Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Vegan in France - Alors, Végétalien(ne)

Consuming a vegan diet became fairly simple while living in the states. Being in France for the past month has shown me that veganism hasn't reached the ends of the world yet.

I don't like the idea of evangelizing a way of eating... at all. If someone wants to become a vegan, they'll express that they are interested and then I can "assist" in their transformation. It's no different than religion really... And I hope that no one ever sees me as someone who feels superior to others just because of this diet I have.

But... it's been quite a challenging diet here in France, and EVERYONE wants an explanation and asks why, therefore I have so many conversations with it as a subject. I prefer that people ask why I am a vegan rather than me just coming out of nowhere and saying the reason for my complete 180 in diet. But in this case, I'm communicating to humans with a different reality when it comes to cultural activity (such as the way animals are mass produced and mass murdered in the U.S.A.) and to them, the idea is quite absurd. In fact, the idea has crossed my mind that perhaps I should write a book on veganism/rawveganism in French...

I'm not much of a writer, really. Brad is way better at it. =D But with guidance and determination it might work someday. Even though this diet has been a challenge here, I've somehow succeeded with the help of my host family and the program directors. Many still don't comprehend what the diet includes/excludes, but that's okay. They just haven't had the resources I have had when I made my transition. There are so many youtubers and books written in english about studies and the reason for a vegan diet. Perhaps Americans are searching way more than the French, for a cure to cancer, for a cure to sickness, and for a cure to all that is ill in our nation.. that's just a huge leap of a statement though.

That's what this lifestyle has been for me, a search for healing but also a liberation. And no, I don't feel I have missed out on French cuisine at all. My host mom makes the most amazing vegan stuff without even a recipe book. She accepted the challenge and has been nothing short than perfect in accommodating for my diet.

So in case you're wondering if you can be a vegan in France, yes you can. Despite challenges nothing is impossible.

I'm not starving at all.

Thankful
~Sara