I’m linking up with Amanda for Haley to share her story on the podcast today.  It seemed so fitting that Amanda was writing about food freedom for today’s TOLT too! 

One of my favorite bloggers wrote a hard post last year.  I interviewed Haley at the beginning of the podcast about her recovery story.  But there’s another part, and that was Haley choosing to no longer be vegan any more last year.   Haley published this powerful, vulnerable post called, ‘Thoughts: Feeding My Soul: Hint: I ate an egg for the first time in 2 years.’ .   

The beginning of her post reads like this, 

‘To give you the shortest possible version of my food history – for the past two years, I’ve been eating nothing but plants. Before that, I ate mostly plants with some fish, some dairy, and eggs. Aaaaand before that, my plate was mostly lean meat and green veggies (not a fantastic time in my life). I chose to adopt a vegetarian diet during my freshman year of college to experiment with food and challenge myself to step out of my basically Paleo comfort zone – try beans, include more grains, and loosen up my rigid food and fitness “rules”. Then, with some encouragement from fellow bloggers and my own research on animal products, the cruelty of animal agriculture, and the environmental impact of producing meat and dairy, I just couldn’t give myself another spoonful of Greek yogurt or another egg. Veganism called my name and I couldn’t have felt more confident in hearing it out. 

God introduced me to veganism as part of my healing process, and it sure did do its job. I’ve never been healthier, happier, or more comfortable around food. 

Oh, except animal products. Now, this is where we start. ‘  

I know this took courage for Haley, but Haley was doing what is best for her recovery, and I respected that.  I LOVE that, in fact.  

Let me note:  

a.  This is NOT to say that veganism is bad or inherently restrictive, but I’ve considered it, and I know I couldn’t do it out of a good healthy mental place. 

b.  This is Haley’s story, and she is so vulnerable and truthful in sharing about why she stopped, out of wanting to fully recover and fully embrace food freedom!  

c.  We talk about why it’s so essential for others to listen to their bodies and remember that we don’t all fit in one box when it comes to eating. 

d.  How Haley’s transition to veganism widened a gap in some of her relationships, and though her friends and family were very understanding, she still wasn’t comfortable with that gap.  

e.  How it changed outings and time with family and friends when she stopped being vegan and started more plant based eating.  

f.  Why Haley was able to branch out and really try more baking and cooking and embrace her love for baking and cooking.  

g. How Haley’s Been Able to Use Her New Found Love for Traditional Baking to Bless Others 

This and more is on today’s podcast.  It was such a precious conversation.  Haley is very thoughtful, and she’s not quick to speak.  She thought about every word; you could tell by the way she carefully placed her words.  She wanted to be gracious and kind and truthful, and it COMES THROUGH!   She is honest about why she stopped veganism but extremely encouraging to those who want to still do it and have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.   

Most of all we talked about being able to just taste and see that the Lord is GOOD without obsessing over certain kinds of foods.   I’ve seen Haley embrace more of a love for food science, food cooking, and hospitality in an amazing way that has been both awesome and humbling for me to watch; it makes me want to be more hospitable and shower the love of Christ Jesus on others through food.   

Some of Haley’s Posts on this journey if you want to read more are here: 

Reflections and Intentions

Becoming a Real Person

Food and Social Situations: Both Sides

Updates on Eating
 

I LOVED this podcast, and I loved Haley being able to tell her story; I would love to hear your thoughts on this.  

Have you ever tried a way of eating that you realized was restricting relationships and so you stopped doing it?  

Thoughts on Veganism? 🙂  

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