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SHARAN/This mindset shift has been transformative
This mindset shift has been transformative
37-year-old Sameera Chandrapati from Hyderabad shares how changing her diet has got her into composting, growing her own greens & more
I was born into a proud vegetarian family that has always followed a healthy lifestyle. A few years ago, I wasn’t even aware of the concept of veganism. My vegan journey began after a debate with one of my friends, who is a non-vegetarian. During our conversation, I learnt about the cruelty involved in obtaining milk from cows. At first, I couldn’t believe it, but then I started researching the milking process on my own. To my surprise, everything my friend had said was true—and the reality was even worse!
I wanted to quit consuming dairy immediately, but I wasn’t sure about the alternatives. Moreover, I was pregnant at the time and couldn’t stop consuming dairy entirely. I finally gave up dairy when my baby turned two years old and I had finished breastfeeding.
Initially, I experienced several deficiencies, and my family members attributed them to my vegan lifestyle. I tried countering their arguments, explaining that there were multiple plant-based sources of nutrients like calcium, but I realized I wasn’t walking the talk. I needed a balanced diet plan, so I began searching for guidance. That’s when I discovered SHARAN and registered for their nutritionist plan. Ms. Shalini Goenka was assigned to me, and with her guidance, I gained clarity about my daily routine.
She explained not only what to follow but also why and how to do so, patiently answering all my questions. In the beginning, I used to remove foods from my list entirely because they weren’t vegan. However, I’ve since realized that I don’t need to remove foods; instead, I can replace them with vegan alternatives. While I manage to maintain a proper vegan diet at home, I struggle when eating out at restaurants. To address this, I have created a list on my phone of ingredients to avoid and I share it with restaurant staff when ordering food. Sometimes, I simply say I am allergic to dairy products, as this makes the staff take my requests more seriously.
This mindset shift has been transformative. I’ve now been vegan for 2.5 years, and I’m deeply grateful to SHARAN and other vegan platforms for sharing amazing recipes that have made my vegan journey healthier and easier. Due to this healthy lifestyle, I have also developed a keen interest in growing my own greens to ensure access to organic food. I started composting and segregating wet and dry waste, turning the “black gold” from my compost into a nutrient-rich resource for growing my greens. This journey has not only been rewarding but also deeply fulfilling as it aligns with my values of sustainability and health.
