  Every vegan goes through their passionate (*angry) stage where they feel they can't contain themselves.  I feel you.  I've been there.  (And it's ok if sometimes you fly a bit off the handle.  Forgive yourself!)  But that doesn't work.  Want to know what does work?  Living your vegan lifestyle with nothing but compassion and respect for all living things.  People pick up on good energy.  They will notice that you never judge or criticize them for their choices, simply make yours and educate when asked.  They will come to it in their own time.  You just need to give them the chance!

A great way to share information in a non-judgemental way is to watch documentaries together!  My personal favourite at the moment is Cowspiracy (which is on Netflix) - it focuses on the environmental effects of the agricultural industry and is not hard to watch.  Check out my resources page for more documentary suggestions!

13. IDENTIFY YOUR TROUBLE AREA

This is very important for transitioning success!  If you LOVE cheese or bacon, buy some vegan cheeze or vegan bacon to eat when those cravings hit!  Knowing your biggest obstacle makes it MUCH easier to overcome it.  The good news is that the longer you're vegan, the less and less you'll crave your old omni foods or even the vegan versions!

If dairy is your weakness check out my post on how to give up dairy!

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The last thing I want you to remember on this journey is to STAY POSITIVE and to GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO ADJUST.  You're making a big change.  It won't always be easy, and it will take time for it to become your new normal.  Don't give into the deprivation mindset that most people associate with veganism - this is your opportunity to try a plethora of new foods, meet new people, go to new places, and enjoy the richness and variety of the vegan lifestyle!

My most important piece of advice to you is this:

Don't think of going vegan as giving up aspects of your life that have brought joy or pleasure, but rather as moving towards those values that you hold most dear and a deeper, more meaningful life experience.

Good luck, and remember, I'm here for you!

Until next time,

What was or is the hardest part of your vegan transition?

Linked Up!