I Tried an Herbal Lifestyle for 30 Days and Experienced These 6 Transformational Changes in My Body

Veganism has moved out of niche circles and into the spotlight over the past decade, and the reasons behind this seismic shift are as varied as the dishes shared at a bustling potluck. By championing animal rights and advocating for environmental sustainability, vegans are moving mountains, or at least, kitchen tables, across the globe. What’s more, the health perks of a plant-based diet are hard to overlook. As studies have shown, embracing a vegetable-heavy lifestyle can significantly lower your risk of ailments like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sounds like a win-win, right?

Sure, transitioning to a vegan diet isn’t a walk in the park; it takes a dollop of dedication and a generous sprinkle of preparation. We’re not talking about living off frozen meals and kale chips alone. But the upsides? They’re worth the effort. I had the pleasure of chatting with some folks who’ve made the leap to a plant-based diet, and let me tell you, their experiences are nothing short of inspiring.

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1. Fewer Health Problems

Take Jerry Levine, the Chief Evangelist and General Counsel for leading legal tech company Contractpodai. His journey into veganism wasn’t exactly a solo venture; after 20 years of being married to a vegan and facing some reality checks from his doctor, he took the plunge. “Before I made the switch, my doctor faced me with a stark choice: go vegan, get active, or kick the bucket before 40,” he recalls. “Going vegan just sounded better than exercising or, you know, dying.”

Once Jerry ditched the animal products, almost like pulling the handbrake on a speeding car, he saw a drastic shift in his health. “I felt like I was rejuvenated,” he said. “I had more energy, dropped loads of unnecessary weight, and suddenly, I wasn’t using medication that I should not have been on at my age. It was like getting a second chance at my 20s.”

2. Radiant Skin

Virginia Stockwell, a business coach and Kajabi expert, made the switch to veganism after being inspired by the documentary “Forks Over Knives.” Initially looking for a way to detoxify her life, she noticed something surprising: “My actinic keratosis cleared up, and I slimmed down,” she shared. Ironically, as a personal chef, she understood the nutritional side better than most. However, this experience also taught her that transitioning to veganism isn’t a one-size-fits-all travel guide.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “Adapting my workout routine took some adjusting,” she remarked, acknowledging the hurdles of maintaining strength without her usual diet. Isn’t that a pretty relatable reality check?

3. No More Mid-Afternoon Slumps

Feeling like someone hit the snooze button on your life halfway through the day? Welcome to the club! Tiffany Gregory, founder of the 3D print blog Layer, discovered she no longer needed that mid-afternoon pick-me-up once she went vegan. “The nutritional punch from meals like beans and quinoa has been a game changer,” she explains. “There’s no post-meal crash that leaves you yearning for a nap.”

She adds another cherry on top: “With veganism, my workouts improved dramatically. I recover quicker and don’t feel like I’ve been hit by a truck after hitting the gym!”

4. The Protein Puzzle

Jordan Anthony, a certified business physician, turned vegan for environmental reasons, driven by the stark realities of modern farming. “Factory farming is tough on our planet, and I couldn’t ethically support it anymore,” she remarked. While initially worried about protein intake, she found that focusing on nuts, seeds, and soy kept her feeling energized throughout the day.

“When I don’t prioritize protein, I notice drops in energy and mood,” she adds. It just goes to show, every little detail counts!

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5. Kiss Food Comas Goodbye

Diana Edelman, the mind behind Vegans, Baby, decided to go vegan after witnessing the treatment of animals while volunteering at an elephant reserve in Thailand. “After seeing how those sweet creatures were treated, giving up meat was a no-brainer,” she recalled. Since then, she’s experienced a noticeable boost in her energy levels. “No more food comas while lounging on the couch—I feel lively and alert!”

Additionally, she found freedom from long-lasting skin issues: “All my life, I battled acne, experimented with meds, and suddenly realized all I needed was to ditch the dairy!”

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6. A Lift in Spirits

For seven years, Harrison Tarr, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, has embraced a vegan lifestyle to stave off chronic diseases. While he dismisses the notion that veganism single-handedly amps his energy, he revels in the vibrancy that comes from consuming wholesome plant-based foods. “It’s simply fantastic,” he says. “I feel lively, I’m hitting the gym with gusto, and it’s all around great for my mind and body.”

However, he warns: “Don’t forget those crucial supplements! B12 and D3 are your friends.”

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7. Tips for Transitioning to Veganism

Thinking about giving veganism a go? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

• Try the Impossible Burger: “Elevate your game by revamping some classics, like opting for a plant-based burger instead of your usual beef,” suggests Edelman.
• Pack snacks: “Social events can leave you feeling lost in a sea of options that don’t fit your lifestyle,” noted Stockwell. “A little prep goes a long way.”
• Make friends with your kitchen: “Dive into the culinary world! Spend time cooking and exploring easy recipes you can rely on,” Tarr recommends.
• Do your homework: “Knowledge is power! Check out books and documentaries to arm yourself with knowledge,” says Tarr. “Dr. Fuhrman’s *Eat for Life* and the documentary *Game Changers* are eye openers.”
• Create lasting habits: “Forming new eating patterns can be tricky, but remember to support yourself,” Levine advises. “Even when you stumble—like when that bagel & lox temptation hits—keep pushing on!”

If you found inspiration here, you won’t want to miss out on these 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.

The transformation is real. I delved into veganism for 30 days, and believe me, the changes in my body were as surprising as they were enlightening.

Report By Axadle