Being Vegan

More Than Just a Diet: My Journey to Plant-Based Strength

Veganism is often discussed in headlines, but at its core, it is a deeply personal lifestyle choice centered on health, the planet, and animal welfare. For me, however, it didn’t start as a grand philosophical statement. It started because I simply didn't feel good.

The Turning Point

My journey began with a realization: the food I was eating was making me feel bloated and lethargic.

I am part of the Jain community in India, which has practiced vegetarianism since its inception. I was already vegetarian but was also slightly overweight and generally felt uncomfortable in my own body. I needed an intervention.

The "No-Dairy" Experiment

On a whim, I decided to eliminate dairy. My logic was simple: most of the sugary desserts and sweets I loved contained dairy. If I cut the dairy, I’d automatically cut the sugar.

It worked, but it wasn't easy.

• The Protein Challenge: Giving up Cottage Cheese (paneer) was tough. As a vegetarian, paneer was my go-to protein source, packed with casein (a slow-digesting protein) that kept me feeling full.

• The Cultural Habit: The hardest goodbye was buttermilk. In my household, we drank it after every meal as a digestive aid. This was scientifically sound, as the lactic acid neutralized stomach acid and supported a healthy gut microbiome.

Despite these hurdles, I committed to the change.

Defining the Lifestyle

While my entry point was health, I soon embraced the broader definition of Veganism: a philosophy seeking to exclude animal exploitation for food, clothing, or any other purpose.

It is a two-pronged approach:

1. Diet: A strictly plant-based intake (no meat, dairy, eggs, or honey).

2. Lifestyle: Avoiding animal-derived products in fashion (leather, wool) and household items.

   
   

People adopt this for ethics, environmental concerns regarding greenhouse gases, or health reasons. For me, it became a blend of all three.

The Big Question: "Where do you get your protein?"

As a health coach and a vegan, this is the question I am asked most often. It can be baffling because the answer is simple: All protein originates from plants.

I currently weigh 70 kg and aim for approximately 1.2 grams of protein per kilo of body weight. I strength train every single day with a focus on maintaining muscle mass, and I have never experienced a protein deficiency.

Here is exactly what a typical 80g protein day looks like for me, derived entirely from plants:

Meal	Source	Protein Amount
Pre-Breakfast	Plant-based Pea & Rice Protein Powder	25 g
Breakfast	Bowl of Hummus / Beans	10 g
Breakfast (Add-on)	Other breakfast foods	5 g
Lunch	Big bowl of Dal / Lentils	10 g
Lunch (Side)	Lentil Rotis	10 g
Snack	Nuts & Seeds	10 g
Dinner	Dal Chilla & Veggies	10 g
Total		80 g

The Takeaway

My primary sources of nutrition are lentils and legumes, nuts and seeds balanced by fruits and vegetables with very little grains. While some might consider my protein intake on the lower side compared to aggressive bodybuilding standards, it is perfectly sufficient for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Finding Your Own Path

Ultimately, this is just my personal story. It is about eating in a way that works for me.

I am not here to promote veganism as a universal rule or to preach a specific lifestyle. I am simply sharing the interventions that helped me feel better in my body.

Every person is different. Listen to your body, experiment, and find the fuel that makes you feel your best. You do you.