Did you ever want to know more about the vegan lifestyle and what vegans eat? I did, so today we have the honor of chatting with Markus..
Markus, is a music maker, truth follower and health seeker from Finland. ………….
Big G. Thank you again Markus for taking the time to educate us all on the Vegan lifestyle.
So to start out, what’s the difference between a vegan and a vegetarian?
Well the latter has 5 extra letters and 3 extra syllables. It is also a nice little way to cover up our slavery to destructive addictions & barbaric traditions and lying to ourselves. It’s like saying that we are healthier and more ethical by smoking 1 cigarette instead of 2. Vegetarianism is an i without a dot. Sure, it’s a step in the right direction. I encourage those that are vegetarian to look further within themselves, go deeper into the reasons they are vegetarian. To go vegan and stop sitting on the fence that keeps the ignorant in ignorance and the murderers murdering.
Big G: How long have you been vegan, and how did you come to adopt this way of eating?
I dated an Irish girl in spring of 2008 who was a vegan and who ran marathons, read great books, intelligent, inspiring, beautiful and really caused me to question my views on eating, health and life, especially after she lent me a book on the Okinawan centerians. I read the book and since then I have never really been the same. This ignited a fervor in me and I began to experiment with different diets and also started reading and researching about them. Since then I’ve been vegan, vegetarian on/off until end of 2010 I decided enough is enough. I want to become apart of the solution; I want to gain optimal health; I want to change the world. So officially and 100% (there is no 99% so stop lying to yourself!) vegan since January 1st, 2011. The experiments are over. I know now what I have to do. I would rather commit suicide before needlessly eating another animal product unless my life truly depends on it to survive. There are many people in this world who know that humans are good deep inside and a peaceful world is possible. I quote Samwise “the brave” Gamgee from The Lord Of The Rings: “There’s good in this world and it is worth fighting for.”
Big G: What are some of your favorite dishes?
Fresh fruit. Watermelons are my favorite. I also love strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. Fruit is the ultimate food. I once tasted fresh, ripe mangoes that someone brought from Thailand and I have longed for their taste ever since. I hope to one day go there myself.
Big G.: Do you ever miss meat or dairy?
Actually no I don’t. I have realized that it’s actually the fats and salts that most people (including myself) might have some cravings for. Meat, dairy, bread, mushrooms, etc. are all just vehicles to eat our butter infested salt meals. I am still a salt addict. But at least it’s not causing unnecessary torture to anyone but myself.
Big G: In your opinion, do you think people become vegans more because of philosophical reasons or for health reasons? or both?
Both. And both are important. That said, being a vegan does not guarantee health. Health does however enable us to think more clearly and refine our philosophies. I would say health is the big picture whether we admit this or not. Treating ourselves better is the greatest ethical act we can do.
Big G: What differences have you noticed in yourself over the years of being vegan?
I’ve noticed that I understand the world more. My mind (and body) have become more pure. I feel more connected with all the life that is on this planet. I feel more part of the whole. Every morning I wake up knowing that I am not taking part in the horror show nor supporting it with my food/lifestyle choices.
Big G: What challenges have you come across on being Vegan?
The social pressures used to be an issue with me. It’s not anymore. I also used to be addicted to a lifestyle that was quite the opposite of veganism. Again and again, it would suck be back in and eat away at my soul and bleed me dry. Luckily I got out alive. And I am also grateful that I was pushed to the edge of sanity, loneliness, dis-ease and death because I am now much more stronger & wiser because of it. This also reminds me & motivates me to never go back. There is no going back. Only forward.
Big G.: For newbies wanting to move to a vegan diet what is some advice you’d give them?-
Educate yourself on how the human body works. Read the science. Also, learn about the mechanisms of the industries that enable people to eat meat/dairy/eggs. There are many documentaries and books written on the health, ethical and environmental aspects of this subject. Keep on growing and learning. Get online and interact with like minded people. Spread the word. Share the message. Make your life public to the world and show them how much better life is and how this can be possible for anyone, starting now.
Big G. – What words would you like to leave the reader with?
Remember that your health is your greatest asset. Don’t take it for granted. Become as healthy and fit as you can be so you can be the best person you can be. Educate yourself, become aware of what is going on in the world and how it functions. Dedicate your life to making the world a better place. We need each and everyone to do this for the change we need to happen. Failure is not an option. Wake up every morning and go to bed every night knowing that you are part of the solution and NOT the problem. Live life with love instead of looking for love as something to have.