I haven’t blogged in a couple of weeks as I have been pretty busy with an exciting new project, more on that in a moment. First I want to share, briefly, my lifestyle change.  Over a year ago, I removed all animal products from my diet.  Initially I did it for my health.  Having heart disease and cancer in my family, I’ve done a lot of research and come to believe a whole foods, plant based diet is the healthiest and most preventative way to avoid these life threatening ailments.  I quickly came to learn that not only was this a healthy way of eating, but it was also healthy for the planet.  Additionally, the treatment and harvesting of animals in the current factory farming system doesn’t sit well with me.  So, I’ve chosen a whole foods, plant based diet, it just feels best for me.  I respect other peoples’ choices and am always inspired when their choices are made with consciousness.  Just considering how the things you do effect not only you, but the beings around you and the planet shows you are being mindful, considerate and conscious, I thank you for this.

For those of you who don’t know me, I am a partner in a few restaurants.  These restaurants are neither vegan nor vegetarian. How do I handle this new incongruence?  Well, I do my best to push inclusion as opposed to exclusion.  I am working within to add more vegetarian and vegan options to our menus.  Then by suggesting these items, making them delicious and educating people of their healthy benefits, I hope to entice people to eat more plants and less animal products.  The more people demand these things, the more the market, and we, will answer the calling.  It’s progress, not perfection for which I’m striving.

And now for the exciting news…My partners and I are opening a new restaurant in the next few weeks.  It will be a neighborhood café with a healthy twist.  You can check out the website (in progress) here and “like” us here if inspired. While it will not be a vegan restaurant, the menu will have an extensive selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free items making health the driving force of the concept.  This is a great step for Richmond, one in which I hope will be embraced.

I feel extremely grateful to be a part of this healthy concept and to have an outlet to promote what I feel is the healthiest diet on the planet.  While I may not convert many people to a 100% plant based diet, it is my intention and hope to at least inspire and help people make positive, healthy changes in their lives.  I often tell my carnivore friends it’s not an “all or nothing” decision.  Just giving up meat one day a week (Meatless Monday anyone?) can have significant improvements in one’s health and the health of the planet.  Again, it’s progress, not perfection.

So, if you happen to live or be in the Richmond area, please come by The Daily and say hello.  And remember we all vote daily with our dollars.  If you want a healthy world, order healthy.

God bless.