What Do You Eat?

What we put into our bodies can affect our physical growth and even our lifespan. For nearly two decades we chose a mostly vegan diet for our family. I am asked regularly about my family’s diet. What do vegans eat for dinner? I tell people all of the time if it had eyes (except potatoes) we don’t eat it! We did not choose a vegan diet for religious reasons but rather because we believe it is a healthier way to eat.

There are different levels of vegetarianism:

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat dairy products and eggs; this is the most common type of vegetarian diet.
• Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products but avoid eggs.
• Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but no dairy products.
• Vegans do not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products derived from animals.

Another common question people ask is, "How do you get enough protein?" Our main protein sources include nuts, brown rice, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, beans, hemp seeds, and quinoa. I also drink a protein shake on occasion. After many years, Mel and Christian started incorporating select fish into their diets. Caleb eats chicken primarily because trying to maintain a vegan diet on a college campus is challenging.

I’m the lone completely vegan left in the Otey Household! I’m thankful that we raised our boys on a vegan diet and impressed upon them the importance of making healthy eating choices.

Here's some food for thought:

• What are you eating?
• Have you evaluated what you eat?
• Do you need to make healthier eating choices?
• Are you setting a good example for your children or others around you?

A completely vegan diet may not be for you, but I am sure there's room for improvement.