How I Survived Going Plant-Based (And Why I Gave Up Meat for Kale Chips)
Let me paint a picture for you: It’s Thursday night, 7:30 p.m., and I’m sitting on the couch, eagerly awaiting the start of another Shonda Rhimes masterpiece. I’ve got my TV remote in one hand and my phone in the other, with Wingstop on speed dial. Ranch, BBQ, fries, and extra napkins. This was my ritual. This was my joy. This was, quite literally, my lifeline after a long day of juggling corporate nonsense and trying to be a functional adult. And then, I decided to ruin it all. I mean, who in their right mind would willingly trade garlic parmesan wings for… a plant-based lifestyle?
Well, apparently, me. But don’t get it twisted—it wasn’t because I was suddenly enlightened by the world of tofu and kale. Nope, my body had simply had enough of what I was putting it through.
My Chronic Illness Had Other Plans
Let’s backtrack a bit. You see, for most of my twenties, I was the girl who looked fine on the outside but was fighting a pretty miserable battle internally. A battle that involved swallowing about 14 different medications a day to keep my body functioning. You know when people say, “You’re too young to be going through this!”? Yeah, that was me. I felt like my entire existence was controlled by pills. They ruled my life, from my 7 a.m. breakfast cocktail of meds to my 9 p.m. bedtime dose. And these weren’t cute little vitamins or harmless supplements. I’m talking heavy-duty, prescription-required, side-effect-central medications.
As if dealing with a chronic illness wasn’t enough, I had to handle the joys of those side effects: drowsiness, nausea, weight gain, weight loss, more weight gain and a foggy brain that made it feel like I was living in slow motion. Oh, and the kicker? Despite being on all these medications, I still didn’t feel better. There were days I couldn’t even get out of bed. How could this be my life in my twenties?
Something had to change.
The “Aha!” Moment
One day, after yet another doctor’s visit that ended with me walking out with more pills, I hit my breaking point. It wasn’t a dramatic movie scene where I threw all my prescriptions into the trash with tears streaming down my face—although that would have made for a great Instagram Reel. No, it was more of a quiet frustration that built up until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I was sick of doctors treating me like a checklist of symptoms and medications. I was tired of feeling like I wasn’t in control of my own body.
And that’s when I did something radical. I decided to take control of my health in the only way I knew how: by changing my approach to life. I started researching like a madwoman—books, articles, documentaries (yes, I watched all the food documentaries). And after a lot of late-night reading and several “Oh my God, this makes sense!” moments, I made a decision that was going to turn my entire life upside down.
I was going plant-based.
My mom, bless her heart, was my biggest cheerleader. She was onboard with my new mission, even though her first reaction was a mix of confusion and mild concern. “You’re not going to eat meat ever again?” she asked, trying to reconcile this with the fact that I once used to snack on chicken wings like they were going out of style.
But armed with my newfound knowledge and my mom’s support, I decided to embark on this plant-based adventure. And, boy, was it an adventure!
But First, The Struggle
Let me tell you—switching to a plant-based lifestyle was not easy. I grew up in a household where meat was a staple. Family BBQs, holiday roasts, movie nights, for me, were all centered around meat. How was I going to give all that up?
The first few weeks were…well, they were ugly. I had no idea what to eat, and suddenly everything I did eat tasted bland. There’s only so many ways you can season a chickpea, and at one point, I was convinced tofu was a tasteless sponge sent to this Earth to torment me. My meals were sad, my cravings were relentless, and my energy was at an all-time low. Not exactly the #PlantBasedGoals life I had envisioned.
I won’t lie—there were moments when I was tempted to dive back into the world of Pizza Hut’s stuffed-crust pizza. The struggle was real. But with each passing week, I found myself feeling better. I had more energy, my mood improved, and I was starting to enjoy cooking. Who knew that a sweet potato could taste so good when you know how to prepare it?
Goodbye, Meat. Hello, Kale Chips.
Things started to change. I began to figure it out. I discovered the magical world of plant-based cooking (seriously, there are so many ways to make vegetables taste amazing). I learned that with the right spices, jackfruit can actually taste like the world’s greatest BBQ Sandwich.
The biggest shift, though, wasn’t just in my food choices. It was in my health.
The Prescription Purge
After about 12 months of being fully plant-based, something miraculous happened. I went from taking 14 medications to just 3. My doctors were stunned, my mom was over the moon, and honestly, I couldn’t believe it either. The energy I had lost came flooding back. My brain fog lifted, my mood stabilized, and for the first time in years, I felt in control of my own body.
I can’t lie, the transition was tough. There were days I wanted to throw in the towel and order a plate of wings with an extra side of ranch. But the results were undeniable. I was healing—naturally. And it wasn’t just my physical health that improved. Mentally, I was in a much better space. There’s something incredibly empowering about taking control of your health and seeing the payoff firsthand.
The Social Media Lie: Plant-Based Isn’t Perfect
Okay, now I know what you’re thinking: “Wow, Janice, you’re like a wellness guru now, huh?” Not quite. The truth is, going plant-based wasn’t some magical cure-all. Do I feel better? Absolutely. Have I kicked my chronic illness to the curb? Not exactly. It’s still a part of my life, but the difference is now I’m managing it with a fraction of the medications I used to rely on, and I actually feel good.
But let’s be real—going plant-based isn’t all rainbows and sprouted grains. There are still days where I miss the convenience of just grabbing a slice of pizza or ordering takeout. I’ve had my fair share of plant-based fails (who knew cashew cheese could taste that bad?). And don’t even get me started on the judgment from people who think plant-based is synonymous with “rabbit food” or “extreme.”
Finding Balance (And My Sanity)
The key to this whole plant-based journey has been balance. I’m not here to preach the gospel of kale or make you feel guilty about your food choices. But if you’re someone who, like me, feels stuck in the cycle of medications and illness, I want you to know there are other ways to support your body. And if plant-based living sounds like it might be worth a try, just know that it doesn’t have to be perfect.
There’s no “right” way to go plant-based. For me, it was about cutting out meat, dairy, bread and sugar, but I still indulge in the occasional (okay, sometimes frequent) vegan junk food. I mean, have you tried vegan ice cream? It’s a game-changer. The point is, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all lifestyle. It’s about finding what works for you and your body.
The Unexpected Perks of Going Plant-Based
Aside from the obvious health improvements, there have been a few unexpected perks to this lifestyle switch. For one, my skin has never looked better. Seriously, people have asked me what my skincare routine is, and I just laugh and say, “Plants.” I’ve also saved a ton of money on groceries (goodbye, expensive cuts of meat), and I’ve become a master at meal prep. Oh, and the best part? I’ve never felt more connected to the food I’m eating. There’s something pretty amazing about knowing exactly what’s going into your body and how it’s fueling you.
The Vegan Victory: What I Learned Along the Way
As I reflect on my journey from prescriptions to plants, here are a few nuggets of wisdom I’d like to share:
- Know Your Why: The reason behind your lifestyle change is crucial. For me, it was a desperate need to regain control over my health. Having a strong “why” kept me motivated when I was tempted to revert to my old ways.
- Start Slow: Transitioning to a plant-based diet doesn’t mean you need to go cold turkey (or cold tofu). Start with small changes, like Meatless Mondays or incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet.
- Find Your New Favorites: It’s essential to discover new foods you enjoy. I found a new love for roasted chickpeas and vegan chili. They might not be Wingstop, but they have their own charm.
- Be Patient with Yourself: Changing your diet is a big deal, and it takes time. There will be moments of doubt and temptation, but persistence pays off.
- Embrace the Community: Connect with others who have made the switch to plant-based living. Their support and advice can be invaluable. Plus, you might just discover some new recipes and hacks along the way.
My Advice to You
If you’re thinking about making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle, here’s my advice: take it slow. You don’t have to go cold turkey (pun intended). Start by incorporating more plant-based meals into your week, experiment with new recipes, and give your body time to adjust. And most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Change is hard, and it’s okay to slip up. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
Also, get yourself a support system. I couldn’t have made this transition without the encouragement of my mom, who was all in from the start. Whether it’s family, friends, or an online community, having people in your corner makes all the difference.
Switching to a plant-based lifestyle was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t about following a trend or hopping on the wellness bandwagon. It was about taking control of my health and my life in a way that felt empowering. And while I still have moments where I dream about porterhouse steaks, I can honestly say I don’t regret the decision for a second.
If you’re reading this and wondering if plant-based living could work for you, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised at how much your body (and mind) will thank you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some air-fried cauliflower wings waiting for me—and they’re not going to eat themselves.
