Why I Choose a Plant-Based Diet🌱
Let me start by saying: this is a very personal choice. I’m not here to give you medical or nutritional advice - I’m simply sharing my perspective and what’s felt right for me.
Over time, I’ve learned that what we eat is about so much more than calories or convenience. It’s about alignment - with our values, our planet, and our wellbeing. Here’s a look at my whys behind choosing a mostly plant-based lifestyle:
🐮 Animal Welfare
I love animals — deeply. Roadkill? Heartbreak. Livestock transports? Tears. Wildlife documentaries? I’m the one covering my eyes.
That compassion is what first opened my eyes to where most animal products actually come from. Factory farming [the system responsible for producing the majority of meat, eggs, and dairy on grocery store shelves] often involves animals living in cramped, inhumane conditions, unable to roam or express natural behaviors. To keep them alive in these stressful environments, they’re routinely dosed with antibiotics.
Of course, there are smaller, more ethical farms that do things differently, and I deeply respect those who make thoughtful choices to support them. But for me, once I understood the scale and suffering behind industrial animal agriculture, it became impossible to ignore, so I chose to not support it.
🌎 Environmental Impact
As a global society, we eat a lot of meat + it’s one of the biggest drivers of our changing climate. Animal agriculture is responsible for an estimated 15–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions [with beef being the biggest culprit*]. Yet it’s rarely part of the mainstream climate conversation.
Here are just a few of the ripple effects:
Deforestation: Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation worldwide. Forests are cleared to make room for grazing land or to grow feed crops like soy and corn - often in beautiful, biodiverse regions like the Amazon. This not only drives habitat and species loss but also releases massive amounts of stored CO₂ into the atmosphere.
Water pollution: Manure runoff from large-scale farms contaminates nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater [yuck].
Air pollution: Ammonia and methane from livestock waste contribute to smog, acid rain, and global warming.
Land use: Half(!!) of the world’s habitable land* is used for agriculture - and most of that is dedicated to feeding livestock rather than people directly.
When I realized that shifting even part of my diet toward plants could meaningfully reduce my carbon footprint, it felt like a tangible way to align my daily habits with my environmental values.
💪 Health & Energy
While my initial motivation was rooted in compassion and sustainability, the health benefits have been a sweet bonus. Since transitioning to a plant-based diet, I’ve noticed I have more consistent energy, clearer skin, and improved digestion. Yes, I have to be intentional about my protein intake and I do supplement iron, but my HDL cholesterol (the happy one!) is through the roof + my overall bloodwork looks better than ever.
Research continues to show that balanced plant-based diets can help lower the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, plants are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that support long-term health - all without the excess saturated fats common in animal products.
🌿 Progress, Not Perfection
This isn’t about labels or being “all or nothing.” I still enjoy flexibility when I travel, share a meal with family, or crave something nostalgic. But most days, I choose plants - because it feels good to know that what’s on my plate reflects what’s in my heart.
If you’re curious about exploring plant-based eating, start small: try one meatless meal a day, swap dairy milk for oat or almond, or build your plate around veggies and grains first. Every choice adds up - for you, for animals, and for the planet.
With less waste and lots of love,
Ali 💚
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