“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

Having spent most of my life battling, in one way or another, with my relationship with food, I have begun a lifestyle focused on compassion.

While learning to treat myself with tenderness will be an ongoing experience, I have chosen to eliminate most animal products from my diet. My exceptions include bee products as their fertility-friendly, immune boosting, life saving properties are truly magical and while I appreciate the extent of difficulties the honey industry causes for bee populations, my ethically sourced, local products are life changing for me. Paul has opted out of bee products. We have also attempted to limit our use of animal products in our other purchases (clothing, etc.) without completely radicalizing our entire home.

My original movement towards an animal-free lifestyle was based on my hope to eliminate unwanted hormones from my life. Knowing that the amount of meat I was eating and the less than amiable quality of my sources caused my great concern. I was on the verge of committing to buying half a pig from a wonderful farmer in Hanna, AB when my husband came barrelling in exclaiming he could no longer eat meat because it was going to kill him.

After some considerable conversation, diffusing of heightened emotions (Thank you Cowspiracy…) and sincere thought I also admitted that I had toyed with the idea that removing meat was likely easier and more economical than finding properly sourced products.

Paul was much quicker than I to jump to task but since November 9, 2015 I have been eating a animal-free diet.

This has been more beneficial than I could have anticipated with some challenges that I will discuss in future posts!