Eat More Plants

In June 2018, I was sitting under a squat rack between sets, giving a mediocre attempt at getting stronger. I picked up my phone to mindlessly scroll for 45 seconds as I prepared for another round of front squats. At that time, I was front squatting 95lbs—nothing impressive, but I was committed nevertheless.

While scrolling through my Instagram feed, I stumbled upon a video on factory farming. This wasn't an informational video with stats or reports; it was an up-close look at the animals themselves. Witnessing sentient beings going through the process of death was heartbreaking. In that short 45-second break, I encountered one of the most horrific videos I've ever seen, featuring an animal suffering at the hands of a cruel human. I'll spare you the details, but that moment ignited a new sense of purpose within me. Fueled by this newfound energy, I proceeded to work out harder than I had in a long time.

This experience prompted me to immediately adopt a plant-based diet. At the time, I was consuming a lot of protein as a gym enthusiast. Surprisingly, the transition was easier than I had expected.

The following year, the documentary "Game Changers" was released. It educated me about the health and performance benefits of a plant-based diet. Over the previous 12 months, I had noticed improvements in my sleep and testosterone levels. My strength remained constant, but my recovery time between workouts was cut in half.

As I learned more about the holistic benefits of plant-based living—from environmental regeneration to reduced risk of cancer and heart disease—I continued to fall more in love with this lifestyle choice.

Eventually, I founded a vegan food company in Seattle, Washington, called Plant Life Meals. I assembled a team of passionate chefs dedicated to making a positive impact within our local communities through plant-based foods. We quantified the environmental and ethical impacts of every vegan meal served. After four years of operation, I decided to sell the company and pass the reins to new leadership who could inject fresh ideas into our mission. It remains some of the most rewarding work I've ever done.

For me, being vegan is about kindness, mindfulness, and elevation. It's about rising above preconceived notions and making a lifestyle choice driven primarily by kindness. That's why I love being vegan.

Eat more plants,

-David

10 benefits of adopting a plant-based diet for men:

Cardiovascular Health: Lowers bad cholesterol and improves heart health.
Reduced Cancer Risk: Lower risk of prostate and colorectal cancer.
Weight Management: Easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Improved Sexual Health: Better cardiovascular health can lead to improved sexual function.
Higher Energy Levels: Sustained energy from complex carbohydrates.
Better Digestion: High fiber content aids in digestive health.
Lower Diabetes Risk: Reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Anti-Inflammatory: Antioxidants in plant foods reduce bodily inflammation.
Environmental Benefits: Lower environmental impact and more sustainable.
Improved Mental Health: Potential for lower rates of depression and better cognitive function.

10 benefits of adopting a plant-based diet for the planet:

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with food production.
Water Conservation: Requires less water than animal agriculture, reducing water scarcity issues.
Land Preservation: Uses less land, allowing for reforestation and biodiversity conservation.
Reduced Deforestation: Less need for clearing land for livestock, preserving habitats for wildlife.
Ocean Health: Lower demand for fish helps in ocean preservation and reduces overfishing.
Less Pollution: Reduced runoff from animal agriculture lowers soil and water pollution.
Energy Efficient: Plant-based foods generally require less energy to produce compared to animal-based foods.
Waste Reduction: Lower production waste as plants are more efficiently converted to food than animals.
Resource Optimization: More efficient use of grains and legumes that otherwise would feed livestock.
Sustainable: Overall, a more sustainable way to feed the growing global population.