On Christmas Day 2015, a single decision shaped the course of Danette’s life. “I told myself if I can make it through Christmas Day without any of the usual treats, I can do it for life. I knew that if I was successful then it would be much easier for me to commit long-term and it was true. Since then, I have been living a strictly vegan lifestyle while making sure I still enjoy eating,” she said.
One of the most exciting missions in Danette’s journey is her recent involvement in Veganuary, the global movement encouraging people to try veganism for the month of January. This grassroots initiative which began in 2014 advocates for and supports people and businesses alike to move to a plant-based diet as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering and ultimately improving the health of millions of people. But truthfully, for Danette, the hope is not just about trying veganism for a month but more about opening people’s eyes to the possibility of a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle.
“Almost every week we hear cries from family members of those suffering with non-communicable diseases and we see the statistics for our very small island. So I think Veganuary is an excellent entry point. On the other hand, I know that a lot of people get overwhelmed by the idea of making a huge life change. However, Veganuary is for 31 days and is basically a low-pressure way to see if the lifestyle works for you.” (DT)
Read more about Danette’s vegan journey in this month’s Better Health. Subscribe at www.nationnews.com or get your copy wherever Nation newspapers are sold.
