Thursday, March 17, 2011

I have not been vegan in about a year and a half. At that time, I made a conscious decision to add things back into my diet. When I got pregnant, I rediscovered the joy of ice cream. I realized at some point during my pregnancy whilst enjoying many previously taboo foods that for me, a recovering anorectic, being vegan was just some extension of restrictive, punitive eating. At the heart of being vegan of course is always a compassion and love for all sentient beings, but I cannot lie, that ugliness, that body image impaired, wounded little inner me lorded over the process.

I often mused, one little person, how can I even make a dent in the problem? Yet, I spoke to so many people, inspired minor change amongst friends, students and acquaintances. I can still do that, without being self punitive in respect to my diet.

I suppose as I have finally begun reading the China Study, a book I've had on my list for ages, it re-inspired my belief in a mostly plant based diet. I really believe in the healing properties of local, organic produce. I feel a sense of vitality when I'm eating lets say...85ish (or more) percent plant based.

I think the new focus of this blog will be food and compassion and especially finding balance now that I am a mother to a precious gift of a girl.