Elder Muse/Day 10: Our Choices Matter – Eating for Tomorrow

Blue Ridge Mountains, N. Carolina/Photography by Gaye Abbott

Being nature based since I was a small child I innately feel at home when I am surrounded by nature continually seeking out those sanctuaries to live, work and play in.

For the first half of my life it was living very close to the ocean and beaches. Now in the elder years I live in a gorgeous tree and wildlife filled temperate rain forest area in the Blue Ridge Mountains with plenty of water. Yet know that it is as fragile an ecosystem as any these days with the unbalanced and out of harmony choices humans are making globally and economically.

In a time when it might feel as if we can have very little positive impact on the plight that is facing us ecologically and environmentally we can actually make a difference through what we eat on a daily basis.

A year ago now I created an experiment to eat all plant based on three factors. First of all the trigger – I was tired of listening to myself say “I could never be vegan” (translated to “I could never give up cheese!”) I have learned over the years to never say never to myself as this science and earth based woman will turn right around and challenge herself. Besides I found cashew cheese to be amazing!

In addition to that challenge my blood pressure had risen, a blood test showed high cholesterol and LDL (bad fat), and I had gained a few more pounds than I would like. Though I have a completely organic diet and was 80% plant based anyway I decided to go cold turkey (no pun intended) and dive into eating 100% plant based eliminating dairy, eggs, a very small amount of occasional chicken, turkey and weekly fish.

Having a science and integrative health background this experiment was structured strictly vegan – no cheating – for six months. During that time, inspired by the Food Revolution Network, I found I loved exploring, cooking and eating all of the delicious vegan recipes , lost 20 pounds without any effort, and there even was a 20 point decrease in both LDL and cholesterol. Best of all I had more energy for life!

Beyond the health benefits of a plant based diet I became even more aware that the diet choices I made each day would affect not only my body and well being, but that of our planet’s sustainability and collective choices. A even deeper compassion for animals emerged as well.

I invite you to watch the film “Eating For Tomorrow” by clicking on the link below. It has many heart breaking scenes and science based facts in it, much I knew but did not know the full extent of. It is an environmental film about solutions and has won a great deal of recognition. Please pass it on if you are so moved to do so!

Keep in mind as you watch that there are powerful positive efforts being taken by many, including indigenous communities in many countries, on behalf of our planet that was not shown in this film.

Most importantly keep in your heart and mind that we have the power to leave a sustainable planet for generations to come simply through our dietary choices!

Click HERE to watch your free screening of Eating For Tomorrow now. TIME SENSITIVE FOR VIEWING!

An Environmental Film About Solutions

---

31 days of Daily Elder Muse blog posts accessed from the unfolding of the day – not planned or scheduled. Yes, the Muse is back again during this powerful and challenging shift time on our planet. May these words, stories and images assist you to remember who you are….and how you can be of service.

I have no idea what will arise…..but then do we really know ahead of time what our moment to moment daily experience will be? We are only asked to pay attention and attend with open artistry. ~Gaye Abbott

If you don’t want to miss future posts simply sign up for the blog here: https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/

Please note that all blog posts can be seen on the HOME page by clicking on the Blog Archives tab.

Gaye Abbott, Wildly Free Elder, 07/24/24