Just this morning, I was half listening to the news while packing up my lunch, trying to get my son off to school and playing w/my dog , and heard some results from some org. on some report that “African American and Latino kids” are more likely to be overweight, compared to Caucasian kids and that it’s a direct result from lifestyle – eating habits and choices, economical status of family, etc; I thought to myself, you didn’t know that already?

I am vegan and proud to say that on March 17th (the day after my 42nd b-day!) it will be five months for me. I have lost 25lbs without even trying, don’t feel the strain in my left knee anymore, and I feel as though I can do anything at this point! I’m now going to the gym to hopefully double the weight I’ve lost!

I have to say that my co-workers have sincere interest and I’ve even heard several people make comments about it being brave and that they couldn’t do it….I make it a habit now to pack a bigger lunch bag because any time that folks come over to my table in the breakroom to ask what I’m eating, I offer them some. Every single person has said that the food is good, and some have said that they could see themselves having meatless meals a few times a week. Two of my best friends and hard core animal lovers (one on Long Island, NY with several chickens in a chicken coop and countless rescued cats, and the second a huge supporter of the No. Shore Animal League on Long Island, but now living in LA) are now meat free – one is vegan and the other vegetarian and I am thrilled knowing that my talking, sharing and crying has moved them to make these decisions.

It’s amazing how connected one feels to the environment, to our earth, when one decides to give up meat for the right reason. I no longer look up to my hero, Anna Wintour of Vogue magazine because she is a HUGE fur supporter. I will no longer purchase the same ole’ hair coloring that I used to get – along with toiletries and cosmetics, because they test on animals. My husband even came home the other day and was THRILLED that the cleaning solution that HE had just purchased specifically and proudly stated that it does NOT test on animals (he is not vegan, but I’m still working on him).

And it’s even more amazing, the connection that I feel towards others across the country, and globally, that are making changes, such as yourself. I would love nothing more than to one day stand up in front of people and help them to make life changes, like you’re doing – thank you for everything that you do, and best for you in everything you do!@