You know that feeling when you’re trying to do everything right for your health and the well being of your family, but somehow it never feels like enough?
Like when you’re worried about getting your kids to eat healthier, but they just want pizza? Or how you’ve been meaning to help your parents eat better, but they’re stuck in their old habits? Or how you promised yourself you’d take better care of your own health, but life — with all its chaos — keeps getting in the way?
Yeah, I know that all too well. 🙋♀️
But here’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, and I wanted to share it with you: real change doesn’t need to be big and overwhelming. In fact, it’s the little things that count. And when it comes to family health, starting small is key.
What if I told you that a simple, 15-minute habit could shift things in a big way? Not just for you, but for everyone around you — your kids, your partner, your parents, even your grandparents.
I’m talking about making a green smoothie today. Sounds almost too simple, simplistic even, right? But here’s the thing: when you take a few minutes to blend up something fresh and wholesome, it’s more than just a drink. It’s a step toward taking care of everyone in the family, one small sip at a time.
You might think, “How could something so small and insignificant make a difference?” I mean, let’s be real — we’ve all tried those massive overhauls, and they never stick.
When we try to do too much all at once–it’s EASY TO FAIL.
But a little smoothie habit? That’s doable.
And it’s the kind of thing that can satisfy and stop cravings–but in a healthy way. Perhaps it will inspire your kids to get curious about what goes into their bodies. It might encourage your partner to choose an apple over a candy bar, and maybe even spark a conversation with your parents about feeling better and living in good health to enjoy their life as they get older.
The best part? This isn’t about PERFECTION. It’s not about switching to a perfect diet or getting everyone on board right away. It’s about planting a seed. Today, it’s a smoothie. Tomorrow, maybe you’re taking a family walk after dinner. Next week, you’re all feeling a little more energized, maybe even looking forward to healthier meals together.
One small habit can set off a ripple effect. Maybe your kids start reaching for fruits instead of chips. Maybe your parents start talking about the importance of staying active and eating fresh foods. Maybe you find yourself with more energy and a clearer mind, ready to tackle all the other things on your list.
Years ago, I thought change had to be this massive, all-or-nothing thing. But here’s what I know now: it’s the small, consistent actions that really stick. And those small actions? They add up over time — not just for you, but for your entire family.
Life doesn’t need to be that hard.
In fact, the secret? Start small. So small, it might even feel silly at first.
Take green smoothies, for instance. I know, it sounds like just another wellness fad, but hear me out. It’s not about revolutionizing your diet overnight or suddenly going fully vegan. It’s about starting with one tiny, 15-minute habit that can lead to bigger changes.
You see, we’ve been wired to believe that everything needs to be massive and transformative to matter. Like, saving the world or our health needs to be this huge, monumental thing. And when it feels too big? We freeze. We do nothing. And then we kick ourselves for not doing enough.
I’m calling BS on that.
The truth is, just blending up a simple green smoothie in the morning could be the first step in something bigger. It might give you more energy for your day, brighten your mood, help you think more clearly, and even make you feel lighter — not just physically, but mentally.
Suddenly, you start exercising more because you feel like it. You might find yourself being more mindful, maybe making kinder choices for the planet, skipping animal products a little more often, and maybe even going vegan.
That’s right! I found that these weird-looking, delicious-tasting concoctions helped my body switch to eating 100% plant-based diet quickly and easily.
It’s truly mind blowing how one small habit could ripple into something powerful, something more in line with the life you’ve always imagined — one where you’re taking care of yourself, the animals, and the earth.
Years ago, I thought change had to be all or nothing. But it wasn’t until I started with something small — really small — that things began to shift. You know what happened when I made my first green smoothie? I felt good. So good that I made another one the next day, and the next, and before I knew it, I was taking better care of myself in ways that mattered. I stopped getting sick all the time. I lost weight. My skin got clearer.
And the best part was–that when I one day I decided to go fully vegan for the animals and the planet–I finally was able to do it, and I never looked back.
So, if you’re waiting for a sign, let this be it. You don’t need to overhaul everything today. You just need to blend up that first green smoothie. Take 15 minutes. That’s all it takes.
Tomorrow, do it again. And then again. And soon enough, you’ll see how these tiny habits, the ones that seem almost insignificant at first, can lead to the biggest changes.
And guess what? Your kids might notice. Your parents might ask about it. Your partner might join you. Because when you take care of yourself, you start to take care of everyone around you. And that’s how real, lasting change begins.
You’ve got this. One smoothie at a time. 💚🌱
And in case no one’s told you today, I wanted to remind you — I believe in you, and I know you’re doing an incredible job for yourself and your family.
Plant-Based Mango Ice Cream: Cool Down with Compassion 🌱
When the heat outside is relentless—and this happens more often now as our planet is heating up faster than ever, we look for ways to cool down. So, why not do it in a way that’s kind to the earth, animals, and ourselves?
Enter: this 100% plant-based, super quick and easy Mango Ice Cream recipe inspired by the classic flavors of a mango lassi!
Unlike traditional ice cream, which is packed with dairy and sugar, this plant-based version is super-healthy, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying (even though it may not be as creamy and sweet).
And the best part? It’s made with just a few simple ingredients in 5 minutes tops!
Ready to dive in? Let’s get blending!
Mango Ice Cream Recipe (Vegan & Delicious)
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 celery stalk, chopped (trust me on this one—it adds a nice, refreshing twist!)
1/2 cup of your favorite plant milk (oat, almond, or coconut work great)
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (for that lovely lassi flavor)
1 tablespoon flax seeds (adds fiber and omega-3s)
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or freeze for 1-2 hours if you prefer it firmer.
Calories and Nutrition: This recipe is for one portion, but feel free to double or triple it, as this plant-based mango ice cream has around 150-170 calories per serving. Compare that with your average dairy-based ice cream, which can pack in 200-300 calories and loads of added sugars. It’s a refreshing alternative with wholesome ingredients, fiber, and natural sweetness.
Does it Taste Like “Real” Ice Cream? Many people would say that not exactly—or not at all!—but that actually a GOOD thing. Traditional ice cream is made with dairy, sugar, and other stuff, ingredients that are often unhealthy, cruel, environmentally damaging, and nutritionally empty. Dairy, in particular, is unnecessary for humans, harms animals, and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Seriously–we’re raising and killing billions of cow mothers and their babies—just to have a drink that is meant for infants for another species. It’s insane!
The Truth About Dairy: The dairy industry is not just harmful to animals; it’s also terrible to our planet. It’s wasteful, water-intensive, and completely unnecessary. No human needs to drink the milk meant for calves—it’s time we let go of this outdated practice. Not your mom, not your milk!
So, what does “real” mean anyway? Real, to me, means kind, sustainable, and delicious. And this Mango (N)Ice Cream is all that—and so much more.
“Got Milk?” Not Always: How Colonialism Brought Cow’s Milk to India
Speaking of mango lassi—you’d think dairy was always a big deal in India, right? After all, India’s got a rich vegetarian tradition and sacred cows roaming the streets. But here’s the twist: cow’s milk wasn’t always so popular. In fact, it was the British who really pushed it during colonial times, reshaping diets and food culture in ways that still affect us today.
Before the British showed up, many Indians thrived on plant-based diets filled with legumes, grains, veggies, and fruits. Sure, some dairy like ghee and yogurt had their place, mostly in religious rituals and among wealthier folks, but everyday cow’s milk? Not as big as you’d think. The traditional plant-based approach was not just healthy but also aligned with Ayurvedic wisdom, emphasizing balance, sustainability, and respect for all living beings.
Then the British came along with their love of cow’s milk and a whole lot of colonial zeal. They pushed dairy hard, setting up farms, importing European cattle, and promoting milk as a symbol of health and modernity. But there was a catch—they ignored the fact that a huge chunk of the Indian population is lactose intolerant. And they didn’t really care about the centuries-old plant-based diets that were already doing just fine without milk.
Milk Myths vs. Plant Power
The British sold milk as a miracle food, but modern research paints a different picture. Milk can be tough on the digestive systems of many Indians and is linked to health issues like heart disease and certain cancers. Meanwhile, plant-based diets, loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and all the good stuff, help protect against chronic diseases. And let’s bust that old myth: you don’t need milk for calcium—leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified plant milks got you covered without the downsides.
The Not-So-Green Dairy Scene
Let’s talk environment. Dairy farming isn’t just tough on our bodies; it’s rough on the planet too. Cows produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas that fuels climate change. Plus, dairy farming guzzles water and contributes to land degradation, deforestation, and pollution. By contrast, plant-based agriculture is generally more efficient, using less land, water, and energy. It’s better for the planet, plain and simple.
Reclaiming Plant-Based Roots
The colonial push for milk reshaped Indian diets, sidelining sustainable plant-based traditions that had worked for centuries. Today, more people are waking up to the benefits of going back to those roots—embracing plant-based eating for better health, a happier planet, and a little cultural redemption too.
So, next time you sip on a dairy-free mango lassi, remember: it’s not just a tasty choice; it’s a nod to a rich, plant-based heritage that predates the colonial milk makeover. Going plant-based isn’t just about what’s good for you—it’s about reclaiming what’s always been good for India.
Looking for More Plant-Based Treats? Check Out These Delicious Vegan Ice Cream Recipes:
Up to 87% greenhouse gas emissions may come from this one sector!
87%?!
You may think this is a bunch of nonsense, but please keep reading.
According to a study by Dr. Sailesh Rao: Animal Agriculture Responsible For up to 87% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In the past, there have been different estimates, one from the UNFAO at 18%, and then another from Goodland and Anhang at 51%. UNFAO reinterpreted their work and made it 14.5%.
And now, Dr. Sailesh Rao suggested this outrageous number of 87%.
Where did that come from?!
Why are these estimates so wildly different?
The UNs 2006, 18% figure and the World Watch Institutes 2009, 51% figure, are different because the latter accounted for the breathing contribution of animals and photosynthetic capacity of the land used for feeding and housing livestock.
Plus, they’d also used a 20-year time frame for calculating methane emissions, instead of 100. And both were controversial in some circles, especially in the animal industry.
But there is another factor that was missing from these reports.
And that is the opportunity cost of the land use.
It’s a tricky thing to put a number on, but the new study checked out the impact of bringing back the original forest from the 1800s instead of using it for raising animals for food.
Basically by not allowing those trees to grow back after cutting them down, we’re looking at a total impact of 30 gigatons of CO2. That’s around five tons per person.
And it turns out that by itself would be enough to reverse climate change.
The opportunity cost of forests in determining accurate greenhouse gas emissions turns out to be such an enormous factor.
Which is BAD news.
But it’s also GREAT news!
Because that is something that we can change.
If we got rid of animal-based products, replaced them with plant-based alternatives, and changed how we’re using the land, restoring the forests, wetlands, mangroves, and leaving the oceans alone, we might have a shot NOT JUST AT SLOWING DOWN the climate change, loss of biodiversity, water and soil depletion, ocean acidification, and such…
BUT we even may have a chance of REVERSING some of the damage.
But the clock is ticking.
Either we switch to a plant-based food system, or the world as we know it ends.
It may not end tomorrow or after tomorrow, but if the trends continue, that time will come.
Sorry for being so blunt, but such are the facts.
And whatever that number really is, it doesn’t even matter.
Whatever estimates you accept as the closest to the truth—the bottom line is that impact is HUGE, and we can’t ignore it any longer.
Even if it’s half or one third or a quarter, we need to stop pretending it’s not a big deal.
Our planet has finite resources and that our current lifestyles are unsustainable.
We have to address this enormous elephant in our kitchen.
We cannot keep looking at that elephant and pretend he’s a pony.
We need to take action to reduce our carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices to ensure a better future for ourselves and future generations.
And if you are not an herbivore yet, how about becoming one today?
On any acre of land, we can grow TWELVE TO TWENTY times the amount in pounds of vegetables, fruits, and grains as in pounds of edible animal products!
But it’s not just about what’s on your plate.
It’s about making others aware, and especially making the politicians and decision makers aware.
So, share this information with as many people as you can, and demand action from those who are in power.
Let’s start the REVOLUTION.
Because if not us, then who. If not now, then when.
PS. Sign up for my newsletter if you want to receive more articles from my new book “The Herbivore Solution”.
You may already know a few things about me. Namely, that I’m an author, blogger, green smoothie enthusiast, vegan, and maybe a few other weird things.
But here is the thing…
I know nothing about you, except that for some strange cosmic reason, you ended up on one of my pages, reading one of my books or articles, and signing up for my list, entrusting me with your email address and attention.
And your attention, even if for a just few seconds, is priceless.
Because you’ll never get those few seconds or minutes (or hours, if you read one of my books!) back.
So, I would like to know—why did you do it?
Did you have a reason, or it was an impulse?
And what did you expect?
Are you a plant-curious omnivore? Vegetarian? Vegan?
Do you want recipes? Advice? Inspiration?
Information? Education? Entertainment?
Of what kind?
Now, I can’t promise you that I’ll deliver whatever you ask me to, but I can perhaps try.
BTW, I’ll tell you more about what I’m planning to write about in the near future. Some of things may already be familiar to you, some things may be new, struck you as strange, or even weird.
So, if you feel like you’d like to share with me a little bit about yourself, then you share your thoughts below or on my Facebook, Instagram, or via email.
Because I’ll just keep writing and trying to figure out my role in the big scheme of things in the universe.
P.S. Do you ever ask yourself these questions? “Who am I? Why am I here?” It’s worth asking yourself these questions repeatedly, again and again, because the answers you’ll get may surprise you.
PS. If you are not an herbivore yet, how about becoming one today?
A study published in the journal Nature found that if more people switched to plant-based diets, we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%, reduce pollution, and free up the land the size of Brazil to plant forests and restore natural habitats — and that’s huge!
On any acre of land, we can grow TWELVE TO TWENTY times the amount in pounds of vegetables, fruits, and grains as in pounds of edible animal products!
But it’s not just about what’s on your plate.
It’s about making others aware, and especially making the politicians and decision makers aware.
So, share this information with as many people as you can, and demand action from those who are in power.
Let’s start the REVOLUTION.
(More on this coming soon…)
Because if not us, then who. If not now, then when.
