RAK ON: Why Your Plant-Based Journey Feels Hard—And How to Make It Easier

Go farther than you ever thought possible

Sep 23, 2024

💡 In Today’s Edition:

🌱 Roots Reflection: Feeling Alone on Your Fitness Journey
🧘🏽‍♂️ Awareness Action: Understanding the Disconnect Between Your Values and Environment
💛 Kindness Opportunity: Finding Your Tribe and Building Community

🌱 Roots Reflection: Feeling Alone on Your Fitness Journey

There’s a unique kind of isolation that comes with adopting a plant-based lifestyle, especially when no one around you shares the same values. You make deliberate choices, change your diet, and commit to healthier living, but the more you embrace these changes, the more distant you might feel from those closest to you. It can feel like you’re living in a different world—one where food is fuel for health, not just habit—and the people around you just don’t get it.

I know this feeling well. My introduction to plant-based eating came through a wellness committee at the hospital where I work. That’s where I first learned about the power of nutrition in transforming health. Early on, I connected with one of my coworkers who was vegan, and together we formed a small plant-based support group. At first, it was just the two of us, but we’d invite other colleagues and occasionally go out to plant-based restaurants. It wasn’t a big group, but it gave me a sense of community when it felt like no one else was making the same changes.

The truth is, when you’re walking a path that’s different from the norm, it can feel lonely. You wonder if there’s anyone out there who really gets it—who understands the effort it takes and the emotional weight of walking this path alone. It can feel like you’re constantly swimming upstream, fighting not just for your health, but for a sense of belonging.

🧘🏽‍♂️ Awareness Action: Understanding the Disconnect Between Your Values and Environment

When we feel isolated on our health, we might get the feeling like we’re doing something wrong. But often, that loneliness stems from a disconnect between our values and our environment. If you’re prioritizing health and making intentional decisions while the people around you aren’t on the same path, it’s natural to feel out of place.

What we don’t often realize is how much we rely on shared meals and habits to feel connected to others. When you change what you eat, the social bonds that once seemed automatic can start to feel fragile. There is a discomfort that stems from your new choices challenging the status quo.

But this isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you. It means that you’re growing. You’re making choices that reflect your deeper values, and the people around you may not be there yet. Honestly, they may never get there.

Take a moment to reflect:

Where in your life are you feeling a disconnect between your values and your environment?
How are your current choices challenging the norms around you?

💛 Kindness Opportunity: Finding Your Tribe and Building Community

The feeling of isolation is real, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. There are actionable steps you can take to find connection and support on your journey. I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I started my plant-based journey, I felt like I was navigating it alone. But over time, I found my tribe, and it changed everything.

This weekend, I attended the annual International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference, surrounded by health professionals who share my passion for using nutrition to transform health. It’s a powerful reminder that even if it feels like you’re walking this path alone, your tribe is out there. You just have to take the steps to find them. And when you do, the journey becomes lighter.

Here are some ways to start finding your tribe:

Find or create a local wellness group: Platforms like Meetup.com or Facebook Groups are great resources for finding local plant-based or wellness communities. If there isn’t one in your area, consider starting your own group. Even a small community of people with shared goals can create a meaningful sense of connection.
Join a structured support group: For ongoing guidance and accountability, consider joining a group dedicated to your wellness journey. I lead health tribes offering support, education, and a space for people to connect (there’s a Plant-based, Heart Health and Men’s Peak Tribe). If this sounds like what you’re looking for, check out more details and book a free discovery call at rakyourlife.com.
If you’re trying to eat more plant-based, join or start a plant-based potluck. The Plantrician Project has sparked a series of plant-based potlucks nationwide to help people connect over shared values and meals. You can see if there is a potluck near you and learn how to host your own here.

As the proverb goes: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Finding your tribe can take time, but when you do, the journey becomes lighter and more meaningful. The hill that once seemed so steep won’t feel as daunting when you’re walking it together.

So this week, take the time to reach out, seek connection, and show yourself kindness along the way. Trust that the people who share your path are waiting for you too.

Live well and RAK On,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽

P.S. Ready to take control of your health and start living life to the fullest? Whether you’re looking to prevent or reverse chronic diseases with personalized care or find support and accountability in a health Tribe, I’m here to help. Discover more on my website or book a free, no-obligation discovery call with me, Dr. Rak, today!