In September 2020, I started my journey to switch to a plant-based diet. By January 2021 I had eliminated beef, chicken, pork, and lamb (which I never ate) from my diet along with dairy products. I kept eating fish and seafood but did so less frequently.

Going plant based as opposed to Vegan, Vegetarian, or Pescatarian may seem like splitting hairs, but I feel like it allows me greater flexibility. Vegans do not consume meat, dairy products, honey, gelatin, or anything made by animals. Vegetarians and Pescatarians do not eat meat, but they do consume dairy, and Pescatarians also eat fish and seafood. In addition to the health benefits, each of these diets also has a moral/ethical component, so I have been reluctant to claim to be something I’m not.

It has required a bit of research to make sure I’m getting the needed protein, vitamins, and minerals each day.  It’s one of the reasons I continue to eat fish and seafood in moderation. Another reason is the flexibility. My sons are meat eaters, so this makes family meals easier when we get together. It’s also easier when I socialize and go to restaurants or travel.

My plate is filled with colorful vegetables and I’m cooking from scratch most of the time. I can easily control how much sodium and fats I consume. Cholesterol and blood pressure were never issues for me, but as I age maintaining healthy levels is important. Paring exercise and healthy eating has allowed me to drop a few pounds and helped with the arthritis I have because of injuries I received in a car accident when I was in my teens. Best of all, I didn’t have to starve myself or feel deprived.

Dairy cheese was probably the most difficult to give up and replace with plant-based alternatives. I have found delicious alternatives made from cashews, but I admit the texture is a little different. It wasn’t something I had too much trouble adjusting to, and I’m pleased with the results.

I had lunch this month with friends, and I was surprised to discover they were also on similar journeys. We all want to be healthier and eat more sustainably. We talked about the difficulties of eating out or at friends’ homes. Is it acceptable to you ask your host if they put butter or milk in the sauce? Can you find alternatives to the main dish that will fill up your plate and not insult your host? I’ve found that some people are very accommodating to dietary issues while others are easily insulted. It’s the same way when people are put on cardiac diets, have diabetes, or are trying to lower cholesterol or drop a few pounds. Some hosts get it, and others dismiss dietary restrictions or become angry when you won’t eat something.

It’s opened my eyes to menu planning when and if I ever return to hosting parties. I’ve discovered spices I never would have used and surprising ways to prepare vegetables. So far… so good!