Cultural Influence on Lifestyle and Finding Love at TrueNorth

Clifton and Danielle sharing her journey with me at the National Health Association conference I attended recently. I met so many health oriented, beautiful, awesome people at this event. Can't wait to share more! Clifton and Danielle share their journey and thoughts on nutrition and social pressure, and how attending a health program at True North changed their lives.
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For more awesome vegans check out the playlist "Vegan Stories, Insights & Perspectives" • Vegan Stories, Insight...
This interview was captured at the National Health Association Conference in 2022: www.healthscie... for more information.
TrueNorth: www.healthprom...

[@kogbechie123]

This channel is the antithesis of anti veganism and I'm here for it! Fantastic channel and lovely ppl

[@VeganLinked]

Thank you so much :)

[@veganaise2383]

Agree. Breath of fresh air. 🥳🦋🌺🌱🌼

[@ER-dn3pk]

Thank you very much Danielle and Clifton ! Elisa from France .

[@smallfootprint2961]

Always came back. Once you feel the feeling of health, you can't go back. Also imagining eating animal flesh goes against all I stand for. Me too, Danielle. Love your stories/story, Danielle and Clifton.

[@gayatrishivoham]

Beautiful souls!! I am with Danielle and Clifton on how they go about life although we need the activists et all. I have great relationships with people WFPB or otherwise and quite a few people have adopted this way of life just by hanging out with me. As they say different paths to the same destination. Thank you for another great interview!!

[@smallfootprint2961]

Not long ago, I broke my ankle. Other than that I was healthy. When I told the intake doc that I was plant based, I was bragging. Saying, in a way, I'm healthier than the average person because I eat all these vegis. He ordered me a multi vitamin... Mwahaha.

[@patriciapalaroan1074]

Great interview! I connected with both of them, especially Clifton and his approach and outlook. I think I fall into that category as well.

[@JB-id4hd]

I thought I was the only one

[@cbeary2000]

I thoroughly enjoyed both of their perspectives as well and applaud how honest they were in their delivery. Veganism as a tribe can be thoroughly off-putting. Many of the comments here prove that to me. They are constantly reiterating why they might be less evolved bc they have a different opinion. That will have most curious people turn their back on this movement alone. I think they actually have a better approach than most vegans i have met.

[@daniellemvakoutis]

I am genuinely sorry to those of you who were offended by this video. In my (our) defense, I believe this interview may have been taken out of context. It was conducted at a National Health Association conference. The focus of the NHA is promoting, advocating, and educating on the benefits of a plant-based diet for optimizing health and longevity. In fact, Dr. Fuhrman who is referenced elsewhere in the comments, and speaks at the NHA Conference annually, has published many New York Times bestsellers, and frequently speaks on the research and scientific evidence supporting a Nutritarian diet (a plant-based, nutrient-dense diet, with the avoidance of chemicals, salt, oil, and sugar). His passion and purpose is to educate about the science for reversing chronic disease, slowing the aging process, and increasing lifespan. That has always been a passion of mine as well. It's not that I don't care about animals or the environment, but my love and interest is the science. So, I guess I'm "vegan", but for the wrong reasons. When I said it's hard eating this way, I didn't mean avoiding animals. That's actually quite easy. I meant it's hard eating 100% of the time whole food plant-based without any salt, oil, and sugar. Not eating animal products is quite easy if you eat vegan junk food. So again, I apologize to those I offended, and I sincerely hope there is room in this vast universe for plant-based eaters in the vegan community.

[@VeganLinked]

You were perfect and this was very much needed. Thank you so much for doing this. You're right that it was a bit out of context but in a good way. Because vegans need to understand that the health aspect is most powerfully to our advantage, what is best for us is best for all. Of course you care about animals, everyone does and if they don't they can still live this way and that is extremely important. Action often speaks louder than words. And your actions speak beautifully because you are trying, learning and doing the best you can in an otherwise sick and challenging world! Thank you!

[@VeganLinked]

This is so great because I really want to put health at the front more than anything. It is because of the health I became an advocate. I felt prior to that it would be rather insane telling people to go vegan even if it's going to kill them 🤣. Because I have a lifelong predilection and passion toward helping others I couldn't resist spreading the message of veganism from a health perspective, which is why I have so many doctors on my channel. So, in late 2016 studying nutrition galvanized me into doing VeganLinked and this all has become the most important thing in my life. Prior to that I was a closet vegan for 5 years. Most logically if we're out here representing as sick fat dying vegans nobody's going to want to emulate that. There is no reason to leave humans out of the equation of compassion and ethics. Veganism encompasses all sentient earthlings which of course includes humans. The health only in recent decades has merged with veganism prior to that vegans were mostly just ethical so they're just having the catch up with the times. Surely they don't have a problem with the countless who knows how many thousands of people that went vegan because of what the health. Did that documentary even go into the ethics? If not, does that mean Kip Anderson doesn't care about animals? Of course not! And like one of my interviewees once said you don't have to like animals to be vegan. So it really doesn't matter in the end the only thing that matters is ultimately what we do.

[@cbeary2000]

Great answer Danielle, and great response Vegan Linked. I loved there interview. It spoke to lots of us out here.

[@daniellemvakoutis]

@@VeganLinked Thanks! And the cool thing is, whether you go plant-based for health or for the animals, less animals are killed and our planet is better preserved! I only see a win-win here! Same team 👊

[@redizrad]

Wow its really astonishing to me that they seem to avoid making the ethical connection. I hope one day they make the connection. Its beneficial for the planet too. Positive thoughts and well wishes to them.

[@VeganLinked]

Most people don't so it's not too astonishing. People are so far removed it's very natural to not make the connection. This is why it's emotionally easier for soldiers to kill remotely than in directly face to face.

[@redizrad]

@@VeganLinked I find it astonishing from the stand point of where the two of them are at and all the information they have. It would make more sense for someone like them to understand and support the ethics rather than try to blatantly avoid it.

[@VeganLinked]

@@redizrad Here's a couple of things that helped me deal with people. You never truly know or understand another person. And nothing means anything except for the meaning we assign it. But it does seem like you say that it would be easier for them to fall right into the ethics. Perhaps they are never around animals and only around a bunch of animal eaters, that would make it a lot harder To even begin to connect with the animals... So at least they have something Keeping them away from eating them

[@veganpowergrab]

making plant based work! 11:09 13:27 15:51 16:42

[@VeganLinked]

True... I chose Making Vegan Work because I want people to see the kinds of struggles, esp her struggles, people deal with. From that they may find ways to make vegan work, whether these two do or not lol. What makes it work for them it seems is finding someone the same or similar desires. Dr. Fuhrman says to do this you have to be a leader. In which case an individual will be able to make it work despite the cultural struggles. Not everyone is a leader nor should everyone have to be to make this work. They are not leaders, yet they're make the actions work :)

[@VeganLinked]

I like those segments you chose. At 13:27 he appears to be eluding to the ethics in his own way. But, it's like he doesn't want to go there... And at the 16:42 she says she doesn't identify with it, explains why and literally says "I'm a mom, I'm vegan..." she doesn't identify with any one thing though I guess so she doesn't limit defining herself.

[@PooPooBanana2]

Initial thoughts 15 seconds in, this lady looks like Gal Gadot

[@JB-id4hd]

What's True North and where can I find out more about it? I'm in Texas and I can't find anybody who thinks like this...I'm wfpb as well and sometimes u feel like you're alone.

[@VeganLinked]

I'll be doing a video on TrueNorth soon, at least with Dr. Goldhamer. I probably should release it tomorrow but I was saving it... rrrrr.... Anyways, good question. I may pin it the answer to the top. It's a health center. Typically people go there to fast under clinical supervision most likely for serious health issues.

[@VeganLinked]

actually, I do have it in the description... but here's their website: www.healthpromoting.com/

[@JB-id4hd]

Thank you! I heard you speaking about your family's eating habits. How did you find people who were like you as far as eating habits are concerned? It literally feels like finding a needle in a haystack

[@VeganLinked]

@@JB-id4hd Meetups, facebook groups, potlucks, the more you look the more you'll be blown away by how many there are out there. Worse case you start your own meetup near you. I have a video coming out where Paul Chatlin explains how he ran an add in the paper inviting the first 20 people to respond to his house and he cooked for them, shared pamphlets, videos, and spoke. Maybe you can do something like that!

[@JB-id4hd]

Great ideas!! Preciate it brother and love your channel.

[@efortunywhitton]

It isn’t stressful ‘jumping into it’ if you are doing it for sentient beings.

[@VeganLinked]

Very true

[@VeganLinked]

But dealing with nonvegans is stressful and she was married to one, it's important for people to see why people fail

[@cbeary2000]

Thats right, but a much much larger group of people do it for lots of different reasons. Turning your back on those people or making them feel less evolved bc they have a different perspective than you bc they have a different life story is exactly what Clifton is talking about. There is no 1 way to do this. Sometimes it takes time. Be respectful of each person's growth process.

[@efortunywhitton]

@@cbeary2000 Yes, I get-it. It’s just heart breaking when so many w/in our species feel so little for the sentient beings that suffer unnecessarily. Even when some finally, stop their portion of the killing, and still, they are hesitant to feel beyond their anthropocentrism. But yes, it is what it is, and you are right.

[@jjradV]

I very much appreciate all the interviews you do Vegan Linked, I always leave with something to think about. I must say I relate more to the ethical vegans. Things might be changing but for the animals that are suffering it is not fast enough, while people are experimenting with the way they feel when eating certain foods the animals are living a horrific existence,not to mention the trouble our planet is in. I am so grateful to all the vegans that speak up,show people how the animals are being abused and killed,tell people what is going on, I wish someone had told me, i wish I had known about the factory farms and slaughter houses,I had no idea,but as soon as I found out about it I never ate meat,egg,dairy or fish again. Being vegan is a philosophy not a diet. There is no moral justification for not being vegan. I can't be quiet about the animal abuse, I feel that I have the responsibility to let others know. Once you know you can't un-know it.. Every person needs to be held accountable for the needless suffering of innocent animals and the destruction of our planet,by remaining quiet about the animal holocaust and biggest polluter on earth Animal Agricultural it is directly affecting the quality of everyone's life. Please, if you are fully aware of what is happening to the animals and the environment, please speak up, now is not the time to remain quiet about it. Thank you Vegan Linked for all your hard work in producing these videos, your voice is very much needed !

[@VeganLinked]

Thank you for watching and commenting. People really come into veganism in all kinds of ways, and they may not even call it that as long as they are doing it is all that matters. Ideally they would be a voice for the animals too though. Ethics are powerful, especially if the timing is right for the person. But ethics alone is a much harder sell if someone thinks they need to eat animals. And people are so far removed from the animals and have been conditioned so deep and long that for many if not most the health avenue may be the only way to open their eyes to the ethics. I went for ethics, but I had already grown to mostly prefer to not eat animals. I was already motivated by health but ultimately went all in for the animals. I didn't say anything about it for the first 5 years because I wasn't sure about if it was healthy for others. And I wasn't going to suggest it to people if it wasn't healthy. I started studying nutrition in 2016 and realized whole plant foods are best so I knew then I had to do everything I could to let others know. If we had to eat animals we could only logically be advocates for their welfare not their slaughter. Health is a very logical and powerful motivator, the strongest motivator, globally speaking.

[@VeganLinked]

You'll like tomorrow's release, definitely an all in ethical vegan

[@jjradV]

@@VeganLinked excellent, I look forward to seeing it,thanks again for everything you do !

[@jjradV]

Thank you for your reply, yes, I think you are probably right,for most people it's about their health,not about the animals,hopefully, they will at some point feel the need to speak up for the animals. I really enjoy all your videos,very interesting people with all different thoughts about being vegan, having said that almost everyone says they wish they had become vegan sooner ! Thanks again for all your hard work on this most urgent issue.

[@PooPooBanana2]

couldn't agree more.

[@criska3785]

I'm one of those persons that celebrate any victory: small ones, big ones, whatever, because, for me, if a person doesn't consume any animal product in just one day, this means one day without contributing to the animal exploitation. But veganism is not a diet... And it isn't a cult or religion, etc, as well. But it's more about a way of living that must necessarily considers the concern for non-human animals... And this is the veganism and not another thing else... So, if you just talking about diet, as long as i know, the term is "whole plant-based diet". But, anyway, if you don't contribute to animal exploitation, thanks, very, very thanks, deep from my heart... 💚 #govegan #savetheanimals #LEAVETHEANIMALSALONE

[@VeganLinked]

right, vegan is a philosophy, not a diet, but diet has the biggest impact. And people shouldn't have to identify with a label, it's best when they live by example. If they live by the philosophy then they're vegan without saying it. It isn't a religion of course because it's grounded in facts not metaphysics and really we all are vegan from birth until we're tainted, some say we're either prevegan, vegan forward, or vegan. I like this because it makes a strong point, that we all can be and essentially already are, we just have to tap into actualizing it.

[@criska3785]

@@VeganLinked I agree that it's more important to live by the example, for sure, because actions make changes, and I'll always say "thank you" to people that stop to consume animal products, as I said. But I watched the video and it was all basically about the diet. This is I was talking about. And many backs and fourths and choices influenced by others too. And you know veganism is much more than this. And it's not a concern about a word. Not at all! My concern is about the people's understanding of a moviment that is about the non-human animals and not about anything else. To me, in this particular interview, it seemed that is a simple matter of choice of food, what is better for humans. And if it's about diets, it's ok! Diet is a thing that people change when it's convenient for them anytime, and again: it's ok. But it's not this way when you know you make a choice because, in fact, you dont have a choice... It's other's life or death. And this is about veganism. Sorry, but this is the way i think. Call "whole plant-based diet". It's more appropriate. And again: thanks to those ones that dont consume animal products. They are much closer to veganism than anyone. They are helping the animals and this is the more important thing, after all.

[@robertstokes9034]

I was totally with the guy until he described slavery and the origins of soul food as Scottish and African people “living on a farm together.” 🤦🏾‍♂️ Otherwise a decent message on tolerance of others.

[@catobie1948]

This is the best. It's reality. I just say I don't eat meat. People don't ask why. Vegans put me off with the judgements.

[@VeganLinked]

Yet you appear to be judging and overgeneralizing when you say vegans put you off with the judgements. If we're just being honest and this offends someone then that doesn't mean we were judgemental, usually it's the person resistant the truth. Most vegans I know, including myself practice being open, honest and tactful. It's hard sometimes considering how cold people can be toward us. Especially when we know 200 million animals are slaughtered everyday. You say you don't eat meat. I say I don't eat animals. Does this make me more judgemental? I'm sure the later is more thought provoking and may make someone feel less comfortable who hasn't put enough thought into it. When they evidence not understanding this I clarify further that I don't eat body parts, organs or secretions. I'm too old to really give a fux what people think. I just want them to try thinking a little more logically, a little more compassionately, and be a lot less destructive. My son will be 19 soon too. And I am doing everything in my power to make this a more nonviolent, healthy, loving world for him. I have no fear of being honest. This may get misconstrued beyond my intention and control. But that doesn't mean I was judgemental. That's usually them projecting between the lines. I'm productive and assertive with my activism, not aggressive or passive. Vegan is beautiful and simple and does not require being judgemental. The animals don't have time for me to merely hope I'm leading by example. ❤ vegan is straight up, explicit, comprehensive, and as legit as it gets, to me at least :) but I don't care about fitting in. I don't need to placate, patronize, or appease some boss or in-laws or lady, I only have time to be me and the animals and world need me to be 100 percent straight up 💚

[@annaal7480]

They arę plant based, not vegan. If they thought what goes into non vegan food maybe they would not go in and out of it. Being plant based makes it easy to not stick to vegan way.

[@VeganLinked]

Maybe, and maybe this will be evident to those watching. They're trying I think. And that's more than most people do. And they're evidence that it is worth trying. And diet makes the biggest impact. And health is a motivator we do not want to ignore.

[@veganix6757]

As an animal activist, these guys really pissed me off

[@VeganLinked]

It's important for people to see why people fail. Unfortunately activism isn't as much of a motivator as health. If they're not eating animals this is something to be praised really. Being passed is only making them right for not wanting to be vegan. Wayne Hsiung would praise them for wanting to do good and sparing animals. Obviously they're trying and that's more than most do. We have to normalize veganism and make people feel good about it. I get what you're saying because I too love the blunt ethical approach. But I see the value in the health side. We have to appreciate that to be most effective. It is why we have made so much progress. People are too desensitized and separated from the animals for ethics to be as significant of a motivator for many.

[@veganix6757]

@@VeganLinked yes. However being plant based. A diet. could mean they not interested in not exploiting animals for fashion, entertainment, animal testing etc. what annoyed me is when they say they don’t like to push their beliefs onto people. If they were the victims they would want to be spoken up for. We should not pander to the oppressors.

[@VeganLinked]

@@veganix6757 i would have liked to explored that further. Perhaps they have reason to believe there are effective ways for them and the people they are around to persuade people. Personally, I have been vegan long enough and have learned enough that I am confident and assertive at being very vocal. I'm learning how I may advocate best using my unique skills. We can't all be the same in how we advocate, when we're ready, how vegan we are, etc. We're not brought up in a vegan world so there is a lot of variables and a lot to learn. Always find ways to praise people and make them feel good about what you want to say. If you can't then it may be better to not say anything and find someone more assertive to represent. There is no way to make the world vegan by tomorrow. So we have to find the most effective ways to make it happen as sustainable and fast for people as possible.

[@VeganLinked]

I feel you though, and if you're out there making an impact thank you!

[@efortunywhitton]

Super happy they are not contributing to the animal ag industry. Sad that they don’t seem to value the lives of sentient beings (beings that feel emotions as much as they do, if not more). We kill 73k domestic animals per second, globally & add to that wildlife and sealife; we could rewild an area the size of Africa with a vegan humanity. As is the case with our species, tribalisms have to form; so even with humans that decide to eat plants, some, like these humans, appear to be embarrassed that they are not a part of the status-quo, etc. And are now in the process of creating their own ‘group’ or non-group, of plant eaters that do not relate and don’t want to relate to the ethical issues. It is astonishing to me, as each day, the suffering of sentient beings is an everyday sadness. It’s akin to humans that didn’t like slavery, didn’t engage in it, wanted to change it, but then said they were not a part of the liberation movement, and it’s okay to have-a-laugh with someone that has just whipped someone in the back with a lash. The animal holocaust began 70k years ago (by H Sapiens); we are now down to 3% of mammalian wildlife biomass on earth; so no, I don’t take the hell we have created for sentient beings lightly.

[@VeganLinked]

I know what you mean. At the same time they are going to influence people in different ways than you or I may. It's best to praise progress and engage in open dialog and educate kindly, and as hard as it may often be considerately. They're at least making vegan work and inspiring others to even if they don't use the word. I obviously love the word. At the same time I hate we need it, ideally we would just be and be able to enjoy a vegan world that is just the way the world became. It takes all approaches. At the same time we need more people speaking, by in every way possible to hit everyone possible from every angle possible, with love and make them feel good about doing this so they can hear us and trust us.

[@annaal7480]

I find them very self involved and she avoids direct answers. “Where you vegan or vegetarian” and she answers “i mostly ate raw”. It means nothing. She could have eaten raw veggies and a steak. There is nothing wrong with eating cooked veggies. She also says about animals led to slaughter and being killed while giggling. I find it a bit creepy.

[@Bluegrassman12]

Hen was no help to our cause at all. Lame and not sure why you had these both on . They are not vegan and should not use the term . They are plant eaters but VEGAN. You should have called them on that. Vegan is not a diet it’s an ethical way of life and teaching others

[@VeganLinked]

She said she went vegan. They are demonstrating that veganism is very viable. Diet has the biggest impact. Use it as a tool. More people connect with this than anything else because abittoirs don't have glass windows. People are too disconnected and desensitized. Ignoring the health motive is very counterproductive and what turns people off from vegan. A label isn't the point, their actions are far more significant. They were vegan enough to say they are and be interview by a vegan for a vegan channel at an event that helps people live a way that makes vegan sustainable. Do you have a problem with What the Health, Forks Over Knives, NutritionFacts, etc...?

[@VeganLinked]

Today's video was pure ethics, Erin of Critter Creek Sanctuary. It is important and most effective to come at the world from every angle possible. I could only be an advocate after realizing the health benefits. It would have been insane to say go vegan even though it is going to kill you. I had to know it was healthy first. I was a quiet closet vegan the first five years. Saw my health improve and then started studying nutrition and realized why. I had to tell everyone then. It's our greatest tool. If it was healthy we would could only at best be welfarist. If people had to eat animals then it wouldn't make sense to tell them not to.

[@Bluegrassman12]

@@VeganLinked good points . I just get a little upset when I am out everyday fighting for the voiceless , going’s to farms , slaughterhouses and educating people then listen about only the health side . They deserve respect . Maybe I have just seen too much suffering and know health reasons alone usually doesn’t keep people vegan . Not always , but many times . Appreciate your work and message. You do a great job and I believe in different opinions, but the gentleman’s answers about the animals happened to rub me the wrong way . I usually have good conversations with non vegans , but yesterday I had some with former vegetarians that made no sense . Keep fighting

[@Bluegrassman12]

@@GlennMarshallnz agreed , I am trying and I am more and more open minded to non abolition approach . Unfortunately slaves still exist currently in many countries like Thailand shrimp boats , India , Africa. We just don’t hear about it . Thanks and I’ll try not to pass judgment. When you do it mostly for ethical you can get lost in the weeds

[@VeganLinked]

@@GlennMarshallnz thank you Glenn, spot on!

[@jeanne553]

To be an effective communicator you should try to stop using "like" and "right" as unnecessary filler words.

[@j-sm4554]

I like it. It sounds more conversational and natural.

[@veganaise2383]

Favourite moment: "We nerd out on vegan." "We nerd hard." 🦧🙂

[@VeganLinked]

❤