Three years ago I started a new and unknown chapter in my life. Eating plant-based back then was a challenge for me as a chef to cook without ingredients I was used to cooking with. So I did it out of curiosity. I was curious about the effects and impact it would have on my body and mind. I wanted to learn how to really cook vegan food (and by doing so, impress Ariana!).

When I first started I remember telling Ariana that I loved doing exercise and that I didn’t know if this diet is was going to give me all the nutrients I needed to keep working out the way I wanted to. Like a lot of people, I asked about my protein. Ariana proceeded to inform me that I can get enough protein from plants, and of even better quality. At first, I didn’t know if I fully believed this but when we started doing some research and she showed me examples of others; athletes, bodybuilders, and regular people who were thriving on a plant-based diet, I decided to give it a shot.

This has been my experience: eating plant-based has helped me have more energy, develop muscle, become leaner, and reduce bloat. I’ve also noticed that I feel more present and aware when I’m meditating.

I’m still figuring out the way I want to eat and the way my body can get the most out of every meal. Like everything, it’s a work in progress. But what I did realize is that I was giving more excuses as to why I shouldn’t try being plant-based than reasons why I should. For example, questioning whether you’re going to be getting all the nutrients your body needs when you go vegan. Yet we’re not worrying about getting all these nutrients when we’re not vegan. When I noticed myself doing this I changed my thought process from “What do I need to eat to make sure I’m not missing out on nutrients?” into “What can I eat to improve my athletic performance?”.

I learned about the protein content in grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. I realized that the reason animal meat has protein in the first place is because animals obtain essential amino acids from eating plants. I also learned more about animals and have become more empathetic and curious about other living beings.

My philosophy is simple: balance. I look for balance in all areas of my life, including in what I eat. Being vegan doesn’t mean you’re healthy. You can eat processed junk food all day long and you’d still be vegan. I allow myself to eat stuff that isn’t considered “healthy,” and I do it because I want to. I don’t want to deprive myself of those things. As long as what I’m eating most of the time is healthy, that’s ok. Being plant-based for me is not about deprivation of anything, it’s about being conscious of what you’re eating. It’s not deprivation if you choose to eat or not eat something.

So don’t be afraid to experiment. The worst that can happen is you learn something new. You can always go back to where you were before, but what do you have to lose? Me, I’m still trying to figure out how to be a better athlete and achieve my bigger physical goals. But your mindset is key. If you’re going to go plant-based, do it with heart and intention. Let yourself get immersed and enjoy the journey. Do it because you want to do it, not because someone told you to. Live happily, that’s what matters. At this point in my life, I consider myself happy with what I’m doing. I’m supporting a good cause and also benefiting from it. For me, that’s worth it.

—Eduardo