What morals are most important to you? When you measure a person, what values do you measure them by?
Today I’m writing one of the hardest posts I’ve ever written, but one that I feel I must write, morally.
To me, honesty is the highest moral one can live by. Honesty to oneself, and to others. And today I have to be honest with you. It will certainly be unpopular, and I expect a harsh and critical backlash, as has been the norm with others in my situation. But the value of honesty overrules any sort of personal discomfort I may experience.
In this spirit, I must tell you, honestly – I am not vegan anymore.
Before I go any further, let me clarify – I am still mostly vegan. My diet will continue to be plant-based. However, upon directives from my GI Doctor, and by virtue of listening to my body, I am not fully vegan anymore.
If you’ve been a past reader of this blog, you will know that for many months I have suffered from a severe digestive illness, to the point where I had to quit my job in corporate finance. After countless tests, dietary restrictions (i.e. gluten-free, low-FODMAP), and techniques, my doctor finally recommended that I change my diet from being vegan. At first I resisted, unwilling to give up my stance on animal rights. But as my health continued to suffer, in desperation I decided to give her recommendation a try. And it worked. My stomach issues are not completely gone, but they’ve been alleviated. For the first time in over a year, I feel relief.
If you have criticisms, let me assure you that they have weighed upon my conscience heavily already. I have gone through all of them in my mind and felt their burden. However, if you feel called to explain your reasoning or viewpoint to me here, please do so. I welcome your honest opinion. All I ask is that you speak respectfully, as the intention of this space is to be positive and encouraging.
To be honest, I’m afraid. I remember the backlash Jordan Younger received when she came out as not being vegan anymore. The critics were loud, and cruel. She was bullied – there’s no other word to describe what happened to her. Although, to be fair, she did insinuate that veganism was the cause for her diagnosis of orthorexia. However, I do not blame veganism for anything. The fault is mine, and mine alone. I chose to follow my doctor’s advice instead of my heart, in desperation to feel better. And I HAVE been feeling better. It’s the truth – no matter how unpopular of a truth it may be. I just wish it didn’t have to be at the expense of animal welfare.
I’ve told you my fears. Now let me tell you my hopes.
I hope you will still accept me as a human being worthy of dignity and respect. I hope that you will still accept me as an advocate of healthy, whole foods, and mindful eating.
I understand if you do not want to follow my blog anymore. It is a consequence that I have foreseen and planned for. I just hope that you know that I am still the same person inside – young and figuring out my path in life, and trying to do the best I can by all standards.
Green Pesto Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
The Soup
- 1 Small White Onion chopped
- 2 Cups Zucchini about one med. zucchini, chopped
- 2-3 Large Stalks Celery chopped
- Olive Oil for sautéing
- 4 Cups Vegetable Stock
- 2 Cups Water
- 1/4 Tsp Coriander
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- 4 Cups Cooked Pasta
The Pesto
- 1/3 Cup Cilantro
- 1/3 Cup Parsley
- 1/3 Cup Basil
- 3 Spring Onions
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by prepping the vegetables – chop the onion, zucchini, and celery.
- Bring a pot to medium heat with a little olive oil. Add chopped vegetables and sauté for 5-10 minutes, or until onions are translucent.
- Add in vegetable stock, water, coriander, and salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Then make the pesto – add all pesto ingredients into a food processor and process until everything is smooth. Or, for a chunkier pesto, process for less time. Add pesto to soup and stir well.
- Finally, add in cooked pasta – I used farfalle. If pasta isn’t your jam, feel free to add to add 2-3 cups cooked rice or any other grain, like millet or quinoa.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh herbs (if desired).
- Enjoy!
P.S.
I would like to say a very special thank you to my friend Sophie, who helped me through this experience. Sophie, you don’t know how much your support meant to me during a time when I was doubting myself. Infinite thanks for patiently listening to my concerns, reading over my post, and talking me through this difficult time. You are wonderful, and I’m lucky to be able to call you a friend.
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