My Philosophy: Food + Life

by Kathy Patalsky · updated: May 5, 2020 · published: Sep 16, 2019 · About 7 minutes to read this article. 16 Comments

Hop to my about page for all the basics. But when it comes to My Philosophy on Food + Life...

Why Vegan?

I went vegan around 2001. This post helped me reflect on when I went or discovered I was a veggie-eater at heart. Thanks Jurassic Park! Animals are the main reason why I went vegan, though I have been vegetarian since high school. I do not consider my "vegan diet" to be a diet. It is just the way I eat. I always say..

"Veganism isn't a diet. It is a choice your heart makes."
- Kathy

Marrying a Non-Vegan (at first!)

I married a non-vegan, though he slowly started to change his diet as he experienced what vegan really looks like! We dined at vegan-friendly restaurants in NYC while I cooked vegan meals at home - and soon - he was into it!

Flash forward, and today he is almost vegan - he eats fish on occasion. It has been pretty cool to watch him enjoy vegan food so much, watch documentaries with me and slowly transition away from animal products - in a no pressure environment. I wish everyone could be exposed to a plant-based diet and start to realize that you truly won't miss anything these days!...

Vegan is Easier These Days

The truth is, eating more plants and less animals is a choice ANY person can make for themselves. Especially in today's modern world with 'faux meat and burgers' - vegan cheese and vegan ice cream too. Start small if you need to. Try a few vegan recipes from this site, my books or other recipe blogs. Even committing to Meatless Mondays or eating vegan two or three days a week is a super upgrade for yourself, the planet and animals.

"Eating vegan two or three days a week is a super upgrade for yourself, the planet and animals"
- Kathy

Eat to Thrive.

When it comes to my philosophy on food.. I personally feel my best eating a plant-based diet. I fill up on fruit and veggies - all day long. That is my #1 secret to healthy eating. When I eat more hydrating, fiber-rich plants (like fruit and veggies) - I just feel better. And I don't even think about nutrition. Really. Vegan does that for me. I can eat desserts, snacks, fried food, whatever I want because I know my plant-based diet is naturally packed with good stuff.

Healing Through Food.

And I am extremely proud of my journey with food. Having struggled with an eating disorder through senior year in high school and most of college, I take every day as a huge blessing. There were years when I truly thought I would never feel good - healthy and happy - and be able to eat in a carefree and nourishing way again. To thrive. I didn't think healing was possible when so much damage had been done. But our bodies are so resilient!

It took many years, but to anyone struggling - never lose hope and keep fighting for your own health and happiness. This world is so messed up when it comes to food and beauty and self esteem. It takes a strong person to fight for their own authentic wellness inside themselves - and to acknowledge true beauty from things like love, generosity, patience, passion, intelligence, strength, compassion, creativity and joy.

Creative Side.

I am a creative worker. I create content and share stories.

One of the coolest things I have done in my career was to step outside the lines of "blogging" and embrace my love of fiction writing by enrolling in a screenwriting program at UCLA. I now have a new creative skill! I cannot wait to see where my screenwriting work takes me and how I can merge it with the stories I've told and things I have experienced as a blogger.

When it comes to my philosophy on food and life, I definitely include mental and intellectual wellness in there. Creative activities are one way to flex your mind and spirit in the same way you might workout your body.

You guys.

A highlight of my work is interacting with readers who tell me how small plant-based shifts in their diets have improved their lives, and just felt like the right thing to do. Improved wellness! Physically, mentally, spiritually - for themselves and for the planet and animals.

But 100% - everyone is welcome here. Even if you haven't eaten a salad in weeks or don't have a clue what tempeh or nooch is. You don't have to be vegan to be welcome to try my recipes.

Start Small. Change Takes Time.

If you are here reflecting on your own diet and wellness, looking for an upgrade or just some inspiration, remember to be kind to yourself. Show yourself compassion. And remember that perfection is overrated - and really, doesn't exist.

Wellness is a day-to-day journey.

The more feel-good habits you can collect and take part in on a routine basis, the better. And one day you wake up and realize you feel better from the inside out. Never stop listening to your body.

My Best Advice.

Like a magic potion, an anecdote, in a sparkly bottle. My saving grace, l a u g h t e r. I believe laughter and humor are of supreme healing + uplifting value in times of both joy and stress. To laugh is to be free. Give me some Friends re-runs, a funny 90's movie or a big batch of Garfield comics any day.

To laugh is to be free.
- Kathy

Pets Make Life Better.

My philosophy on food and life wouldn't be complete without my furry friends. I honestly don't think I would have this career without my cats. Working from home can be lonely and there is a lot of "in your head" moments as you work creatively. Cats take me out of my thoughts (ha, that's both good and bad!) and bring lightness to my day. Not to mention all the kitty snuggles are totally mood-boosting.

Pets = wellness must have -- for me

**Sochi cat,** nap scientist, lead meow-er - famous for his late-night shows, cat treat connoisseur, professional couch cuddler, finder of sunbeams.

**Mr.White,** head-of-household, cat-in-charge, cat toy pouncer, lead investigator, CEO, present bringer, supreme arm-held cuddler.

And I never forget miss, Nelly. Cats hold a special place in my heart. And yeah, they make the best interns.

Travel: Some of my Fave Places...

Adventures are a huge part of my life. And I'm not just talking about plush vacations and beautiful scenery. Adventures where you learn, open your mind, challenge yourself, conquer a fear and try something new. Getting outside my comfort zone has helped me grow so much over the years.

Dubrovnik, **Croatia** (aka King's Landing..)

I hope you loved reading about my philosophy on food + life! Hop over to my About Page to learn more. Or browse my personal posts or wellness section.

More personal

About Kathy Patalsky

Hey there! I'm Kathy, lover of kitty cats, weekend baking, 90's movies, travel, beach fog and foamy lattes. Since 2007, I have been sharing my vegan recipes and photos. My goal is to make your cooking life a little easier, delicious - and plant-loaded - while sharing some LIFE and conversation along the way.