You went plant based before your husband. How did you make that work? Did you prepare two sets of meals?
Initially, I would occasionally make omelets for my husband. However, as I got more involved with not only plant-based eating for my health, but also the ethics of eating animals, he did as well. He understood my reluctance to cook animals and began to eat only plant-based at home, enjoying his omelets and other animal food at restaurants only. He became totally plant-based on his 73rd birthday, nearly two years ago and hasn’t looked back. He has lost about 25 pounds, his blood work is excellent and he feels so much better.
What surprised you most about adopting a plant-based diet?
Without questions, how much of my inner ‘cook’ was released. When I decided to create a blog about this journey, I never realized how much fun and excitement it would generate. Not only am I always on the lookout for new plant-based recipes but also taking ‘regular’ recipes and adjusting them to be plant-based. While I do not create or develop recipes, I find that the plethora of wonderful plant-based meals is astounding! So much to explore!
What do you find most difficult or challenging about following a plant-based diet?
The most difficult part of being plant-based is finding restaurants that have good plant-based options. Things are getting better as plant-based eating becomes more prevalent, but we have yet to birth a totally plant-based (or even vegetarian) restaurant here in the Jackson Mississippi area that is creative with entrées and desserts and is open for evening meals. We are thinking in terms of restaurants like Plant and Laughing Seed in Asheville, North Carolina. They incorporate plant-based alternatives into absolutely delicious entrées, including some raw options. The most challenging part of being plant-based is overcoming the prevailing concept that all ‘we’ eat are sticks and seeds. Folks are not willing to try plant-based eating for fear of not being able to find anything they like. It becomes a matter of telling folks, “Look, it’s not about what your can’t have, it’s what you can and how GOOD it can be!”
What does your typical week look like in terms of physical activity? What do you do and for how long?
As a cancer survivor and senior citizen approaching my 72nd birthday, maintaining health and strength is a priority. I have always been active but now physical fitness is an imperative. Time at gym is a critical part of nearly every day. I participate in Body Pump (weights and strength training), Combat (a kickboxing class), Core Strengthening (CRX), Yoga, and the treadmill/elliptical at least 5 days a week for about 90 minutes a day. Taking a few days off help with injury prevention.
Check out Janne’s blog, The Elf in the Kitchen
