Why I Went Plant-based
I have been experimenting with my body and health since 2018. I tried many types of diet - from doing intermittent fasting and not eating for five consecutive days, to paleo, vegetarian and carnivore diet. One way of lifestyle stood out among the rest and that is called, “veganism.” Veganism is a concept of staying out of animal-based products and consuming and buying only plant-based stuff. Those people who are into this philosophy is called vegans. Vegans have different reasons why they decided to steer clear “non-grass” things. Some vegans do advocate for animal rights and some do it for the environment. Mine is primarily for the health.
I have been an athlete and military trainee since 2013. I am always on the move. Early last year, before COVID era, I went to the Philippine Orthopedic Center due to chronic lower back pain and got my back examined by a specialist. The doctor reviewed my x-ray scan and told me that it is a case of “slipped disc”, a common concern of sports professionals (tho I am not one). I remembered him telling me, “Go get a Magnetic Image Reasoning so we can figure out if you need a surgery.” He gave me a recommendation but I insisted not to pursue anymore because it is really expensive. One thing I hate? Being hospitalized or diagnosed with anything that could prevent me from being hard-headed.
Aside from that, I can observe that I can get injuries easily which is bad and even though I workout, I have the tendency to get tired so quick. So I decided to change my diet because I know that it is the most important aspect of a well-being. Everything about us is about what we eat. But I have other drivers too that made me decide to go back and be a vegan again (because I became one already; 2018 and 2019).
I watched two important documentaries: Down To Earth with Zac Efron and The Game Changers. I already watched the latter once by after watching Efron’s work visiting places in order to understand health and environment, I said to myself, “Yow! You gotta wake up and be reminded that you were almost dead. You have things to do mate and you need to be connected to your temple. Wake up.” I went to my Netflix, searched for The Game Changers and that was the last nail that I needed to proceed. The documentary featured experts, doctors, vegan olympians, UFC fighters, football players, strongmen and celebrities.
As an environmental advocate, I know that consuming meat is not good for our earth. Farms, if you are not aware, are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. They send methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Half of the world’s habitable land is being used for agriculture and more than 70% of it is used as livestock farms. Just think about it. Not even counting the exhaust created by transporting and processing these products.
Our teeth are not developed or designed for meat consumption. You may argue that there were tools recovered that suggest humans evolved as meat consumers. Yes that is true. But, there are accounts that point to plants as the primary diet of our ancestors and even the gladiators. Plants decay faster than bones and tools, that could be the reason why we cannot recover tools for plants.
I worry about my mental and sexual health, and cancer. In my job, being fully fit is extremely important. I do not want to take advantage of my age. The tasks and responsibilities that I have are demanding. It requires focus and staying in good shape. I also worry about my sexual health. I care about it because as a man, it is a happiness and I want to have a secured future. Lastly, there are friends and relatives of mine who died from cancer. I hate the it. The only way to avoid it is to be close to nature and be one with it. My way of doing that is by consuming what it provides.
Being plant-based is one of the best choices a person could have. You can feel the energy flowing inside you. The urge to do more can be felt. In my case, I feel light, inspired, optimistic and filled with energy. I have better sleep as well. Same things that I felt before. I can say that I will stay here because plant-based food could be tasty and exciting. If you know how to cook and if you are creative, you can enjoy this amazing habit. This experience is my option to choose myself again and be grounded. I can tell you that it is not boring.
We may have different perspectives on health but one thing I learned is that, not all foods are created equal. It is still up to us how we value ourselves, our loved ones and our world. I believe that we will only die once but we will live forever.