Ben Courson is a mental health advocate, speaker and author known for combining spirituality and philosophical thinking with emotional well-being.
Through his work, he has helped many people find meaning in their struggles and taught them how to build lives full of meaning and peace. Courson’s exploration of veganism isn’t just about food. It’s about healing, integrity and creating space for compassion – in the mind, body and soul.
He once shared, “I didn’t become vegan overnight. It started with an honest question: ‘What is the most loving choice I can make every day for others and for myself?'” That question set him on the path to a lifestyle based on empathy and mental clarity.
Mental clarity starts on the plate
How food affects the mind
What we eat influences how we think and feel. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of anxiety and depression. A study in Nutrients found that vegans often report better moods and more energy than non-vegans. This may be because fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that support brain health.
Ben Courson said: “I chose a vegan diet for the sake of the animals,” he said, “but the side effects of the vegan diet have also given me great physical benefits. I feel much less sluggish, more focused and healthier.”
He is not alone. Many people report better concentration, a calmer mood, and more energy when cutting animal products. Plant-based meals often make people feel lighter, both physically and emotionally.
The spiritual side of the table
Choose peace over pain
For Courson, the decision to go vegan is also spiritual. “If I talk about love but my plate is full of suffering, something is wrong,” he explained. He believes that compassion should extend to all living things – not just humans.
Many spiritual traditions support this idea. Buddhism, Jainism, certain branches of Christianity, and even some indigenous teachings all promote a non-harmful lifestyle. Veganism is consistent with these teachings and eliminates violence from things as everyday as dinner.
It’s not about guilt – it’s about alignment. Eating a diet that aligns with your values creates inner peace. When your actions match your beliefs, there is less mental friction. This sense of integrity brings calm.
Small decisions, big impact
Every vegan meal is a silent act of resistance. It says no to factory farming, animal cruelty and environmental damage. But it also says yes – to healing, hope and better mental health.
Ben Courson talks about how a small change helped him feel more grounded. “Every little change gave me a little more mental space and a little more peace.”
Here’s what a person can save each year by going vegan:
- 200 animals
- 1.3 million gallons of water
- 16.5 pounds of grain per day
- Tons of CO₂ emissions
But beyond the numbers, there are emotional implications too. Knowing that you are contributing to something better can help reduce helplessness and increase self-confidence.
The science behind the benefits
Brain health and balance
A report in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who eat a plant-based diet often experience less stress and feel better. Nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids (from flaxseeds and walnuts) help regulate mood. Fiber-rich foods support the gut microbiome, which plays a huge role in mental health.
People who eat more plants often sleep better, have a more stable mood, and recover more quickly from burnout. That’s because they prevent inflammation caused by processed meats and high-fat dairy products, which are linked to brain fog and fatigue.
Real-life tips for trying veganism
Start where you are
Living vegan doesn’t mean you have to change your entire life in one day. In fact, this pressure can make it even more difficult. Here’s what Courson recommends:
“Start with curiosity. Ask yourself, ‘How could I eat in a way that feels more enjoyable?’ Try a meal. Then maybe one day. Let it grow from there.”
Here are some practical steps:
- Meatless Mondays: Eat everything plant-based one day a week.
- Swap the milk: Try oat, almond or soy milk.
- Choose a favorite food: Veganize it. Tacos, pizza, stir-fries – easy wins.
- Read labels: Look for hidden animal products like whey or gelatin.
- Find easy wins: hummus, peanut butter, pasta, fruit, rice bowls.
The unexpected advantage: inner silence
Why it feels like freedom
A surprising part of the vegan lifestyle is the feeling of relief. You stop participating in something that doesn’t suit you. This small movement can lift a weight you didn’t even know you were carrying.
Ben Courson summed it up like this:
“I thought it would be hard to give up things. But I didn’t give up peace. I won it.”
When you live in harmony with your values, you empower yourself. It turns decisions into statements. It teaches you to say, “I care. And I can change.” This mindset affects everything – work, relationships, and dealing with stress.
Final thought: It’s about hope
Veganism is not just about what you eat. It’s about how you appear in the world. It’s about small, daily decisions that speak louder than words.
When asked what advice he would give to someone curious about starting, Ben Courson said:
“Try with grace. Try with joy. Not as a rule, but as an invitation to care more deeply.”
That’s the heart of it. Veganism is an invitation – to hope, to healing, to harmony. One quiet meal at a time.
