One Year of Vegan Bliss: A Personal Reflection and Why 2025 Should Be Your Year to Go Plant-Based

Over a year ago, I made a decision that would change my life. One that, at the time, I wasn't sure I was ready for but took anyway. I went fully plant-based vegan. Today, as I celebrate this one-year milestone, I find myself reflecting on how much my body, mind, and soul have flourished since then. The shift wasn't just about food, it was about embracing a new lifestyle, one that aligned with my values and to no surprise, has made me feel better than I ever imagined. I know some of you reading this might still be skeptical about making the switch. Maybe you love your cheeseburgers, your steak, or the simple comfort of a warm chicken meal. Maybe you are thinking, what's so great about going plant-based vegan?

1. No Sick Days: A Year of Feeling Strong and Healthy

Before going plant-based, I had my fair share of colds and flu. I felt like every few months, I was down for the count. But now? Not a single sick day in an entire year. I can't remember the last time I woke up feeling run down or had to cancel plans because of a cold. My immune system feels invincible, strong, resilient, and ready for whatever life throws my way. I've heard that a plant-based diet can work wonders for boosting immunity, and I'm living proof of that.

2. Mood Lifting: The Joy of Feeling Good

Something I wasn't expecting from going plant-based was how much better I felt emotionally. I used to have days where I'd wake up feeling off, stressed, or even just a little blah. Since cutting out animal products, those days are fewer and farther between. I wake up feeling lighter, mentally and emotionally, and even when stress comes, I seem to handle it more gracefully. There's an undeniable sense of calm that's accompanied by this new way of eating. It's like my brain is finally getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. There's real science behind this also. Plant-based diets, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, are linked to improved mood and mental clarity. I can feel that benefit every single day.

3. Killing It in the Gym (No Energy Slumps)

I'm still crushing my workouts. I thought I'd lose strength or my energy would dip without meat, but it's actually the opposite.

I feel more energized in the gym, pushing myself harder, and recovering faster. Protein? No problem. Between legumes, tofu, quinoa, and leafy greens, my muscles are thriving and I've even hit personal bests since switching. What I didn't expect was the feeling of endurance. I have more stamina during my workouts and throughout the day in general. It's a game changer when it comes to feeling alive and present in everything I do.

4. Cravings? Not Really, Well Almost

Now, let's talk about cravings. The big one. The thing I thought would be the hardest to kick, meat. If you'd told me a year ago I'd go a full 365 days plus without craving bacon or steak, I probably would have laughed. But here's the truth: I don't crave meat anymore. At all. Except for that one time. About 6 months ago, I had a brief moment where I thought about buffalo chicken wings. It lasted for about an hour. I Googled “vegan buffalo wings” and found the most amazing cauliflower recipe that completely satisfied me. And that was it, the craving faded away.

So if you're thinking about going plant-based and wondering if you'll ever crave meat, my advice is to not be afraid of those feelings when they pop up. They’ll pass. And trust me, the plant-based alternatives are getting so good, you might actually prefer them over the real thing. I know I do!

So You’re Thinking About Going Plant-Based: Here's How to Start

I know it's a big decision, and jumping into a new lifestyle can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, you don't have to go cold-turkey (pun intended) right away. Here are some tips to make your transition to plant-based living smooth and sustainable:

1.Take Baby Steps: Start with Meatless Mondays

You don’t have to go 100% plant-based overnight. Taking it one step at a time is a great way to start. A simple way to ease into it is by dedicating one day a week to plant-based eating like Meatless Mondays. Try making easy and delicious meals like a chickpea salad, pasta with marinara and veggies, or a hearty lentil soup. There’s no pressure to be perfect; it’s all about experimenting and discovering what you enjoy. To make it even easier, Vegan Orgasms shares fresh, delicious recipes almost every week on Instagram and Facebook, so you'll never run out of inspiration. You might be surprised at how satisfying and flavorful plant-based meals can be and how quickly you’ll look forward to your next Meatless Monday.

2.Swap Your Dairy for Plant-Based Alternatives

Dairy is usually the hardest thing for people to give up. It was cheese and butter for me. But nowadays, there are amazing plant-based milk options (almond, oat, cashew, you name it) and dairy-free cheeses that actually taste incredible. Even ice cream has come a long way. If you find yourself missing cheese, try nutritional yeast (it has a cheesy, savory flavor) or explore cashew-based cheese options. The alternatives are there, and once you find what you like it becomes second nature.

3. Focus on Whole Foods, Not Processed Vegan Junk

It's tempting to grab pre-packed vegan “junk food”, and while it's fine to indulge now and then, the real magic happens when you focus on whole, plant-based foods. Think fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain, legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods are packed with nutrients that fuel your body, help digestion, and keep you feeling energized. Not only that, but they’ll help keep you full for longer periods, reducing the temptation to snack on junk.

4. Learn New Recipes and Keep it Simple

You don't have to spend hours in the kitchen making fancy dishes (unless you want to). Start by keeping your meals simple. A grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies and tahini dressing is easy to throw together. So is a simple stir-fry with tofu and your favorite vegetables. Pinterest and Instagram are full of quick, easy, and flavorful vegan recipes, if I can make them, so can you!

5. Don't Stress Over Mistakes

If you slip up and eat something non-vegan, it's okay. Perfection isn't the goal. The goal is progress.

The more plant-based meals you add to your life, the better you'll feel, and the less you'll miss the animal products. Be kind to yourself and remember that every little step you take is a win.

Why You Should Make 2025 the Year You Go Plant-Based

2024 was transformative for me and I believe 2025 can be for you. The benefits I've seen, better health, mood, energy, and the fact that I haven't gotten sick once, are enough to keep me committed to this lifestyle. But the real secret is this: I feel more in tune with myself, and with the world around me. There's something deeply fulfilling about making conscious choices that benefit not just my body, but also the planet and the animals.

So, why not make 2025 the year you try something new? It doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can start small, and see where it takes you. Whether you go full vegan or just cut back on animal products, every positive change you make counts. If I can do it, so can you!

Ready to take the leap?