Healthy Mama Magazine Issue 7 - January 2015 | Page 11

F E AT U R E D C O N T R I B U T O R The Lovely Meghan Why vegan? I first became vegan after I watched the documentary Earthlings and became fully aware of the truth behind the meat, fish, dairy, wool, leather and fur industries, as well as the extent of animal testing in medical and cosmetic research. I've been eating a plantbased diet for just over a year now and I'm thriving! Following a vegan lifestyle saves countless animals and it's helped me in so many ways as well; for example, after almost two years of suffering with an eating disorder and being extremely underweight I'm now a healthy weight and experience little to no disordered thoughts about food. I've also rediscovered my love of cooking and baking which was lost during the time I was unwell, and I have goals for my future which involve working with vegan food in one way or another. I couldn't imagine eating or living any other way! 3 words to describe yourself Three words I'd use to describe myself are determined because I've encountered quite a few difficult setbacks so far but I haven't given up yet (at least not for long!), empathetic because I care about other living beings a great deal and creative because I feel most at ease when I'm designing or making something, whether it's cooking, writing or even scrapbooking. If you were to give your 14 year old self a word of advice, what would you say? I'd say "I know everything seems hopeless now but it really does get better, you just have to keep going and not give up. In five years time, you'll be on your way to bigger and better things and you won't even think about the people who are upsetting you now. You'll be able to go out, make new friends and speak your mind a bit more. Also, green smoothies are way more delicious than fizzy drinks, I promise!" A vegan lifestyle suits some people yet others find they thrive on a protein based diet or a mixture of both. The key is to listen to your body, do some research and live the way that feels right for you! We love providing you with some of the tools and knowledge to help you on your path to health! x G-Team MAG 11