This is a question I have to discuss at least once a week – sometimes even daily. And it seems I still haven’t given up on the idea that, instead of repeating the same story for the thousandth time, I can just send people the link to this blog post! So here we go..

I was 14 when my childhood best friend (yes, the one I started diving with as a teen and later did our Divemaster training together in Mexico during COVID) and I decided we would stop eating meat, simply because we loved animals. I vividly remember the moment: we were in a restaurant in Austria with our parents, and the decision was made in the restroom.

Then, as life pulled us in different directions (and I can’t speak for her), my journey with this decision was full of ups and downs. I remember eating meat during more emotionally difficult periods (definitely at university), but honestly, after twenty years, I can’t recall all the details. What I do remember is that, at age 27, I had to break my years-long streak of not eating meat after a long series of medical tests revealed that I had developed intolerances to practically every plant-based protein source.

And I’m not just talking about dairy products (which were also out: lactose and casein intolerance), but also eggs, soy, rice, beans, peas, lentils..basically everything. Except for animal products. On top of that, I became gluten sensitive too. I had done quite a bit of damage to my body over the years, and it finally caught up with me.

I remember how shocking it felt to eat meat again after years..I didn’t remember the taste or texture at all. But I had no choice if I wanted to get my health back on track. Thanks to my then-partner, I consulted several nutrition professionals (especially those experienced in the fitness world) which was still relatively new territory in 2015. That inspired him to start his own business, which he later grew into a franchise by the way.

Eventually, my health and nutrition reached a stable place: so much so that I started rebuilding muscle. The next step was reintroducing a vegetarian diet: only this time, I approached it thoughtfully. I read a lot about how to do it properly and followed the guidance. From there, veganism felt like a smaller step.

In 2021, after moving to Valencia, I watched Seaspiracy (even though I’ve never eaten seafood, I can’t even stand the smell). Though the film is a bit dramatized, it’s very well put together, and it expanded my perspective. My motivation wasn’t just about animals anymore, but environmental concerns also became important. The third factor, my own health, was affected by another childhood friend, a biologist, who had just transitioned to a WFPB (whole food plant-based) diet and backed it up with various studies showing that veganism may be one of the healthiest options available.

Where’s the ultimate truth? Who knows. But I believe in being attuned to our bodies and listening to what they’re telling us. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every type of diet: paleo, keto, zero-carb, Atkins, you name it. I’ve essentially been dieting my whole life. And still, I can honestly say I’ve never felt better than I do as a vegan – especially when I manage to follow a WFPB diet (though it takes a lot of preparation and sacrifice).

That said, when I go home to visit, I sometimes allow myself to eat only vegetarian: mainly to avoid stressing my mom out about what to cook. But let’s be honest..I just really miss cheese.

Since March 1, I’ve been back to a fully vegan lifestyle. It’s been almost four months now, and I feel vibrant and strong.

Everyone has their own path, and that’s how it should be. I’m no longer searching for perfection, only for what feels right for me right now. And right now, that’s veganism. How long will it last? I don’t know. But for now, I’m here, I’m present, and I’m grateful for this body I finally feel good in.