Inspired by “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin that I picked up at the store yesterday. I decided to make a list of 12 Commandments for those of us on a Whole Foods Plant-based Vegan Diet. Feel free to add to this list! I’m sure you can come up with some other great and even funnier ones than what I have come up with. I would love to hear what they are!

1. Eat your Vegetables! Love, honor, and cherish those veggies! They keep you healthy, nourished, alive and thriving!

2. Practice daily gratitude for Mother Earth!

3. Profess your love for being a Veg head!

4. Always share a healthy tasty plant-based dish or bake something for a gathering or potluck!

5. Be smart! Know how to intelligently explain the difference between meat and plant proteins when someone asks, “Where do you get your protein?” rather than shrug them off! Also, know the time and place for discussing why you’re a vegan! Strive to be a “turn on” rather than a “turn off”!

6. Be patient with those who still consume meat and dairy! Remember you were also once living in darkness before coming to the plants!

7. Read “The China Study” by Dr. T. Colin Campbell

8. Enlighten others through your words and actions!

9. Learn at least one new thing every day! You’re never too old to learn!

10. Try at least one new whole foods plant-based recipe per week. And if you don’t know how to cook, learn how! (If you can read this – you can read a recipe and get started!)

11. Remember our animal brethren in your daily thoughts and prayers! Act on their behalf! Use your voice to speak for them cause they cannot do so for themselves! Do at least one thing on their behalf per month, whether it’s signing petitions, volunteering at a sanctuary, collecting funds, or even just watching your neighbors cat while she’s on vacation.

12. Never give up hope that things can and will change for the better! Whether you’re facing a health issue, a break-up…or you’re just plain frustrated that more people aren’t “coming to the plants” – know that change is possible! You have made the change (or are making changes) from a lowly animal consumer to being a total veg head/activist…know that this is also possible for others to do!

Got a commandment to add to the list? Please share!

Health and Happiness Always!

Keep things in balance!