Bine Steindor AHA Moment

When I was 15 years old, I became a vegetarian because I was increasingly concerned about the meat industry.

Seven years later – at 22 – I was still convinced that no animal had to suffer for me anymore since I was already living a vegetarian lifestyle.

I had long given up cow's milk – I simply couldn't tolerate it. A plant-based drink has always been much easier for me to digest.

However, I still ate eggs, cheese, and honey. At that time, I thought, "No animal has to suffer like in the meat industry for these, right?"

The switch to veganism

The more I read about the topic, the clearer and more conscious it became to me that becoming vegan was the only right choice for me.

I didn’t want animals to suffer for me. The brief taste isn’t worth it to me. I switched to plant drinks, cheese alternatives, and other very delicious vegan food options.

Woman with closed eyes in a calm, mindful pose

Woman smiling slightly with her head tilted in front of macramé décor

In harmony with my values

I have already told you why I became vegan. But what does that have to do with my values? I want to live in harmony with myself and nature, shaping my day so that I can go to bed happy in the evening.

After I became vegan, I made sure to buy only vegan products in all areas of my life. I felt happier and more content and often went to bed feeling well after a day.

My AHA moment

After I increasingly ended a day feeling satisfied, I asked myself the question:

"What do I need to be even more satisfied?"

Woman looking at dried flowers in her hand

Completed table of values and needs with notes

This question, combined with my experiences after switching to veganism, was my AHA moment.

I realized that I am content because I pay attention to my values – but I had only consistently prioritized my vegan values. I often did not recognize, address, or prioritize other values and needs.

So I drew up a table – with my needs and values broken down in the left column, and in the right column, how I can better meet that value or need.

You can download a template for this here.

Download template

Veganism – an option for you?

Did you know that the environmental impact of cow's milk differs enormously compared to plant-based drinks?

Producing oat milk emits up to 69% less greenhouse gases than producing cow's milk. For soy milk, it's even up to 76% less.

By switching to plant-based drinks, you can not only do a lot for the animals but also do something good for our planet.

Personally, I think a plant-based drink tastes much better than cow's milk. From oat to almond to rice drinks, there is already a whole range of plant-based drinks on the market.

I've written down my recipe for a plant-based drink for you to try at home.

Woman places both hands on her chest and smiles gently

Plant drink made from almond paste

Ingredients:

700ml water
3 tbsp almond butter
3-4 dates - alternatively agave syrup
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients for 2-3 minutes in a blender
And your homemade plant-based drink is ready :)

Note:

Instead of cinnamon, you can also use vanilla, depending on your preference

Every little step counts

It is important for me to say that none of us have to live perfectly sustainably or vegan. However, every small step is important. It can look very individual.

You buy plastic-free cosmetics or try a vegan dish from time to time. Tune into yourself to see what you want to change and what feels good for you.