EP 77 - Lani Muelrath — The Plant-Based Journey and Transitioning to a Healthy Vegan Lifestyle

In Today’s Episode

Are you eating a plant-based diet? Are you trying to? Are you curious about the benefits? Or, do you know anyone who is trying to transition to a vegan lifestyle? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then today’s interview is for you. 

Today I’m pleased to be talking with Lani Muelrath. Lani has been vegetarian/vegan since 1973, when she also started teaching yoga and began a meditation practice. The ethical considerations of treatment of animals, the environment, and health were natural outgrowths of these practices. Her early studies in meditation took her to India on retreat several times. Since then she undertook the study of Mindfulness Meditation, which she has practiced for over twenty-five years. She has studied with some of the best-known leaders in mindfulness practices. She has also been featured on CBS-TV, ABC-TV, Prevention magazine, USA Today, Huffington Post, The Saturday Evening Post, and NSPR. She created and starred in her own CBS television show, Lani’s All Heart Aerobics, and has served as presenter and consultant for the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine, The Complete Health Improvement Project, and Plant Pure Nation.

 

Lani is truly an expert on adopting a mindful, vegan lifestyle, and I hope you enjoy this interview with her!

 

Outline of This Great Episode

[6:49] Deborah introduces Lani.

[10:40] Learning about Ahimsa sparked Lani’s interest in vegetarianism, over 40 years ago.

[12:59] Going plant-based was an important step for Lani in mastering her habits and overcoming body image issues.

[13:50] We all have our own journey, but Lani has identified five critical steps to successfully transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.

[16:22] Lani’s experience with wildlife advocacy inspired her to stop eating dairy and transition to a vegan lifestyle.

[18:34] Start where you can, and don’t worry about judgment from others.

[19:32] How can we help people realize the harm that is being done by consumption of animal products?

[27:23] What steps will you take on your journey to a mindful vegan lifestyle?

[36:22] Exercise is probably more important for lifestyle change than you know.

[37:44] You must become the master of your habits.

[40:09] Lani’s books have different focuses but they all mention fitness, plant-based nutrition and mindfulness, because they go hand in hand.

[41:27] Each phase that Lani has identified is crucial to the journey.

[46:46] What are the biggest challenges for people attempting to transition to a vegan lifestyle?

[48:22] Planning ahead can be very helpful in navigating social situations.

[51:00] What is the difference between the terms “plant-based” and “vegan,” and which does Lani prefer?

[54:15] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[56:04] You can’t eat healthily without learning to cook. If you don’t cook, how should you start?

[1:01:18] The paleo movement is market-driven and full of misinformation.

[1:03:27] Lani’s book breaks down the ratios of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains that are ideal for most people.

[1:07:56] What do you need to stock up your kitchen if you are transitioning to a vegan diet?

[1:09:17] Lani is giving readers of her book a free, downloadable gift of vegan sauce recipes.

[1:10:08] Lani tells us a little more about her book The Mindful Vegan: A 30-Day Plan for Finding Health, Balance, Peace and Happiness.

[1:13:59] Lani is offering a four-day virtual retreat for people who preorder her book.

[1:16:10] Each month Lani offers a 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program.

[1:16:38] Lani offers three final tips.

 

Connect with Today’s Guest

LaniMuelrath.com

 

Resources Mentioned

The Plant-Based Journey: A Step by Step Guide for Transitioning to a Healthy Lifestyle and Achieving Your Ideal Weight, by Lani Muelrath

The Mindful Vegan: A 30-Day Plan for Finding Health, Balance, Peace and Happiness, by Lani Muelrath

BONUS GIFTS: Free 40-page preview of The Plant Based Journey and “7 Sauces That Add Sizzle to Your Plant-Based Plate”

Mindful Vegan Virtual Retreat