Vedge Your Best, Vegan Ideas for Everyone At Any Age

Explore why facts often backfire, triggering defensiveness in conversations about veganism. Discover the importance of identity and belonging in shaping responses to dietary choices. Learn Gleb Tsipursky's eGRIP framework, emphasizing curiosity and rapport over raw data. Michele shares a powerful question to open minds and the art of using humility in dialogues. Delve into practical examples and a holiday challenge to practice curiosity, fostering more compassionate discussions around food during family gatherings.

Many of us fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect moment to start our journeys, influenced by diet culture. The host dives into why this mindset leads to cycles of perfectionism and guilt. Instead of waiting, she encourages listeners to make small, compassionate changes now, especially during the holiday season. Embracing the uncomfortable feeling of being unmoored can actually signify positive change. It’s all about reframing veganism as a lifelong practice filled with values rather than an end goal.

Angela Yvonne, a journalist and the creator of Vegan Pop Eats, dives into the journey from Veganuary to everyday veganism. She argues that veganism needs a fresh PR approach, focusing on inviting people in rather than policing choices. Angela introduces her flexible "3 M's" for plant-forward living, shares budget-friendly vegan cooking tips, and highlights how your neighborhood influences food options. With a goal to shift perceptions, she emphasizes the cultural richness of a vegan lifestyle beyond just food.

Michele explores the concept of vision and its power to help us grow, even when life feels stagnant. She discusses how our past strategies can hinder future possibilities and challenges listeners to confront limiting beliefs about food. With humor and a nod to Back to the Future, she encourages playful experiments to spark change in our diets. A challenge prompts listeners to articulate their default and invented futures, emphasizing that the future is a blank canvas ready for creative reinvention.

Join vegan health coach Kate Galli as she shares her journey from an 'angry vegan' to a compassionate leader in plant-forward nutrition. Discover her 5-S Protein Strategy for easy meal prep, and learn why mindset is key for sustainable change. Kate emphasizes that muscle is metabolism, especially for women in midlife, and discusses how to combat overwhelm by focusing on what you can control. With practical tips and a focus on gratitude, Kate inspires everyone to embrace a loving and balanced plant-strong lifestyle.

Feeling overwhelmed? Explore a creative tool inspired by Mad Libs that transforms vague frustrations into actionable steps. Discover why specificity matters and how it can reduce mental fog. Tune in for a practical fill-in-the-blank scaffold template to help define your issues. Michele illustrates the concept with plant-based living examples, guiding you from generic concerns to clear goals. Plus, take the listener challenge to tackle one stuck area and gain clarity on your journey!

Explore the fine line between moderation as a strategy versus an excuse. Discover how vague moderation can lead to decision fatigue and moral licensing. Learn to set clear, values-based boundaries in your choices. Gain insights from behavioral science and coaching strategies to bridge gaps between intention and action. Michele challenges listeners to redefine their approach to moderation, encouraging concrete decisions and the tracking of progress. Don't just float along—take control and commit to your goals!

Terri Chrisman, a board-certified lifestyle medicine professional and author of Fabulous Health, shares a passionate stance against the myth of moderation in diet. She argues it's ineffective against ultra-processed foods and emphasizes the need for a whole food, plant-based lifestyle to combat chronic diseases like heart disease. With personal stories and practical strategies, Terri discusses overcoming dietary traditions, the growth of lifestyle medicine among physicians, and the importance of focusing on whole foods over vegan junk food for real health improvements.

Ever feel torn between your vegan values and social expectations? This discussion dives into navigating those inner conflicts using Internal Family Systems (IFS). Michele shares that mixed feelings are normal and how honoring those 'vegan voices' can lead to growth. A short guided practice helps listeners cultivate their compassionate selves in challenging situations, whether dining out or traveling. Plus, there's a listener challenge to embrace those internal dialogues instead of silencing them.

Explore how Stoic philosophy can enhance your vegan journey while navigating life’s uncertainties. Reflect on the value of making choices aligned with your values, whether in veganism or writing. Discover how looking foolish can lead to growth and the importance of resisting short-term pleasures for long-term fulfillment. Personal challenges reveal true strength, emphasizing that honest effort trumps the pursuit of perfection. Enlightening insights for anyone seeking to live their truths!