If you’ve seen the news lately, you know about the worldwide discussion on how best to advocate for the rights and safety of sex workers. I haven’t delved too deep into the issue—a lot seems to be at stake, and hey, I’m not Lena Dunham—but that hasn’t stopped me from wondering if my own success with a plant-based diet might be a model for sex workers. Legislators in various countries might do well to introduce similar dietary restrictions.
When I first started a plant-based diet, it was a daunting task. My reluctance and hesitance was, I’m sure, similar to that of a prostitute beginning her nightly work. Would others judge me? Would I be safe? How would I make sure I was getting enough protein. But the plant-based diet proved a simpler and easier solve than I could have imagined.
By eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and the occasional supplement, I was able to meet all of my nutritional needs. I looked and felt better, squeezing back into my size 2 jeans! Doesn’t every woman want that? Including sex workers? I can only imagine it would be good for business.
Many are worried about the implications of new sex work laws on pimps. Would legalization of sex work, give pimps more power? I don’t know. But a plant-based diet can benefit everyone, including pimps.
Is the Nordic model the ideal? Only if it involves eating more fresh and healthy vegetables! I would even push for sugar-free and oil-free provisions. Eliminating those additives from my diet has improved my health tremendously. I haven’t had a cold in months! Now tell me a sex worker walking the streets at night doesn’t want that!
I know it seems like a lot to ask for all sex workers internationally to prepare their own meals, with fresh ingredients from the farmers markets, but in my experience it only takes a couple of weeks to get used to. Sex workers deserve the same rights we all have in the workplace, and in life, and in our diets. So lets help them, by regulating rather than criminalizing their diets and having them eat more plants.
