EPISODE 025: How to Live a More Fulfilling Life - The Impact of Veganism and Compassion with Denise Brown
“The most important thing to me is love.” That’s the crux of this week’s episode with Denise Brown, expert and public speaker on the impact and benefits of plant-based diets.
In this candid conversation, Denise details everything from how a tough childhood shaped her parenting and partner style today that’s centered around compassion to the emotions and physical changes she went through when transitioning to a plant-based diet.
Related: Leaving a Toxic Relationship and the Metamorphosis that Came Afterwards
Denise weaves personal stories of her own journey through vegetarianism and veganism in with facts about how a plant-based diet can be life changing. Listen in not only to learn about how Denise raises her son as a vegan too, but to hear facts about how reducing animal product intake helps our own health, the environment, and the lives of others.
Plus, this episode is full of inspiration for taking a leap of faith to change your life to more closely align with what you truly believe and hope for - fulfillment and love.
LISTEN
HIGHLIGHTS
How Denise approaches difficult situations through love.
Denise tells us her life story, including difficulties during childhood including abuse.
Walking on eggshells.
What contributes to being a care giver.
How needing to provide for her son led to a corporate career.
Support systems.
How childhood abuse shapes a person being a parent and partner.
Remembering the past to do better.
Setting an example.
How a vegan lifestyle is about being committed to not harming others.
Why to go vegan (plant-based).
Raising children as vegetarians.
What is the difference between a vegan lifestyle and a plant-based diet.
Are vegans healthy?
The misconceptions surrounding veganism and plant-based diets.
The definition of a plant-based diet, including eliminating processed foods.
How a plant-based diet was introduced to Denise.
What made Denise decide to not be a vet.
When the questions started that prompted the change.
Making the decision to go vegetarian.
What emotions come up when switching to vegetarianism and veganism.
What physical changes come up when switching to vegetarianism and veganism.
One of the biggest regrets Denise has about the transition to veganism.
The deeper connection that evolved with life outside of herself once Denise made the transition to veganism.
The benefits of a plant-based diet.
A lot of the top diseases we have in our country go back to our diets.
How animal agriculture contributes to serious threats such as climate change and ocean pollution.
What modern farming is like today.
The answer to some societal issues.
The abundant plant-based options available today.
Being aware of your options.
An example of how becoming healthier helps you make better decisions about the environment.
The social impact of a plant-based diet.
How to support children through having a plant-based diet.
Dealing with isolation.
Making connections.
Plants have protein.
How to get enough protein on a plant-based diet.
How to leave the corporate world for a more compassionate lifestyle.
Taking a leap of faith.
Having life-changing hobbies in line with your truth.
Actionable tips for how to transition to veganism, if desired.
TAKE AWAYS
If you don’t want to transition to a plant-based diet, merely cutting your intake of animal products makes a difference to the environment.
When supporting a child, tween, or teen through maintaining a vegan lifestyle or plant-based diet, give them tools to get through social situations with little pressure while still allowing them to bond with their peers:
Discuss and work through possible social situations to help them know what to say when other children ask them if they want to eat the mainstream diet. This helps with the need to fit in.
Ensure your child has food available at the events where vegetarian or vegan options won’t be available.
Regularly check in with your child to see how he or she is feeling about the lifestyle choice.
On dealing with social isolation, eat beforehand or look at menu ahead of time to know your options when going to a social setting.
CONTACT DENISE
Find her on Facebook.
ALL THE COOL STUFF DENISE MENTIONS
Updated on August 31, 2021 - the Mewsick City Cafe mentioned in this episode is no longer available.
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Cowspiracy: the Sustainability Secret on Netflix
