I have always had issues surrounding diet and nutrition; struggling with bulimia, and using fad diets to achieve short-term success. In late 2011, I had finally had enough and desperately needed to make a change. After reading The China Study and watching several documentaries including, FORKS OVER KNIVES, I transitioned to a plant-based diet. I know I am doing the best thing for my body – not to mention environmental and ethical issues. I have compassion for animals and am now an advocate for vegan and cruelty-free living in all areas. It is wrong to inflict unnecessary suffering and death on animals and it is 100% possible to live a full, healthy and strong life without harming other living things. There is no need to take beautiful things from the world in order to improve ourselves.

My transition to a plant-based diet was relatively simple. I was (and continue to be) on a path to live as healthy as possible. Since becoming vegan and training regularly, I have lost over 130 pounds. At the beginning of my weight loss journey, I learned there was room for improvement in terms of what foods I was putting into my body. I continued to learn as much as possible and wanted to implement as many positive changes as I could. I believe in making small changes over time to ensure sustainability and success in a lifestyle change.

I would like to participate in more animal rights activities. Last spring at Beyond FIT, we hosted a benefit fundraiser for Kate to the Rescue (http://www.katetotherescue.org/), a local Austin organization specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of stray dogs and cats. Camp FIT participants brought donations for Kate and the cause, hung out with the dogs and It would be great to fundraise for specific organizations again in the future.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is a very well-known organization. Some people criticize them, but I think the more ways we can make people aware of animal cruelty, the better. They are a large, well-known organization full of resources and with great opportunities for community outreach. Mercy for Animals is my favorite organization. They run many campaigns educating the public on animal protection issues in addition to urging them to adopt a vegan diet. The undercover investigations they run are really eye opening. People are often shocked about the cruelty animals face in slaughterhouses or on egg farms. I am especially interested in helping raise awareness about the cruelty animals face when used for entertainment, i.e., horse racing, circus, rodeo acts.

Whenever I meet someone who is considering going vegan I think: What are you waiting for?! Try it (you’ll like it)! Surround yourself with like-minded, positive and driven people. You will feed off of and help foster a community of action and success. As far as specific nutrition goes, I always encourage other to begin by adding in a smoothie every day. Over time, the body will adjust to all of the delicious nutrients you are fueling with and you will no longer crave junk filled with sugar, salt and oil. Eventually, all of your meals will be plant-based (limit that vegan junk!) and you will feel and look the best you ever have.

Although I do not have any specific experiences in saving an animal, I have always had a great respect and love for animals. They are beautiful creatures and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.