This Thankful Thursday, I want to share something deeply personal—something that has completely transformed my life and that I’m endlessly. grateful for: quitting smoking.
For over 30 years, I was a smoker. It was a habit I thought I’d never break. But after several months of embracing a plant-based lifestyle, something remarkable happened: I began to feel healthier, lighter and more in tune with my body than I ever had before. And suddenly, smoking didn’t fit into that picture anymore.
The healthier I became, the less I wanted to light up. My body was thriving on vibrant, whole foods, and I didn’t want to sabotage that progress.
The Benefits I’m Thankful For
Quitting smoking brought so many gifts:
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- My taste buds came back to life. Suddenly, I could taste the full, rich flavors of the plant-based meals I was enjoying. Sweet, savory and everything in between felt more vibrant and satisfying than ever before.
- My energy skyrocketed. Without cigarettes weighing me down, I could breathe more deeply, move more freely and feel truly alive.
- My confidence grew. Knowing I had overcome something that held me back for decades gave me the strength to tackle other challenges and goals.
- My health flourished. My lungs felt clearer, my skin brighter and my body lighter—proof of the power of aligning my lifestyle with my values.
Why I’m Thankful
I’m thankful for this plant-based lifestyle for being the catalyst for such a major change. It wasn’t just about quitting smoking—it was about reclaiming my health, my taste buds and my life.
Your Journey Matters Too
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been plant-based for years, know this: every step you take toward health and well-being is worth celebrating. And if you’re working to overcome something that feels impossible, take heart—it’s never too late to change your story.
Let’s keep growing, thriving and celebrating these wins together. I’m so grateful to have you on this journey with me.
With gratitude,
If you or someone you love wants to quit, I’d love to share with them EXACTLY how I did it. Simply.
I started out several years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
