Since eliminating 99% of meat, egg and dairy from my diet a few months back and now striving for 100%, I’ve been throwing around the word “vegan” a lot. But I realize this is TOTALLY inaccurate and likely offensive to true vegans.
You see, veganism is way more than just what you eat and don’t eat – a huge part of it is about ethics. It’s about completely avoiding the use of animal products in any aspect of your life. And, as you can see from the photo, I still sport my original Birkenstocks (they have a vegan line) and Blundstones – not at the same time, tho!
On top of that, I do still consume bee products: specifically, pollen and honey. Bee pollen has an amazing nutritional profile and is said to have over 250 active substances (source). I’ve seen some call it a “perfect food”. Health benefits include:
- Immune system builder
- Brain booster
- Concentration-helper
I love putting bee pollen in my smoothies so I’m not quite ready to give it up, yet. My clean mascara also includes beeswax.
Obvious but worth mentioning just in case: DO NOT consume or use bee products if you are allergic to bees.
So really I should be saying I am “plant-based”, although I’m not sure how widely recognized that term is. I mostly eat like a vegan but I am NOT a vegan. Until that’s sorted out, please show me the vegan menu items!
Finally, I don’t like to add any kind of overwhelm to my life so I change my daily habits gradually and over time. True veganism may be a pit stop on my continued toxin-free, plant-based journey but I just don’t see it clearly at this point. I will definitely keep you posted…
For you true vegans out there, any tips for us?
M.
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