With about 2% of Americans practicing a plant-based diet, it’s no wonder many feel making healthier changes don’t relate to their lives. Most people don’t even know anyone practicing a plant-based lifestyle.
I’ve decided to start a series to spotlight past and present brown vegans (famous and non-famous), who have made a change in their lives for health and/or ethical reasons. Enjoy!
How long have you been a vegan?
I celebrate one year as a vegan in February 2012!
What made you decide to embrace a plant-based diet?
I mainly decided that my whole life needed a change after a major breakup in July 2010 that left me depressed and looking for an outlet. I began heavy eating in order to mask my pain and gained a significant amount of weight onto my already sizable frame. After finally getting sick and tired of eating my pain away, I realized my direction was not simply to “diet” but to find something that would work for me in the long haul. During the first month, I realized elimination meat was nothing. It became a sort of challenge to me to find all the animal byproducts in the items I used. I never looked back and in the midst of it all, I healed my heart.
What was the hardest food to give up?
Without a doubt, low moisture mozzarella, and ribs. When I have a craving, I make vegan mac & cheese and throw some bread crumbs on top for crunch and bake! I haven’t found a cheese that can replace dairy, but I’ve learned to live very comfortably with Daiya!
Any advice to new vegans?
Group up! Finding other like-minded people will help so much in those weak moments. Also, find your own comfort zone and start from there. When it comes to many newbies, we want everything right then and there. Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t build a lifestyle without a little time, patience and planning!
What are some of your favorite books or websites on veganism?
The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone
Please share a recipe you enjoy.
I recently fell in love with a dessert that I learned to make from other Youtubers. I realized that many were putting way too many ingredients to suit my pure and simple tastes so I made it myself to see if I could make it taste good. It was chocolate banana peppermint chia seed pudding. I smashed a banana in a bowl and added five healthy tablespoons of chia seeds to the mixture. I then added cacao powder, about 2 tablespoons and three drops of peppermint extract. I let it marry together for 10 minutes then added vanilla coconut milk and put it in the fridge overnight. I’m happy to report it is now my new midday snack. What's better than that?
I’m always on a journey. Always seeking higher and better. I love to help others, it truly does my heart good to serve. Guess it runs in the family. I would love to make this blogging and documenting a business, since I love to talk and share. I actually hope to progress it into something businesslike, lord willing. I hope to continue to explore veganism and progression into raw veganism. My love of sweets has turned me into the ultimate prowler for the most delicious vegan possibilities to create. On this journey I’m learning to not overload myself on the possibilities, but not limit myself to only a few! I love meeting new people, not only for networking purposes but for genuine friendships. If you can’t tell by now, I can talk your ear off about almost any subject! Love and light.
Email: Veganjourneygurl@live.com
