Vegan Inspiration by Jeannette

Becoming vegan wasn’t just a diet change for me—it was a rebirth. It reshaped my health, values, and how I see the world.

What began as a desperate search for healing turned into a lifelong commitment to compassion, wellness, and conscious living.

This is my story—one of healing through plants, reconnecting with nature, and rediscovering peace through a cruelty-free life.

A Childhood Hint Of What Was To Come

Looking back, I realize that veganism was always in my heart, even before I knew the word. As a child, I never liked meat. I remember clearly how I would quietly push the meat to the edge of my plate, hoping no one would notice.

But in those days, things were different. Meat wasn’t just food—it was a symbol of success and care. When it was served, you were expected to eat it, no questions asked. My parents would tell me, “There are starving children in the world—finish your food.”

Sometimes, I sat for hours at the dinner table, staring at a plate of cold meat, wishing it would magically disappear. It wasn’t rebellion; it was instinct.

My heart and body simply didn’t align with the idea of eating animals. I longed for the taste of vegetables—the freshness, the life, the colours.

Of course, I didn’t know it then, but those childhood moments planted the first seeds of what would become my vegan journey.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Decades later, life brought me to a crossroads I could never have imagined. In the mid-1990s, I faced a serious health challenge that completely changed my perspective on life and wellness.

It was frightening. My doctors suggested an invasive procedure, one that would have altered my life forever. I remember sitting in that cold hospital room, feeling numb. Deep inside, a quiet voice whispered,

“There has to be another way.”

That whisper became my mission. I began researching natural approaches to healing, reading about people who had improved their health through nutrition, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes.

That’s when I discovered the National Health Association (NHA)—a group that promotes self-healing through natural living, fasting, and plant-based eating.

Motivated and hopeful, I switched to a raw vegan diet almost overnight. My meals became simple—fresh fruits, crisp vegetables, nuts, seeds, and plenty of water. I also practiced regular fasting, spent more time in sunlight, and included daily movement and meditation.

And gradually, I began to feel renewed—inside and out.

(Disclaimer: The experiences shared here reflect my personal journey and are not intended as medical advice. Before making significant dietary or health changes, always get advice from a trained healthcare provider.)

Healing Through Plants

At first, my motivation was purely physical. I wanted to feel well again. But what I experienced went far beyond that. Within weeks, my energy increased. I woke up earlier, slept better, and felt lighter—both in body and spirit.

My digestion improved, my allergies eased, and my breathing became clearer. I realized something powerful—when you give your body what it truly needs, it knows how to restore balance.

Raw veganism didn’t feel restrictive; it felt freeing. I wasn’t counting calories or depriving myself—I was nourishing every cell of my body with living, vibrant foods straight from nature.

That experience changed how I saw food forever. It became more than fuel—it became medicine, energy, and connection.

From Health To Compassion

As my health improved, my awareness deepened. I started to question the ethics behind what I had been eating for years.

I’ve always loved animals. I grew up surrounded by them—dogs, cats, birds. I couldn’t bear the thought of hurting them. But until then, I had never connected the food on my plate with the animals I loved.

When I began learning about the cruelty in animal farming, the environmental destruction it causes, and how it contributes to world hunger, I knew I couldn’t support it anymore.

That’s when my veganism evolved—from being about health to being about compassion. It became a way of living that honoured both life and the planet.

I stopped buying leather, wool, and silk. I replaced all my products—clothing, shoes, and personal care—with cruelty-free and vegan alternatives. It wasn’t an overnight change, but each small step made me feel lighter, freer, and more aligned with my values.

The Joy Of Vegan Cooking

Cooking has always been part of my identity. I find joy in creating meals that comfort and nourish at the same time. When I transitioned to veganism, I made it my mission to veganize every traditional comfort recipe I grew up with.

My grandmother’s kitchen smelled of butter, cream, and roasted meats. I loved those smells, but I didn’t love what they represented. So, I took her recipes—along with my mother’s—and reinvented them with plant-based ingredients.

The result? Delicious, wholesome, cruelty-free versions that even my husband—who still eats meat and eggs—loves. That’s the magic of vegan cooking. It proves that you don’t have to give up flavour or tradition to live kindly.

In my kitchen, everything is made with intention. I use organic, non-GMO, oil-free, and gluten-free ingredients whenever possible. And because I’m highly allergic to garlic, I’ve learned to bring depth of flavour using herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and cumin.

Cooking vegan food isn’t just a daily routine—it’s an act of love. It’s my way of honouring the earth and caring for my body at the same time.

Growing My Own Food

Nothing compares to the joy of harvesting your own food. In our backyard, I’ve built raised garden beds filled with vegetables and herbs. It’s a peaceful ritual—planting seeds, watering them, watching them grow.

Gardening connects me deeply to the rhythms of nature. It reminds me that every meal begins with a seed and a bit of care. I grow leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

When I walk into my garden in the morning, I feel gratitude. The earth gives freely, and I do my part by composting, using natural fertilizers, and never using chemicals.

From garden to table—it’s the purest, most fulfilling way to eat.

Living Cruelty-Free In Every Way

Veganism isn’t just about food—it’s a lifestyle. Every choice we make sends a message. I choose to live in a way that reflects love and compassion.

I haven’t worn wool or silk in years. My shoes are made from sustainable vegan materials. I use cruelty-free vegan shampoos and conditioners, natural cleaning products, and organic skincare. Even my wines are organic and vegan-friendly and free from animal-derived fining agents.

When I shop, I always check labels. It takes more time, yes, but it’s worth it. Every cruelty-free purchase feels like a small act of kindness toward animals and the planet.

Living this way has made my life simpler and more intentional. I buy less, choose wisely, and appreciate more.

The Challenges Of Being Vegan

Of course, being vegan isn’t always easy. One of my biggest challenges is eating out.

Restaurants often don’t understand vegan needs. Friends and family sometimes think I’m being “picky” or “difficult.” I’ve learned to laugh about it, but it can still feel isolating.

I try to prepare ahead—looking up menus, calling restaurants, or even bringing my own food when needed. It might seem inconvenient, but it gives me peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in my meal.

My garlic allergy makes things even trickier. Garlic seems to find its way into everything—from sauces to soups. So, I’ve become my own advocate, politely explaining my dietary needs wherever I go.

Over time, I’ve learned that standing firm in your choices—even when others don’t understand—is a powerful act of self-respect.

My Everyday Vegan Favourites

My meals are simple, colourful, and nourishing. I prefer to eat warm, cooked meals in the evening and generally eat raw foods during the day.

Over time, I’ve learned that food isn’t just about flavour—it’s about energy, vitality, and healing. Every dish I prepare is made with mindfulness and gratitude, using fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible.

Here are some of my daily vegan favourites:

Raw Vegan Soups & Salads

Raw Vegan Spinach or Tomato Soup

This refreshing soup is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, boosting immunity and supporting bone and skin health. Spinach provides iron and antioxidants, while tomatoes offer lycopene—an anti-inflammatory compound that promotes heart health. Blended raw, this soup retains all its enzymes and nutrients, giving your body a direct infusion of living energy.

Raw Vegan Tomato and Pepper Salad

Colourful bell peppers add a natural sweetness and a huge dose of vitamin C, while tomatoes bring in antioxidants that protect against cell damage.

The mix of colours isn’t just pretty—it reflects a spectrum of nutrients. This salad enhances hydration, supports collagen production, and refreshes you from the inside out.

Raw Vegan Cucumber Salad

Light, crisp, and cooling, this salad is perfect for detoxifying the body. Cucumbers are mostly water, helping to flush toxins and hydrate the skin.

It's an easy approach to help with digestion and encourage a feeling of calm and refreshment after meals, especially when combined with herbs and a little lemon juice.

Raw Vegan Carrot Salad

Carrots are naturally delicious and bright orange, and they are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A.

This supports healthy vision, boosts immunity, and promotes cell regeneration. Combined with lemon or apple cider vinegar, it becomes a vibrant, cleansing dish that uplifts both body and mood.

Raw meals like these are filled with living enzymes and natural goodness. They enhance digestion, improve clarity, and give lasting energy without heaviness.

Comforting Cooked Dishes

Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara

A comforting classic turned compassionate. Made with a creamy sauce from cashews, tofu, or oat milk, it’s rich in plant-based protein and healthy fats. It satisfies cravings for creaminess without cholesterol or dairy, keeping your heart and digestive system happy.

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto

This dish combines earthy mushrooms with hearty rice, creating a silky, satisfying texture. Mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants and B vitamins that support metabolism and immune health, while brown rice provides sustained energy and fiber for balanced digestion.

Vegan Thai & Indian Curries

Fragrant with turmeric, ginger, garlic-free spices, and coconut milk, these curries are both comforting and healing. Turmeric’s curcumin compound is known to reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity. The combination of herbs and vegetables delivers deep nourishment and grounding warmth.

Vegan Quiche Lorraine

Made with a tofu or chickpea base, this version of a French favourite offers a protein-rich, egg-free alternative that supports muscle health. The flaky crust and savoury filling make it a perfect centrepiece for brunch or dinner—light yet satisfying.

Vegan “Kartoffel-Kiichle” with Hearty Vegetable Soup

This veganized family comfort dish combines potato cakes with a nourishing vegetable soup. Potatoes supply potassium and energy, while the soup’s seasonal vegetables add fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s wholesome, grounding, and perfect for cozy evenings.

Every meal I create reflects the balance between comfort and care. Vegan food doesn’t mean sacrifice—it means abundance.

It’s about eating in harmony with nature, celebrating flavour, and honouring the life that nourishes us. Each bite is a reminder that compassion can be delicious, and wellness can begin right in your kitchen.

The Bigger Picture: Veganism And The World

Over time, I began to see how veganism affects not just individuals, but the whole planet.

One of the main causes of pollution, climate change, and deforestation is animal husbandry. It takes huge amounts of water and grain to produce meat—resources that could instead feed people directly.

By choosing plants, we reduce world hunger, protect ecosystems, and fight climate change. It’s incredible how one personal choice can ripple out into something so much larger.

Every vegan meal saves water, land, and lives. That’s what motivates me every day. I may be one person, but I know that every compassionate choice counts.

The Emotional And Spiritual Shift

Beyond physical healing, veganism transformed me emotionally and spiritually.

I’ve become more patient, gentle, and aware. My relationship with nature deepened. I see life differently now—every insect, bird, and tree feels sacred.

Practices like meditation and mindfulness help me stay centred. When I eat, I eat slowly. I think about where my food came from and how it nourishes me.

There’s a quiet peace in knowing that I’m living in harmony with my values. That inner peace is worth more than any convenience I’ve given up.

Advice For Aspiring Vegans

If you’re curious about veganism, start where you are. You don’t have to change everything overnight.

Try adding more plant-based meals to your week. Explore vegan versions of your favourite dishes. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying they can be.

Listen to your body. Notice how you feel after eating fresh, plant-based food. For most people, the difference is almost immediate—better digestion, more energy, clearer skin, lighter mood.

Don’t be discouraged by others’ opinions. This journey is yours. Focus on progress, not perfection. Every plant-based choice makes a difference.

And most importantly—have fun with it! Experiment, taste, explore. Veganism isn’t about restriction; it’s about abundance.

What “Vegan Inspiration” Means To Me

For me, Vegan Inspiration means living with integrity. It's the guts to go with your gut, even if it takes you in an unexpected direction.

It’s about compassion—toward animals, the planet, and yourself. It’s about choosing love over habit, awareness over ignorance, and peace over convenience.

When people tell me that my story encouraged them to eat less meat, try a vegan recipe, or learn more about plant-based living, I feel deeply grateful. That’s what inspiration is—a spark that ignites change in others.

A Life Of Gratitude

Today, I live with gratitude. Gratitude for my health, my garden, my family, and for the wisdom that nature has shared with me.

Veganism gave me back my life. It taught me to slow down, to appreciate, and to care deeply. It showed me that healing isn’t only about the body—it’s about the soul.

Every time I prepare a meal, tend to my garden, or share a recipe, I feel connected to something greater.

Conclusion

Living a vegan life is more than a choice — it’s a journey of compassion, mindfulness, and harmony with the world around us.

Through my personal experiences, I’ve learned that veganism isn’t about perfection but about progress and awareness. Every meal, purchase, and action is a step toward a kinder planet and a healthier self.

If you’ve enjoyed reading Vegan Inspiration by Jeannette, I’d love to invite you to explore more of my world at https://livingtheveganlifestyle.org/.

There, you’ll find sections dedicated to different aspects of compassionate living — from Cruelty-Free products and Vegan Diet insights to Vegan Living, Vegan Parenting, and Vegan Travel Blogs that show how plant-based life beautifully fits into every corner of our daily routines.

Each post is written with love and intention to inspire you to make gentle, conscious choices — not only for yourself but for the world we all share.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just beginning to explore this path, I hope you find warmth, knowledge, and encouragement in my writings.

Let’s continue this journey together — living kindly, eating consciously, and spreading compassion wherever we go.

I trust you enjoyed this article on the Vegan Inspiration by Jeannette. Please stay tuned for more plant-based recipes, vegan travel tips, and lifestyle inspiration.

Take care!
— JeannetteZ 🌿

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