Today is a very special day, because it is my 12th Vegan Birthday! That means I have been vegan for 12 years already!

It was my first day of college and I made the decision to be vegan. (I had been vegetarian for four years prior to making the switch.) I didn’t know how long being vegan would last; at first, it was just trying it out. But I kept it up because it made me feel better in many ways. It has certainly made me more conscious of the impact my decisions make. Being vegan allows me to live beyond myself. Meat consumption is one of the worst culprits for global warming, not to mention the unimaginable suffering that animals go through. As someone who is recovering from PTSD, I am very sensitive to the suffering and abuse of creatures outside myself. I’m not a saint or anything, but it blows my mind when people don’t get it. I just cannot support any of that.

Living a more compassionate lifestyle doesn’t earn anyone a gold star, by the way. My aim is to try and make the world a better place through conscious decision making. Whenever I talk about these things, it’s often met with defensiveness or attacks. I become hesitant about it, before remembering that this lifestyle isn’t all for myself.

There is also the myth that vegans don’t get enough protein. My running has been increased to the point where I have finished two full marathons and a few half marathons. Besides…Running relies more on complex carbohydrates for energy.

For those who are concerned about protein intake, there are so many ways to obtain it through a plant based diet. If, for example, you are weight training–and there are plenty of vegan athletes who do–vegan protein supplements exist. But usually an athlete can get away without them. 

Smoothies make the best and easiest meals. I’m partial to foods where you can just throw ingredients together and it always turns out delicious. Here is one I’ve been obsessed with lately. It keeps me sustained and clear-headed.

Vegan Smoothie:

• 1 sliced banana
• 1 kiwi fruit
• 1/2 pear, diced
• 1/2 sliced cucumber
• Fist full of spinach
• 2 scoops of Clean Lean Protein by Nuzest. (Or whatever vegan protein supplement. It’s optional.)
• 1/2 cup soy milk or water

Blend until smooth. Easy!

When asked if I miss cheese, eggs, or other animal byproducts, I really don’t. Not only are there substitutes for those, I’ve gained so much more than what I’ve given up. And for me, that is more important. 

Happy Vegan Birthday to me!