🌱 Pros and Cons of a Plant-Based Lifestyle: My 10-Year Journey as a Vegetarian
Ten years ago, I decided to switch to a plant-based lifestyle. It began when I learned how even some beloved companion animals are subjected to heartbreaking exploitation. Since then, I’ve lived as a vegetarian, and honestly — it’s not that hard.
Here’s my take on the vegetarian pros and cons, and the surprises along the way.
💛🐱 The Perks of Living Plant-Based
- Shelf-Life Superstars Plant-based proteins like nuts and soy meat last longer — perfect for simplifying pantry management.
- Quick & Safe Meals Veggie burgers cook fast, and there’s no stress about food poisoning from undercooked meat.
- Simplified Decisions Fewer vegan options mean fewer choices — and less time battling decision fatigue. 🛒
- Nutrient Powerhouses Nuts deliver protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats — all in one bite.
- Superfoods Fruits and veggies dominate the superfood charts. 🍓🥬 Many experts suggest it’s more effective to get vitamins from food than supplements.
- Taste Upgrades You’ll start craving crisp apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jazz!) over cookies. A fresh tomato sandwich never disappoints. 🥪🍎
- Natural Focus Boosters Mushrooms help me concentrate for hours, and walnuts are my go-to brain snack. 💡
- Travel Perks On airplanes, “special” meals often arrive first. A small win, but satisfying.
- Friendship Filters People’s reactions reveal who truly supports your lifestyle.
- Unexpected Bonus Fewer mosquito bites since cutting animal products? Possibly weird — definitely welcome.
📝 Not-So-Fun Facts About Going Plant-Based
- Bugged by Greens Leafy vegetables often come with tiny insect stowaways. Annoying, but manageable.
- Carb Overload When vegan options are limited, carbs become the fallback — not always ideal.
- Herbal Surprises Lavender in my skincare and scents triggered allergies. Natural isn’t always safe.
- Skincare Struggles Vegan skincare struggles are real. Cruelty-free doesn’t mean irritation-free, and “natural” products can grow bacteria without preservatives.
- Sticker Shock Vegan products often carry a higher price tag, despite their sustainable image.
- Radical Associations Veganism is sometimes unfairly linked to extreme activism — not always a flattering stereotype.
- Social Misjudgment Despite our supposedly inclusive society, people still react with confusion or judgment.
🐰🌎 My Final Thoughts on Choosing Plants
Overall, I’d recommend trying a plant-based lifestyle — even if you’re not doing it for health, the planet, or ethics. As being a low-maintenance person, I find this choice saves time because there are fewer options to consider. And it feels good not to have to harm animals and the planet to enjoy life.
Living this way feels lighter, more intentional — and unexpectedly more delicious.