# Plant-based Lifestyle

> Why I chose a plant-based lifestyle and what that actually looks like for me.

Source: https://curiouslychase.com/personal/plant-based-lifestyle/

> [!INFO]

> On Monday March 20, 2023, after a year of being plant-based, I decided that for the simplicity of meal preparation in my house that I'd start eating meat again.

On Monday, March 28, 2022, I decided to experiment with Vegetarianism. Unlike a fully vegan lifestyle, I still eat some animal based products: primarily eggs (when they're an ingredient in bread) and cheese once or twice a week.

# Why
There were three factors that led me to a plant-based diet:
- **Health**. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and want to feel more fit.
- **Stewardship**. I learned that animals bred for human consumption were a leading cause in negative environmental change. As someone who wants to be a good steward of the earth, I decided this was a way I could help reduce my environmental impact.
- **Consciousness & Violence**. I believe animals have consciousness and recently started thinking about violence, what in my life is violent and what violence I can cut out of my life ([Is violence an essential attribute of existence?](https://curiouslychase.com/posts/is-violence-an-essential-attribute-of-existence/)). Eating animal product and byproduct was an easy way for me to change my relationship with consciousness in a positive way.

# What Led Me Here?
I initially became curious when I heard about Rich Roll, an ultra-endurance athlete who was also vegan. 

My whole life I'd been told you need _meat_ protein to live and things like soy are bad for you.

Recently I stumbled over 📚 The Proof Is In The Plants and decided to give it a listen. Simon Hill broke down the science and cut through all of the confusion created by animal based-product industries.

- 📚 The Proof Is In The Plants
- 🎙️ The Proof

# Recipes 
- [Tofu Tacos/Tofu Chorizo](https://www.wellplated.com/tofu-tacos/#wprm-recipe-container-36402)
## To Try
- [Chili Lime Vinaigrette](https://foolproofliving.com/chili-lime-vinaigrette/)
- [Southwest Quinoa Salad](https://foolproofliving.com/southwest-quinoa-salad/)

# Learnings 
- it's incredibly hard to go plant-predominant (vegetarian or vegan) if you have a family and anyone isn't also bought in
- The amount of calorie needs necessary on an athletic diet is hard to meet if your eating whole, unprocessed veggies