6 Friday, March 8, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com Eating meat is firmly established in Western culture and has often been associated with wealth and good nutrition. It's also a habit, and habits are hard to break. Many we had as children we still do today. When we repeatedly perform actions or acts, the brain creates neural pathways which could be compared with a computer program. These pathways make the actions easier and automatic.. I grew up eating meat and never really considered not eating it. I loved it. My father's parents were cattle farmers so beef was a prized meat in our household. My father prided himself on being able to supply the family with good quality meat. Every Sunday, we would have roast beef with all the trimmings. I share this because giving up meat wasn't easy for me, but it's something I felt strongly drawn to do. Breakfast easy There were times when I gave up meat that I felt stuck. Breakfast was easy. I eat the same things today for breakfast that I ate as a child. Oatmeal, with protein powder, pumpkin seeds, and frozen blueberries. If I run in the morning, I'll eat toast with peanut butter. Generally, the only thing I've changed in my breakfast routine is that I don't eat sugar anymore, so no sugary cereals, no sweetener in my oatmeal and no jam on my toast. I found lunch the most complicated meal to give up meat and cheese. My standard lunch as a meat eater might've been a tuna or salmon salad sandwich, sliced deli meats or a grilled cheese sandwich. I still eat sandwiches but substitute hummus and veggies, mashed chickpeas, tofu scramble, and lentil tacos. Dinner though was easy to go meatless. For instance, this week, I've had homemade chili made with tempeh, curried chickpeas with cauliflower, a rice bowl, and a tofu stir-fry. All these meals were high in protein and vegetables. Active lifestyle I became a vegan at 50 and will be 64 this year. In my first month of veganism, I immediately noticed my energy levels soared. I'm very fit as I run three times and walk as often each week. I also work out three times a week and practice yoga. Since I also teach yoga and fitness, I have a very active job. I can maintain this busy life and get enough protein to fuel my lifestyle on a vegan diet. There's lots of conflicting information out there about whether or not a vegan diet is good for you, but I caution you to dive deeper into research. If you're considering changing to a plant-based diet, please be patient and allow the new habits to be created. One day, you'll look back, as I do, and wonder why you ever thought you needed meat. Don't let culture and habits keep you from making the desired changes. Change can be challenging in the beginning. But if you stick with it, it becomes easier. The habit of reaching for plant-based foods will become your new normal. Sheree's hack: Connect with other vegans through Facebook and local groups to help you stay on the path. Creating A New Habit Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson Waiting…Waiting…Waiting… For the new hospital to move forward, Premier Ford needs to release $3 million for the capital planning grant. He promised he would do it. He made that promise - from Whitby! Send your feedback to whitby.ca/newhospital. A promise is a promise. The Regional Municipality of Durham is advising residents of upcoming lane restrictions on Winchester Road in the Town of Whitby. When: From March 4 until July 2024. Unfavourable weather conditions may influence the work schedule. Where: Winchester Road, between Durham Street and Watford Street/Anderson Street, in Whitby. Why: To safely construct temporary traffic signals and roadway illumination in preparation for the reconstruction of Winchester Road. Note: To learn more about this project, visit durham.ca/ WinchesterRoad. The Region realizes that the work may be disruptive and will make every effort to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drivers are asked to exercise caution for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and work crews. Upcoming lane restrictions on Winchester Road