Vegan-ish and Thriving: How I Found Food Freedom

When I first started my 30 Days of Healthy Living journey with Arbonne, I went 100% vegan. Not because I thought I had to, but because the program encourages a plant-forward, anti-inflammatory lifestyle — and honestly, I wanted to see what it could do for me.

And let me tell you… I felt amazing.

But after about two months, I realized something important: I didn’t want to live in a world where I never had my favorite non-vegan foods again. I missed certain proteins, and I knew I could still feel good while mindfully incorporating them back into my diet.

That’s when I started thinking of myself as a casual vegan.

🌿 So What’s a Casual Vegan?

For me, it means:

✔️ Eating mostly plant-based because it makes me feel energized, clear-headed, and healthy.
✔️ Choosing high-quality, responsibly sourced animal products when I do eat them.
✔️ Not obsessing over labels, and letting go of the guilt around food choices.
✔️ Prioritizing local, seasonal, and nutrient-dense foods — whether plant or animal.

I’m not here to gatekeep the vegan label or pretend I’m perfect. I believe food should nourish your body and your soul, and sometimes that means fresh veggies from the farmers market… and sometimes it’s your favorite local seafood or farm-raised eggs.

✨ Why Arbonne’s Approach Worked for Me

One thing I love about the 30 Days of Healthy Living program is that while it encourages a vegan lifestyle (and all Arbonne products are plant-based and vegan), it’s ultimately about listening to your body and eliminating inflammatory foods to help you feel your best.

In those first two months, going fully vegan gave me a reset my body desperately needed. It cleared up my skin, boosted my energy, helped me sleep better, and eased my back pain. But when I was ready to reintroduce a few animal proteins, I did it thoughtfully and without stress.

🌸 It’s About Quality Over Quantity

Whether it’s pasture-raised eggs, sustainably caught seafood, or grass-fed beef, I make sure whatever I’m buying is the highest quality I can afford. I love shopping at farmers markets, supporting local producers, and choosing what’s in season because it tastes better, it’s better for the environment, and it makes me feel good about what I’m putting on my plate.

💚 Food Shouldn’t Be About Perfection

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Some people thrive on a fully vegan lifestyle, and that’s incredible. Others (like me) feel our best with a mostly plant-based diet and a little flexibility.

And that’s why this blog is called Casual Vegan. It’s about embracing the benefits of plant-based living without the pressure of perfection. It’s about making mindful, kind choices for your body, the planet, and your happiness.

If you’re curious about trying a plant-based lifestyle or just want to eat cleaner and feel better, start where you are. Do what feels good for you. And remember — it’s not about labels. It’s about living well.