"Don't diet, build better habits"
- Kimberly Winters
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Have you had a chance to check out the latest episode of the Did You Bring the Hummus Podcast? A journey into plant-based wellness, mindset, and finding your 'why' were the central themes In my Interview with Plant-based Susy of vegansusy.com.
Susy empowers women in their 40s and beyond to achieve sustainable weight loss and wellness. Her vegan journey began in 2005 when she met her partner, a long-time vegan. Initially, she didn;t think veganism would ever be the choice for her, but, as you'll hear her explain "the more that you find out... you couldn't unlearn what I was learning". For Susy, the turning point was realizing she could be "part of the problem or part of the solution." She chose the solution.
Key takeaways from the conversation:
On Mindset and Motivation:
Know Your 'Why': Both Susy and I emphasize the importance of having a strong reason for going vegan (and honestly, any change you want to make). "Without the real reason, it is difficult," Susy reminds us. Whether for the environment, the animals, or personal health, a solid "why" is crucial for staying committed.
Progress Over Perfection: The journey to a healthier life is not about being perfect. Susy lives by the "80-20 rule" and the mantra "Progress over perfection," allowing for indulgences like a vegan burger.
Self-Compassion: It's essential to have compassion and forgiveness for yourself. "Just don't give up because it is going to be challenging," Susy advised.
Tips for a Plant-Based Lifestyle:
Handling Social Situations: When faced with potential criticism, Kimberly shared Dr. Doug Lisle's advice: "just tell them, hey, my doctor put me on this". Susy’s partner used to say he was lactose intolerant to avoid arguments.
Starting Small with Exercise: For those new to movement, Susy suggests starting with walking, especially in the morning. "What gets measured gets managed," she said, recommending tracking steps. To ensure she gets up, Susy puts her phone outside her room, forcing her to get out of bed to turn off the alarm.
Making Healthy Swaps: Being a "foodie" is possible while vegan and following a whole-food diet. Susy suggests veganizing family favorites and using ingredients like dates, oats, bananas, and apple puree as substitutes in baking.
The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about hummus, with Susy sharing her love for a jalapeño and cilantro version and her daughter's favorite snack of hummus and avocado on toast.
To connect with Susy:
Visit her website: https://www.vegansusy.com/
Find her on Facebook and Instagram:
Want to hear from Susy herself? Check out the episode on your favorite podcast app and here on my website.
What is your takeaway from this episode? Tell me in the comments!
Stay connected!!
Join the Did You Bring the Hummus mailing list here. Listen to the newest episode with UK's own Plant-Based Susy here
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I'm on a gluten free diet and am not ready to try vegan but it could happen some time in the future. Just not yet. Still, I am open to all possibilities.
Kimberly, I love hummus. I love chick peas (more protein than eggs). I love anything vegan made with chickpeas. I wonder if more people would eat more vegan meals if they were presented, in a friendly way, with ingredients they never experienced before. Like chick peas. Like yogurt made with nondairy milk? I once made a tray of fruit pieces, with a delicious orange dip, to take to a party. People kept exclaiming and asking about the creamy orange dip. It was nondairy yogurt flavored with orange juice concentrate. Some didn't believe me until I told them exactly which major market I bought it from. :-)