Everyone is doing it. Did you know that veganism grew over 900% last year? Can Maxim model Renee Somerfield convince you?

Celebs like Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Ariana Grande, Ellen, James Cameron (director of Avatar), Sia, and even Stevie Wonder have adopted a plant-based diet, acting as inspiration to the world and the growing movement as a whole! Source:

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“Becoming vegan has been one of the most positive changes I have ever made in my life. Not only for my passion for animal[s] but for my outlook, mind, body and soul. All the necessary nutrients, proteins, and amino acids for the body’s sustenance can be found in vegetables, grains, nuts and rice milk.” - Sheridyn Fisher (former Maxim model)

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You all know me, (and if you don't you soon will <3) I am a huge fan of my vegan lifestyle (I wouldn't change it for the world!). I love how I feel, love how I look, love what I eat, love what I make... did I say love what I eat yet?

Becoming vegan opened up so many doors for me! I learned to love food in a new way. I began making my own and grew so much creatively from that experience. I became so obsessed with food that I started studying nutrition and coaching others soon after finishing my courses. Nothing makes me happier than when I can share and inspire others, helping them change their lives as well! You know, before changing my own diet, I was lethargic, grumpy, bitchy, lifeless and depressed... so sick that I didn't even want to get out of bed.

That being said, knowing how much positive change I was able to receive and wanting to share that, I also never push or attack others who might not feel the same way I do.

I know we are all different and I know this is a process! We all had our own upbringings, cultural programming, familial expectations and rituals... I totally get it. BUT if you're sitting around on the fence thinking "I wonder how I could TRY to go vegan this year" well, my friends, I am here for all of that!

Example:

I met a guy on the beach on NYE. He was a handsome, fit, successful young business man who lives in Canada doing the regular thing men at his age do, work, eat, go out, sleep, repeat, ya? Well, being the playful gal I am, in my red dress, spreading sprinkles of veganism everywhere I go... as we got to talking, he asked me why I was glowing "WELL OF COURSE IT'S BECAUSE I AM VEGAN", I told him! ;)

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Haopy Vegan New Year! <3

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That guy did not agree for one minute that taking meat off of his plate was a good idea but seeing my excitement and passion, he was intrigued and wanted me to tell him more. Look, I am not the judge of anyone's life, so I simply dared him to give it a try under my direct free coaching. (I will be hosting a contest in the next few weeks where my coaching will be up for grabs as the prize, are you excited? Stay tuned!)

So now, it's a week into January. I have had a few unofficial chats with him and one meal meet up where I chose him something to eat from the menu and on his own he's had more than half of the time without meat. He blames a lot of the other time on his friends for choosing fancy restaurants that enable him to go back to habit so he's committed to being more intentional when he gets back home.

I have him signed up for one of my fitness/nutrition plans to see if he can last a full week on my protein intake watch on a vegan diet! I am really excited about it and will keep you updated!

Now for you all!

So, if you've been with me since before I took my little vacay missing in action act, you'll know that I am usually cooking and creating up a storm of veganised delicacies to share with you! However, this year has been a little bit crazy so I have been taking kind solace in the fact that I live in vegan mecca, Bali where eating a vegan meal is never a problem.

Since I have no recently prepared recipes of my own to give to you just yet (don't worry I promise I will be getting back into it very soon once I settle!) let me share some tips that have helped me immensely on my journey to becoming plant-based.

• #1) Find YOUR cause.

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Not a cause, not everyone else's cause. YOUR CAUSE. I mean what makes you want to do this? Seriously it needs to be emotional and honestly, I don't even care if your reason is because you just want to tell people on IG that you're doing it, if you're doing it, you're doing it and you're getting a high five.

However, I caution. If you're doing it for a superficial reason or as some sort of test to yourself it may not stick so if you're serious about trying to make the switch, it's got to come from a deeper level. At this point, I suggest documentaries on the topic. My favorites are "What the Health" and "Cowspiracy" both by an amazing director whom I have gotten the pleasure of hanging out with here in Bali. I strongly suggest those films. I would also try "Forks Over Knives" which was the first doco I watched on the topic! Once you give some of them a go, you might feel a little bit more push in your passions :)

IG is a great source for inspiration as well! My whole feed is just pictures of insanely delicious food and hot vegans showing it off. It helps, trust me! <3

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• #2) Find a buddy!

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You can get these really cute shirts on Etsy here!

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Oh yes, this is just like going to the gym! We as humans LOVE to eat together so if you have someone who will eat what you're eating with you, you are already half way there. Many of my clients give up because their spouse, partner or friends end up luring them back to old eating habits. It's OK, no one is going to punish you or think poorly of you. Making a change is hard but having a strong, supportive network makes it easier and more fun!

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• #3) Find the foods you already love and either veganise them yourself or get a veganised version!
  
  (This is a veganised version of Philly Cheese Steak I made for a contest a couple of months ago- which surpassed my expectations by light years by the way! It was incredible! There are endless possibilities!)

This part was crucial to me being a food addict. When I was in my weaning off stage (the part where you're eliminating animal products from your life) I craved things that I normally don't even eat like sausage, lasagna, meatballs, meat sticks... and a whole bunch of other crazy things as my emotions stirred from the change in my lifestyle. It's a control measure. Change is hard but change is good. Power through.

In countries like Europe, Canada, Australia, USA etc finding meat substitutes is getting increasingly easier and easier to find. Leonardo DiCaprio put his foot behind the American company Beyond Meat believing plant-based to be our future.

I have been all over the world and if you look, you can always find something to eat. It's putting in the effort that will save the day. When in doubt, take to the internet!

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• #4) Use Apps
  
  Happy Cow's FB Page

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I use apps like Happy Cow and Trip Advisor to find restaurants around me when I am traveling. Happy Cow is great because it gives you choices such as vegan, vegetarian and even stores to choose from then lists them in order of how far away they are from you. No excuses like there were no options... It's just not true these days!

I even use the apps (including google maps) to figure out where the restaurants are before I book a place to stay, that way I know I will be able to get the food I need!

If all else fails, I keep tons of snacks on me whenever I am traveling in case of an emergency.

PS: Airlines offer vegan meals now. You're welcome.

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• #5) Don't Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself!
  
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I will tell you something. The first time I tried to go vegan, I only lasted for about 8 months and then I cracked and convinced myself I could eat eggs and cheese... then my naturopath told me I should try some sustainable, organic meat as well sparingly and so for the next 6 months I would dabble in all of those listed.

I was convinced I was missing something. In my mind I looked at giving up meat as a loss. That was what ended up leading to my failure.

It was my second attempt that I took more seriously, was more prepared for and that stuck and has been giving me incredible success. This time my attitude is what I am gaining: glowing skin, long, healthy hair, energy, drive, gusto, passion, happiness, love... and let me tell you, I am kind of more committed and loyal to those things than a slab of meat on my plate.

I wish I could have posted this for the holidays as I know they can be a tough time of the year with meat being the center of every table but, it's here now and I hope you find these tricks helpful! If you ever want any further advice, I am always available, just leave me a comment and if you want some recipe ideas, scroll down on my page for my original creations.

Happy vegan-uary my friends! May 2018 be the biggest year yet!

You can find out more about the world-scale "Veganuary' movement here!

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Sending you some fruity, nutty, coconut-milky love! A lot of HEART was put into this post for you so if you like it or have any questions please let me know below! I'd love to connect with you as always <3

XO,