The KInd Life Community Forum

Hey Everyone! I'm Tracie. I'm 31, from NJ, and have been vegan a little less than a year and a half. Just finished reading Alicia's book last night and loved it!

In May 2008, I had my "lightbulb moment". I went to the Farm Sanctuary Gala in NY and the events that happened that night, and the people I met, finally turned it on. Two weeks later, after reading "Skinny Bitch" and doing a ton of research on health/nutrition, I decided to go vegan and haven't looked back. It was definitely the best decision that I have ever made.

I'm vegan for two reasons: animals and health. I feel that not only is it important to be compassionate and help the animals but I also feel that we should focus on helping each other. The obesity problem in the US is getting out of control and something really needs to be done. It seems that all these large corporations (and the government) are just contributing to the problem and doing nothing to help, so that's why we have to do it ourselves. Time and time again, it's been proven that a well balanced vegetarian diet can help with so many health related issues and we need to figure out how to spread that message too.

I've been overweight my entire life, and I tried a bunch of different diets that never worked, so I chalked it up to bad genes or big bones. Then I changed my lifestyle and went vegan. I never counted calories or exercised much (the only thing I did do was watch my portion sizes and give up soda) but I wound up losing 70lbs in a year and I'm finally happy and for the first time in my life, like person that I am.

Now I volunteer for Farm Sanctuary and Woodstock Farm Sanctuary events (I'll be at both Thanksgiving events!) and bake/cook vegan food for my non-vegan friends to show them how yummy it can be - and they love it. While they may not all become vegetarians, at least they're willing to try new things and learning that being vegan is easier than they think!

I am also 31 from NJ. I live in Ringwood. I am completely commited to the transition but not 100% smart about knowing how much to eat to meet my nutritional needs vitamin and mineral wise. I am not concerned with protein though. I do know that much! lol

I want to be your story! I would love to hear more about it!

Hello Everyone,

My name is April, I am 27 years old and live in NJ as well. I just finished The Kind Life and am really excited to begin a new lifestyle. I have been "flirting" with it for a few months but now I am ready to start moving towards superhero. I have never been a huge meat eater however I do consume lots of dairy products. That will be my hardest challenge but after reading about the reality of it in the book, it will assist me greatly in remembering all that is unkind about those products. Glad to have this outlet to share my experiences and gain knowledge from people all over the web!

YaY! See Jersey girls CAN be kind! heh heh!

April & Bonny: I put together a bunch of information for a friend of mine who just recently decided to become vegetarian, so it may be helpful for you guys.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dg7k5jxd_96cnjtz5d8