I turned vegan approximately 3 1/2 years ago, for a whole host of reasons - here I’ve compiled my top five reasons of why I decided to switch to a plant based diet
Sam Murphy
- To feel better physically - I spent years eating a lot of meat and dairy products, especially throughout my time in the fitness industry where I was consuming a very high amount of chicken, fish, eggs and whey protein. After competing in the fitness industry, my body had decided enough was enough - I was facing a lot of digestive upset from rebounding & binge eating post competition. Removing meat and dairy immediately alleviated my symptoms, allowing my digestion to run smoother and allowing me to feel energised, refreshed and alert after each meal instead of hungry, sluggish and fatigued.
- For the animals - I’ve always been an animal lover, however there came a point after I had spent a few weeks experimenting with plant based eating that I made a very strong emotional bond and respect for animals. After seeing a few very eye opening documentaries (Earthlings, Forks Over Knives to name a few) I felt very moved (and horrified) by how much animals suffered behind the scenes of the food industry. I’d prefer individuals to make their own judgements and conclusions after watching such films, however for me personally, I made a pact that I didn’t want to contribute to animals & their suffering any longer, as I saw them as equals - with feelings - like you and I.
- For mental clarity - initially after turning vegan I found significantly more alert and ‘awake’ - both energetically and spiritually. As I continue on my vegan journey, I find my thoughts & feelings are heightened more than they were compared to when I was consuming a lot of dairy & meat. I feel I now live with a lot more compassion towards myself and others, I’m naturally a very sensitive and emotional person - however I feel more in-tune and aware of my emotions and thought processes, and I attribute this to many things - one of them being my plant based diet.
- To reduce my ecological footprint - There is a plethora of information on this, but in short by choosing to follow a plant based diet instead of one heavily reliant on animal products I decrease the amount of land, water and oil resources used & the amount of pollution that is otherwise caused by consuming animal products.
- To challenge and expand my creativity - One thing that excites me the most is the creative potential that comes alongside cooking with plants. It’s really exciting to create a meal where plants are the stars of the show. A whole new world opens up to create exciting new flavours, textures and dishes that feel good in both your body & mind! I enjoy cooking now more than ever.
