The Marietta Times, September 2, 2006

Anna Prince

Unlike many dedicated vegans, Anna Prince, of Marietta, must step away from her vegan lifestyle, from time to time, and return to dairy.

"I am on and off because of weight issues," Prince, a Marietta psychiatrist said. "I've been a vegetarian for years, but when my weight drops, I do eat a little bit of organic meat."

Whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy comprise the mainstay of the heart-healthy diet, according to Prince.

"Eating a diet without meat is bound to stabilize weight," she said. "I grew up in the country where everybody had big gardens and put up fruits and vegetables."

The bottom line in veganism or vegetarianism, Prince said, is health.

"But far more than physical health, health in the sense of emotional health, a positive attitude, free of being bogged down by depression," she said. "A spiritual sense that embraces nature's connectiveness."

Approach the vegetarian lifestyle with playfulness and fun, or it won't work, she said. Keep positive images in your head.

Weight loss and better health happens naturally as people follow the lifestyle.

"When we step out in nature we feel instantly connected," she said. "Our culture is in the midst of so much negativity, an 'us vs. them' mentality that grows and pervades," Prince said. "Instead of looking at our differences, we need to look at our similarities."

She doesn't push her food choices on her family, but encourages healthy eating.

"We have a rule that whoever cooks, cooks what he or she wants," Prince said. "If my husband wants a steak, then he has to cook it."

Prince calls the vegan lifestyle "a great adventure" and creative.

"It's a wonderful form of self-love to take care of yourself and eat healthy food."