Book

Transformative Power of a Vegan Lifestyle

A little background information

I’m a psychologist, transformational coach, and vegan lifestyle educator. I’m passionate about helping people move toward a plant-powered lifestyle for their own emotional and physical well-being, and to create a more compassionate, healthy, and sustainable world for all. I’m also passionate about empowering vegans, vegetarians, advocates, and healers to thrive emotionally and interpersonally.

I’m conducting research for a book on the emotional, social, and spiritual impacts of living a vegan lifestyle.  While society often views veganism as restrictive, undesirable, and unattainable, the experience of many vegans is one of abundance and fulfillment.  Many vegans describe an inner transformation in mind-body-spirit as they move into a vegan lifestyle.

And at the same time, as our hearts open to greater compassion, there can also be emotional and social challenges that come with being vegans in a non-vegan world.

My hope is that this book will support vegans to live with even more purpose, impact, and fulfillment, and may inspire and empower the veg-curious to step forward on to this compassionate, healthy, and life-affirming path.

Book Overview

Many of us long to experience well-being that allows us to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.  We yearn to live authentically and fully, with a deep sense of purpose, while forging meaningful connections with others.  We desire vibrant health and vitality that enables us to do the activities that give our life meaning.  Scientific studies show that a plant-based (vegan) diet can help to promote physical health, as well as reverse many common chronic diseases.  But what about the impact on emotional and spiritual well-being?

As a psychologist and vegan, I have been fascinated by that very question.   Contrary to the common perception of veganism as restrictive or depriving, my research finds that many vegans describe a greater expansiveness in their food choices, broadening of their perspectives, and enhanced mind-body-spirit well-being.

Through extensive surveys and interviews with vegans, my research identified seven core transformations that create richer, more meaningful, and impactful lives.  These include:

• The peace of aligning behaviors with deeply held values
• Broadening compassion to include all sentient beings
• Sense of purpose in creating a kinder, healthier world
• Connection with others who share similar values
• Greater emotional fulfillment and wellbeing
• Taking charge of health through plant-based nutrition
• Deepening spirituality and interconnectedness with all life

Wherever you are on your own journey – whether you are curious about the benefits of eating more plants, or are already vegan and want to experience greater impact and peace – this book will provide guidance for your path.  From research findings that illuminate the path to wellbeing, to inspiring stories of transformation, to exercises and meditations that support your journey, I hope to offer encouragement for your own compassionate, healthy, and purposeful life.

Research

Surveys were collected from 330+ vegans from April 2021 through April 2022. Follow-up interviews were conducted from September 2021 through September 2022 with 75+ vegans. The focus of the surveys and interviews was to learn more about vegans’ experiences emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually in living a vegan lifestyle. The findings were reviewed to assess core themes that emerged from the surveys and interviews. The book is now in the writing process.

The findings indicate that many vegans report psychological transformation as they embark on a vegan lifestyle, including greater alignment with values, deeper compassion for all beings, a sense of purpose, greater fulfillment, peace, feeling more empowered to take charge of their health, and connecting with a like-hearted tribe. Participants also shared insights about coping with the emotional and social challenges that come with being vegan in a not-yet-vegan world.

Book is anticipated to be published in late 2024.

If you would like to sign up to receive updates on the book (as well as receive my blog and newsletter on thriving with a vegan lifestyle), CLICK HERE.