From Meat-Lover to Plant-Based: A Personal Journey to Vibrant Health
Over three decades ago, I decided to shift from a non-vegetarian diet to a vegetarian one. This was a big move, but it was much required to kickstart my journey towards mindful eating. Recently, I took another step forward and went fully plant-based, and the results of becoming vegan have been remarkable!
Just three months in, I’m experiencing a surge in energy and a newfound sense of mental clarity and balance. I feel very strongly that this vegan journey has brought me closer to my body’s needs, allowing me to fuel it in ways that support both my health and fitness goals.
In a short span, this lifestyle change has led me to lose 2 kg and has lightened my whole being—both physically and mentally. Through nourishing foods, regular exercise, and plenty of rest, I’m feeling more grounded and in tune with my health.
Real Transformation Starts in the Kitchen, Not Just the Gym
When it comes to fat loss or building muscle, many people believe it’s all about hitting the gym. And trust me, as a 60-plus woman who regularly works out, people truly believe this is also the secret of my fitness.
But I’ve come to realize that what you eat is the real game-changer. While workouts help build strength and stamina, the true foundation for fat loss and muscle building is laid with thoughtful nutrition.
There are two misconceptions I’ve encountered on this journey:
- Weight and Fat Loss: The journey to fat loss starts with what’s on your plate. Exercise is crucial, but it’s not the magic bullet. True results come from balanced, nutrient-rich meals that support your goals.
- Muscle Development: Lifting weights helps stimulate muscle growth, but the actual muscle-building process occurs during recovery, known as “anabolic recovery.” This requires a diet rich in quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that help muscles repair and grow stronger.
My Plant-Based Diet for Health and Wellness
My vegan diet is grounded in whole, unprocessed foods. Here’s a snapshot of my daily eating plan, which fuels my energy and keeps me balanced:
– Morning Energy: I start with 10-20 soaked almonds, 4-5 walnuts, and 2-3 tablespoons of raisins, which deliver healthy fats and energy to kickstart my day.
– Post-Workout Snack: Two small Rasthali bananas with a spoonful or two of peanut butter offer a quick recovery snack filled with natural sugars, protein, and potassium for muscle repair.
– Fresh Raw Veggies: I love including raw veggies like cucumber, tomato, beetroot, and green chili, which provide a refreshing crunch and a metabolic boost. Raw onions are another staple due to their health benefits.
– Balanced Midday Meal: Lunch is a mix of raw onions, lentils, two rotis, and lightly sautéed vegetables. I avoid overcooking my food to keep the nutrient content as high as possible.
– Hydrating Staples: Pineapple and coconut water are regular in my day, keeping me hydrated while adding a natural vitamin boost.
This approach has given me a steady source of energy throughout the day, supporting my fitness routine and well-being. Everyone’s needs vary, so I encourage you to try different combinations to find what works for you.
Homemade Herbal Tea: A Plant-Based Secret for Digestive Health
One of my favorite changes since going vegan has been switching from traditional milk tea to a homemade herbal blend. Many people, who can’t completely quit the taste of milky tea, try using almond milk or other plant-based derivatives. To each their own! Transitioning away from three cups of milk tea daily was challenging at first, but my new herbal tea has become an essential part of my routine.
This tea is completely plant-based, made from herbs that aid digestion and help with bloating, and it’s even been beneficial for metabolism. Now, I enjoy a cup twice a day—once in the morning and once after dinner. I finish dinner around 7:30 p.m., allowing for a lighter evening and better digestion before bed. It’s amazing how much difference these small, mindful changes can make.
My Thoughts: Finding What Works for You
Every body is unique, and my journey has taught me to explore different ways of eating to discover what truly suits me. This plant-based lifestyle has led to a greater sense of wellness, showing me that simplicity and mindfulness can lead to big changes.
Experimenting with organic buckwheat flour, jowar roti, wheat roti occasionally, and rice (once every 15 days, at max) has kept my meals interesting, and these foods have become my personal staples. I’m eager to continue on this path, finding new ways to nourish my body and keep thriving. What do you think about the vegan diet? Let me know in the comments!
About the Author
Mala Mansukhani
Mala spearheads the Grow Younger movement to help women over the age of 50 embrace a holistic lifestyle, and develop their minds and bodies. Mala is a force of nature—a motivational speaker, fitness icon, fashionista and philanthropist, whose mission is to help people Grow Younger.
This was a very educational post for me since I’m always looking for healthy ways to eat as a non-vegetarian. You’ve made some very good points about not equating health with just working out but what you also put on your plate! Vegan food is very misconstrued for being low on nutrients, when it couldn’t be further from the truth. Good one, aunty!
Thank you so much Nishtha …. I’m really glad to hear you found it educational. It true what we put on our plate is just as crucial as our workout routine . Wishing you all the best on your healthy journey & happy to share more if you’re interested. Thank you for reading 🙌🥰
You’ve covered and explained everything so well in just a few words.
This has been such an eye-opener on vegan diets and herbal teas, arriving at the perfect time when I needed motivation on this subject. Thank you so much, Mala—you inspire so many, including me. Please keep doing what you do. Lots of love ❤️
Thank you so much Mini for your kind words! I’m truly glad to hear that the information resonated with you and came at the right time. Knowing that it inspired you means the world to me. Your support and encouragement keep me motivated to continue sharing and learning together. Lots of love and gratitude from my end too!”
Very Good point Transformation starts 1st in the Kitchen than the Gym.
Thanks Mala for sharing your secret herbal tea.. me and my wife loved the aroma and taste. Keep up the Fabulous initiative of Grow Younger.
Best Wishes Always.
Thank you so much Imtiyaz ! I’m thrilled that you and your wife enjoyed it—healthy transformations truly do begin in the kitchen! Your support means a lot, and I’m grateful to have you both as part of the Grow Younger journey. Wishing you all the best as well!
Malaji you always inspire all of us especially our Grow Younger group… nice to know you have turned vegan coz it has numerous health benefits… just to name few like weight loss, diabetes, lower cholesterol and gut health.
Loved your herbal tea which we had at Lonavla recently… Loads of blessings and love to you❤️❤️🙌
Thank you so much Regina for your kind words and encouragement! It’s wonderful to know we’re on this journey together, learning and inspiring each other. Turning vegan has truly opened up so many health benefits, and I’m so glad to share it with the Grow Younger group. Our time in Lonavla was truly special—looking forward to many more memories together. Lots of love and blessings to you too!
Hi Mala Mansukhani… good to know you have turned vegan coz it has numerous health benefits like weight loss, diabetes, lower your cholesterol and good for gut health these are just to name a few of them… Really loved the herbal tea which you had made at our recent Lonavala trip… it was tasty and refreshing…. Malaji you always keep inspiring all of us especially our Grow Younger group with various activities… Love you loads and God bless 🙌❤️❤️
Hi my dear mentor MALA JI So nice to learn the benefits of going vegan diet so so well you explained n l feel so blessed to have you in my life who everytime comes up with new easy n wonderful ideas for the betterment of our health in daily life
Thankyou tons dear
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much Neelam ji for your kind words ! It brings me immense joy to knw that you’re finding value in our sessions. Exploring the benefits of a vegan diet together has been inspiring, & I’m so glad to see your enthusiasm for these new ideas . It’s truly a blessing to share this journey towards better health with such a wonderful community. Let’s continue to grow younger , healthier & happier together!
Hi Mala
It was very informative and ofcourse helpful as well. A step ahead to fitness..a right way to grow young
Thanks for sharing such beautiful thoughts about keeping healthy
Thank you Raj for your wonderful feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that you found the information helpful & inspiring on our journey to Fittness & wellness. It’s all about taking those positive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, and I’m grateful to share this path with you . Let’s keep supporting each other as we continue to grow younger and healthier together!
Hello, Beautiful Soul, It was well-written and instructive about living a healthy life, and it was well fit with your vision of Grow Younger.
Thank you for sharing this helpful knowledge with us. God bless you.