Raine Chase

I didn’t grow up vegan. In fact, my favorite food used to be bacon, and I remember saying once: “I could never be vegan.” Like so many people, I was raised eating meat and never questioned it. Things began to shift when I discovered yoga and mindfulness, and later in college, an environmental studies class opened my eyes to the connection between wellness, sustainability, and compassion. I went vegetarian in 2020, and over time, veganism became the lifestyle that aligned with my deepest values. For years, though, I called myself “vegan at home and vegetarian in public.” Not because I didn’t care — but because I didn’t want to be stereotyped, judged, or pulled into awkward conversations at restaurants or family gatherings. I felt like I wasn’t “vegan enough” to belong. Seven months ago, I took the full leap into veganism. Now, I bring my own food to family events, hold my boundaries with confidence, and feel aligned knowing my choices match my values. I’m not perfect — and that’s exactly why my clients relate to me. I know what it’s like to feel inconsistent, unsure, or pressured by others’ expectations. I also know the freedom that comes with finding your own path: eating in a way that feels good for your body, your mind, the planet, and the animals.