@suzanagartner
A Personal Story: Cabo, Mexico: Mindful Choices Make Big Rewards
Over the holidays, my husband and I were in Cabo, Mexico, and the resort wasn’t vegan. It was somewhat “vegan-friendly,” but we had to ask for vegan options,s which were not always available on the menu. It was a bit annoying at times as it took more effort. We decided to take on the challenge, to be mindful and intentional with our eating choices. We went mostly “raw vegan,” focusing on fresh salads, fruits, beans, and nuts. We felt better and had more energy. While other guests indulged in fried foods and desserts, we focused on “fresh is best.” By the end of the trip, we felt energized and proud of ourselves for making choices that aligned with our values.
My takeaway from this trip and personal experience is that eating compassionately is my choice and way of living. You can make a commitment and try to go plant-based, and it’s worth it for your body, mind, for your health, and to reduce animal suffering and protect our planet.
Have you heard of Veganuary? You may have seen it on social media. It’s a global campaign that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle in January. It’s flexible and supportive as a perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to explore vegan and or plant-based eating without pressure.
Why Veganuary Matters
Choosing plant-based options reduces harm to animals and helps reduce harm to your health and the planet. Even one meal or one swap makes a meaningful difference. I met a man in the lineup for a smoothie in Cabo, and he asked me, “How can you drink this green smoothie?” I smiled, and shared with him how great I felt and talked about Veganuary, and he seemed interested and said he’s share it with his wife and maybe even give it a try. That made me feel like I was making a difference. Even conversations are starters, and sharing with others the benefits can be impactful.
The Veganuary Challenge: Small Steps for Big Impact
Veganuary is about small steps. You can start by picking one simple action this week, like trying a plant-based meal, swapping milk or cheese for oat, soy, or almond (I prefer soy milk), or you can try a vegan recipe. I find a lot of easy (really simple) on YouTube. You can focus on foods you enjoy. I did that when I started to transition from vegetarian to vegan recipes.
Veganuary is even more inspiring when you share and connect with others. Post a plant-based meal on social media, tag a friend to try one swap, and share a favorite recipe. Every small step spreads awareness and encourages others. You can join the conversation at Veganuary.com [1] to see how people around the world are participating. Remember, compassion adds up, and your small choices truly matter. Share your story and let me know how your vegan journey goes!