The Kind Diet

I was alerted to a new book, The Kind Diet, by Alicia Silverstone recently by a friend. She knows I'm a vegan and thought I might be interested in this new book. Right she was, thanks Jess! I inhale books about veganism and healthy eating and things of that nature. One of the reasons I read these types of books is because sometimes life gets a bit harried and messy and I lose my way and I want the reminders of why I choose this lifestyle.

Our culture is surrounded by shiny advertisements for foods that are unhealthy to our environment, our bodies and our children. Everywhere I look is a reminder of what I gave up but that reminder of why is something I have to keep on the forefront of my mind. It's so, so easy to fall back into the old habits, the easy way, the comfortable way. My lifestyle isn't always the easiest or the most comfortable for those around me but it's right for me and I feel better about my short time on this Earth.

I'm not a quote person, I don't remember things that were said or written very often. I don't often read things in books or magazines or on the Internet that I feel compelled to etch into my memory, I just don't work that way. I need to hold a memory in my hand or feel it brush up against me to be reminded. I need to smell a memory or see a monumental thing to hold it close to my heart. It's my way. But I read a paragraph in this book that really spoke to me, so much so that I actually re-wrote it down to remember it:

Being a superhero is really about trusting nature, which is magical and transformative. You are healthier, more powerful, and more intuitive than you know, but lousy foods have kept you stuck and weak. By embracing all the superhero foods and letting go of everything that holds you back, you allow nature to scrub you clean to reveal your natural superpowers.

When I read this I had no idea what the term "superhero" or "superhero foods" were but I assumed they were whole, natural, organic, good-for-you foods (I was right). I struggle by letting things hold me back and not letting my inner intuition take over. I often sabotage myself so often in many aspect of my life (don't a lot of women?). Especially in the eating well category. Sure I don't eat meat or dairy anymore but I sure was not feeding myself "superhero" foods on a regular enough basis. I have been deeply inspired.

I want those superpowers to take over and make me a better person. When I feel good about myself I treat others well and when others feel they are valued and loved than they pass it along. It's a giant snowball effect that starts with me. Eating well and really, truly taking care of myself is so much more than what I eat at each meal but it's something I have to do to survive. I have to feed myself and I choose to heal myself from the inside out. It's the logical thing, to me, to do.

Comments

[Holly]

I love this and totally relate since I am seriously contemplating going vegan for the health benefits. I think that you can't read books like The China Study and not feel like the foods you put in your body really determine your long term health. But it is a hard commitment, and it is easy to sabotage yourself. I commend you for the commitment you've made, and love to hear about your inspiring tales about raising your children vegan, and about books like this. Good for Alicia Silverstone too!

[TUWABVB]

I mean, what she is saying totally makes sense. I know that - my common sense knows that - but I also know that there is NO way I could incorporate veganism into my household. My husband would sooner starve to death - hmmmmmm.