Lydia Miller, age 54, is a wife, mom of three boys and owner of Pebble Cove Inn and Rescue Farm on Orcas Island, Washington. I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Lydia to learn more about her journey to veganism and adding a farm sanctuary to Pebble Cove.
When did you adopt a plant-based vegan diet and why did you make the change?
I was vegetarian for several years and adopted a plant-based vegan diet in 2013. I made the connection with the cheese and yogurt I had been consuming with the cruelty of factory farming in the dairy industry. I looked more deeply within myself and decided I did not want to be a part of contributing to the pain and suffering of animals. During that time, I also went to Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was a 3-week transformation program. It was life-changing in terms of nutrition and health education and the benefits of a whole-food plant-based diet.
When I think about it today, I untangled the knot – I know eating plants is good for me; I know eating animals harms them and is not good for the planet. Our food choices coalesce with whatever values we have – the diet we choose aligns – it completely connects. It was like a light switch was turned on. All of a sudden it made sense to me that the idea of loving my dog, but not eating my dog can be applied to other animals. There is no difference between a dog, cow, pig, etc.
What barriers or challenges did you face when you adopted a plant-based vegan diet and how did you overcome them?
Cheese and yogurt were the last things I gave up – it was a switch. Sometimes it was difficult going to dinner at people’s homes. Some people didn’t understand the difference between vegetarian and vegan. So I always have healthy plant-based foods with me. I never go to someone’s house hungry and I always bring a delicious plant-based meal to share with others. It’s not hard. In fact, its so much fun. When I travel, I use the Happy Cow app and find new places. The vegan restaurants I discover often have information about fun stuff going on in the area. It’s great!
What surprised you the most about adopting a plant-based vegan diet?
What surprised me the most was how easy it was to make the change. I don’t have a history of health problems, but I also knew it was the most powerful thing I could do to stay healthy.
I know you’ve described yourself as a former runner. How do you approach physical activity today?
My physical activity is mainly walking and stretching. Also, my job as an innkeeper requires me to move a lot – so I don’t sit at a desk. My favorite thing to do is walk and listen to vegan podcasts. My favorite podcasts are: the VeganAri Show, Main Street Vegan, and Eat for the Planet.
How did your family react to your decision to go plant-based vegan?
What was great was my husband John changed too! Making this change together connected us to a fundamental value we both share. I have one son who is vegan and two who are not, but I know this is an evolution.
I grew up attending different animal rights protests with my mom. I recall going to the university and being involved with an anti-vivisection protest, but then going out for hamburgers afterwards. Looking back on that time, there was a cognitive dissonance with our beliefs and actions. However, once you make the connection, you feel so at ease. There’s so much I’m trying to figure out – how to be a good parent, wife – but being vegan is the one thing in my life that gives me ease. It’s egosyntonic or completely aligned with my values. It has also helped me feel like I’m taking control.
I’m not a religious or even spiritual person, but being vegan has made me feel connected to people who feel the same way – in trying to lead a kind life.
Tell me more about your inn and farm rescue.
Pebble Cove is a waterfront pet-friendly inn and farm on Orcas Island in Washington State. People can bring their own food, but the food we offer is all vegan. Also, we started rescuing farm animals. We have horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, goats. We rescued two pigs and they’ve become pets for guests to interact with. When you pet them, they roll over on their back – they are so affectionate. I think giving people the opportunity to interact with these animals can help people make the connection between the bacon they may eat and this affectionate animal.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to move towards a plant-based vegan diet?
I always recommend people watch What the Health. Get the Happy Cow app to discover new places, especially when traveling. The time to go vegan is great! There are so many great cheeses and coconut yogurts, and meat substitute products. I recommend going to Whole Foods Market and buy a bunch of different vegan items like Ben & Jerry’s vegan ice creams, burgers, and cheeses. You will quickly realize that you’re not giving up anything when you go out and try these products. Its so much more than brown rice and tofu.
Book a room, suite or cottage at the pet-friendly Pebble Cove Farm on beautiful Orcas Island, Washington.