Category Archives: Vegan Like Me

Vegan Like Me No. 22

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Bud Burdick

Bud, vegan 6 years

Bud, vegan 6 years

Where do you live?  Brooklyn, NY

How long have you been vegan?  ”Almost 6 years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”My move toward a plant-based diet began a little over eight years ago.  I was at a hardcore show and the Syracuse Animal Rights Organization was tabling, offering pamphlets and leaflets, and showing videos portraying the plight of animals.  I later watched the film Meet Your Meat by PETA and was convinced that I needed to change.  I immediately stopped consuming most animal products with exception to “cage free”, organic eggs and shrimp.  Two and a half years later, after having eaten shrimp that smelled like bleach at a restaurant and looking more into the “cage free” industry, I decided to become vegan.”

What do you love most about being vegan?  ”I love knowing that I do no harm to others.  I love trying new foods, exploring those I am familiar with, and being part of an awesome community of caring, thoughtful individuals.  I love the fast recovery I experience after exercising, and the fast recovery following my chemotherapy treatments as I am currently battling leukemia.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?

“1) Peanut Butter – a staple for sandwiches and smoothies.

2) Oatmeal – often used in smoothies as well, or eaten hot or cold with dried fruit

3) Whole Wheat Pita – great with hummus, I buy the varieties with the fewest ingredients.”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “Foodswings” (Vegan restaurant in Brooklyn)

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “It is important to be open to try new things.  Many vegan foods are different from the standard American diet.  Explore the produce aisle, the internet, and local book stores for more options and ideas.  Seek out like-minded people through Meetup.com groups or local vegetarian groups, and be prepared to answer questions.  This means knowing why you are making this decision, and speaking on things that you know to be true.  You will be questioned by friends, family, and many people you meet as to why you made the change.  If you ever end up in a situation in which you feel “outnumbered” and are being lambasted with questions from non-vegans, offer to take down emails and send information at a later time.”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “I do not.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “I have recently experienced life changing events and have documented much of my journey into veganism and through these times in my blog. I feel I have some good things to say and this is my outlet. Check it out:  budburdick.com “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it” -Chinese Proverb”

Thank you so much, Bud, for sharing your story.  I highly suggest visiting his website, as I believe he offers a unique outlook as a vegan, and someone who has been dealt some pretty serious challenges… best of all, he does it with a smile.  It can serve as inspiration to anyone – vegan or otherwise – to truly love and experience your life to the fullest.  Thank you for such an inspirational perspective, Bud!  Let’s high-five at the next Vegan Drinks, ok?  

Vegan Like Me No. 21

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Lisa Drapkin

Lisa D., vegan 1 & 1/2 years

Lisa D., vegan 1 & 1/2 years

Where do you live?  Ditmas Park, Brooklyn

How long have you been vegan?  ”1 and a half years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”

“My journey to veganism started when I stumbled upon the Mercy for Animals web site.  On their homepage was a video of an undercover investigation (
http://www.mercyforanimals.org/calves/
) they had recently done on a dairy farm in Texas.  It was devastating, and showed calves being tortured.  I had never even thought of calves being associated with dairy, and it was very clear to me from that point on how consuming dairy products directly related to this cruelty.  I immediately stopped doing so entirely, and soon after became aware of how horrible animals were treated in the meat and egg industries as well.  Before this I had no idea what factory farms were and the horrors they inflict upon so many innocent, helpless creatures.  This information affected me greatly.  However, my transition from here was kind of a weird one.  I decided to try not eating any animal products at all anymore, but didn’t express to anyone what I was doing because I wasn’t really sure myself.  At the time, I didn’t know anyone vegan, and had the idea in my head that it would be too hard.

After a couple of weeks, I was already giving up, as I wasn’t fully invested in the idea of being vegan yet, and so hadn’t even tried researching all the amazing vegan food options I now know to exist.  Instead, I started looking into “humane” farms.  I decided I was ok with the idea of an animal being killed for food as long as they lived a good life.  Though I knew I didn’t want them to be abused, I didn’t think that unnecessarily killing a chicken or cow for human consumption was wrong because in my mind they were in a separate category of animals than the dogs or cats I had known.  I researched all the different “humane” farm labels, and only one – Animal Welfare Approved – held any even remotely significant standards relating to the welfare of animals.  They accounted for LESS than one percent of farms in the U.S., and it happened that a venue in a nearby Farmer’s Market sold their products.  So for about a month, I was in this kind of limbo period in which the only animal products I was consuming at all were from this stand.

Either way, what I had learned about the abuse of farmed animals was something I couldn’t get out of my mind.  I wanted to become involved in some kind of activism for this cause but I had no idea how.  I decided to call a friend who I hadn’t seen in a long time, one who I knew was an activist for many causes.  This person had always been someone who I found to be incredibly intelligent, inspiring, and who I respected greatly.  Though at the time I contacted him, I didn’t know he had himself become vegan a few months back.  When we met one day, I started off by saying that I had recently been informed of the suffering of billions of animals, and felt deeply disturbed by it.  The first thing he said excitedly, was, “are you vegan now too?” And I told him yes, I was.  I knew at once it would appear ultra-hypocritical to tell him the truth that no, here I was asking him how to help resolve my pain that came along with empathy for these animals, while still contributing to their exploitation myself.  So, from that moment on the lie that I told my friend became a truth, but I proclaimed it with the intention of that happening.

From then, I let my heart open fully.  My perception of the world completely altered, and my psyche evolved into who I have become over this past year and a half.  I now realize how crazy it was that I wanted animals to live a good life, but then didn’t care if they were violently killed for my consumption.  I now understand that eating animals and their secretions is far from being a personal choice, because the animals didn’t have a choice but to be confined, mutilated, and slaughtered.  I began to see all animals as individuals who deserve to be free from harm and suffering, and how warped society causes our minds to be in the way in which we feel only certain animals should be treated with compassion.  However, I know fully that I never would have even come close to comprehending this had I not stopped contributing to their exploitation.  I had to first take that step back and see things from a different perspective.  I now recognize the cruelty that lies behind every facet of our society, and am aware that animal exploitation is absolutely everywhere.  Although, despite the sadness that occurs when that veil of ignorance is lifted, I wouldn’t go back to my blindness for anything in the world.”

What do you love most about being vegan?  ”What I love most by far is the fellow vegans that I’ve become connected with just through our shared beliefs, and the community of like-minded people I now have in my life.  I’ve met some of the greatest people I’ve ever known over this time, especially those I’ve met from doing advocacy work together.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “Peanut Butter – always a great source of quick protein, especially when I’m broke:)

Nutritional Yeast – used to think it was a weird food item but now I LOVE sprinkling it on pasta

Olive oil – always using it to cook”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “The all-vegan Champs in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is my go-to place for vegan comfort food and pretty much everything I’ve gotten from there is amazing – whether it’s chili, pancakes, burritos, cheese fries, nachos, or apple pie – for vegans that love having those items we thought we would miss (but don’t have to) –  Champs is a great place to go.”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “I would say, start reading, and learn all the facts for yourself.  Know why you are doing it.  If to you, the reason means something, than it will be much easier to do, and to stick with.  Start substituting foods you like with vegan options, like soy milk and veggie meatballs.  Go at the pace that works for you.  The more foods you find and like, the easier it will be.  If there’s one thing you can’t seem to give up right away, then give up everything but that!”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “What I find difficult is the absurdity of living in a world where we (vegans) have to justify and are considered abnormal for thinking it’s wrong to inflict suffering onto powerless beings for the mere fact that we can.  I don’t know how that part will ever get easier, unless more and more people start to wake up to the truth, but besides for that, everything about it is wonderful.  The food part is the easiest because you start to learn just how many amazing options there are that you never would have tried previously.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “If you’re vegan and you’d like to help educate others learn about the cruelty behind animal products, a great way to do so is through leafleting.  Vegan Outreach is an organization that provides wonderful leaflets to distribute to students on college campuses, or in busy areas.  Go to VeganOutreach.org to learn more, or contact Emily for my information if you’d like to help me leaflet at a school in the NYC/NJ area in spring 2013!”

I can’t even begin to tell you what an awesome advocate Lisa D. is in the AR world!  I met Lisa last year when we were both volunteering at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary’s rooftop benefit in Brooklyn… she told us about Vegan Drinks, marching in the NYC Pride Parade with Mercy For Animals, and we see each other at countless AR/Vegan events around the NYC area.  Her story is compelling and I’m so grateful to have her share it here on Jersey City Vegan.  Thank you Lisa, for all you do for the vegan movement, animal rights and most of all, the animals.  

Vegan Like Me No. 20

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Mickey Z.

Where do you live?  Astoria NY

Mickey Z., vegan 17 years

Mickey Z., vegan 17 years

How long have you been vegan?  ”17 years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”My initial motivation was a cross between personal health and my concern for animals.  As I learned more about the environmental/economic connections, they aided my commitment.  Ultimately, however, I consider myself to be an “ethical vegan” and it’s this component that feels most meaningful to me.”

What do you love most about being vegan?  “I get to live the revolution 24/7.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “Not sure how broadly you’re defining “pantry,” but you’ll always find kale, avocado, and mixed nuts (especially cashews) in my apartment.”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “Daiya cheese”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “There are so many valid, urgent, and fun reasons – health, ethical, environmental, etc. – to embrace this lifestyle so I cater my answer to the person’s personality.

In addition, here’s the big picture as I see it:

It’s not nearly enough to rise above the latest man-made conflicts and/or differences and proudly declare oneself a “humanist.”  In the name of holistic justice and planetary rebellion, we must go deeper to identify as earthlings and stand—fists raised—in solidarity with all of our fellow earthlings.”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “Nope.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “A related article of mine, “Corporate Ecocide. It’s Much More Than Monsanto.”

Thanks, Mickey Z!  I am grateful for your contributions to the AR Movement, your writing is incredibly motivating and inspiring.  I hope people take the time to check out Mickey’s linked article and other writings.  If you’re in NYC tonight, please consider attending Mickey’s talk, more details here.

Vegan Like Me No. 19

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Greg Sher

Greg's Personal Training company, I Kill Fat.

Greg’s Personal Training company, I Kill Fat.

Where do you live?  NYC

How long have you been vegan?  ”2 years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”My first introduction to veganism was through music.  I remember as a teenager being very intrigued while looking through CD booklets of bands like Earth Crisis and Propagandhi.  I couldn’t believe that the toughest and craziest bands I listened to at the time were so passionate about a cruelty free lifestyle.

I became a personal trainer many years later, and after doing my own research on how a plant-based diet would help aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and benefit the human body more than anything I had to give it a try.  I remember shortly after going vegan my body fat percentage dropped drastically, and I had more energy and focus than I ever had before.  Plus, when I met my girlfriend (now wife) she was vegetarian (now vegan) and showed me around to the best vegan spots in Manhattan!

Two years after adopting a plant-based lifestyle I can honestly say I’m in the best shape of my life!”

What do you love most about being vegan?  “The food and staying fit!

My wife and I love going out to Candle 79 and Blossom for date nights.  The vibe of a vegan restaurant is usually very laid back and extremely friendly.

As far as physical fitness goes, I love knowing that because the food I eat is so clean, my workouts are efficient and I will maintain my energy levels throughout the day.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “1. Oatmeal – Oatmeal with hemp protein is what I crave every morning. Which leads me to number 2…

2. Hemp protein – Rich in fiber and protein! I mix it in my oatmeal which keeps me full for the first few sessions/classes of my day.

3. KIND Healthy Grains – I am obsessed with the peanut butter flavor! Only 5 grams of sugar per serving!”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “Let’s just say I can do some serious damage at Lula’s Sweet Apothecary on 6th street in between avenues A and B.”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “If you want to feel super healthy, in the shortest and most efficient amount of time, I would have to suggest a plant-based diet.  It worked for me, it worked for my wife, and my clients who give it a try are crazy about the results they get.”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “After spending countless hours reading up on what’s needed to live a healthy life on a plant-based diet, and talking to other plant-based athletes, I can honestly say I’ve had no problems.  My dad, who’s a doctor urged me to get blood work done to see if I was deficient in any vitamins or minerals back when I told him I was going vegan.  All the blood work came back completely normal.  Healthy as an ox!”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “I’ve been a personal trainer in New York City for 4 years.  Download my free eBook at www.Ikillfat.com. What’s great about my business is that I come to you!  Tell me what neighborhood you’d like to workout in, what trains you’d like to be near, and we exercise at a location that’s most convenient for you.  No gym membership fees required!  I also teach group fitness classes, and Pilates.  Stay healthy!”

I am so glad that after quite a bit of a hiatus (read: finally got a new computer!), Vegan Like Me is back in the swing of things!  Thank you Greg for sharing your thoughts with us… I’m with you on the damage that can be done at Lula’s!  

Vegan Like Me No. 18

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Ilana

Ilana, vegan 2 1/2 years

Where do you live?  Astoria NY

How long have you been vegan?  ”2 1/2 years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”I became a vegetarian over 20 years ago.  The story i know is that i was about 14 years old and saw my mom making chicken … something clicked and I realized that the chicken, the animal, was the chicken for dinner.  I’ve always been an animal lover … and from that day forward, I haven’t eat meat.  I’m thankful to 2 friends in particular who helped me eventually make the shift from vegetarian to vegan.  I think I was blocking out the reality of the dairy industry and other animal products… as I continue to learn more, I’m able to make more conscious and compassionate choices.”

What do you love most about being vegan?  “I feel good about the food I eat, how it helps the planet in some small way, and that it is a compassionate, thoughtful lifestyle.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “Peanut butter, chickpeas, and salsa.”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “Melted Daiya cheese on pasta or bread.  Or, a tempeh reuben sandwich.  Or a peanut butter and banana sandwich.  Hard to choose just one!”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “It’s a process… take one (baby) step at a time.  Reflect on your choices and feelings, and be kind to yourself…. it’s a must if you’re going to make a lifestyle choice that’s compassionate to other living creatures.”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “”Not really.  Sometimes eating out in a restaurant with a group of people can be challenging but I am OK with having less food options and sticking with my beliefs.  I’m currently working on refraining from buying leather shoes.  I don’t buy other leather products … but making the shift with shoes has been a little harder.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “”I’m a licensed psychologist and also a certified yoga teacher.  I developed a program to bring mind-body health into early childhood education (think preschoolers learning more than just downward-facing dog, but breathing and meditation too!) www.growingchildyoga.com.”

Thank you SO much, Ilana!  I hope my vegan parent readers take the time to check out Ilana’s yoga program for kids.

Vegan Like Me No. 17

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Nicole Graziano

Nicole, vegan 3 and a half years

Where do you live?  Northampton, MA

How long have you been vegan?  ”3 and a half years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”I have been vegetarian since I was 8 years old.  As a kid, I simply thought it was “really weird” to eat animals, so I stopped.  My parents dealt with it just fine, and I was a healthy teenager.  I was vegan for a short time in my early 20s as a result of being immersed in the NJ hardcore scene.  Truthfully, though-I didn’t fully understand the reasons for being vegan, so eventually I reverted back to eating dairy and eggs.  Later, in my mid 30s, my boyfriend stumbled upon Colleen Patrick Goudreau’s Vegetarian Food for Thought podcast because we were very interested in veg. cooking, and we both listened.  Little did I know that after listening to just three of these podcasts, my choices and diet would be forever changed.  I am embarrassed to admit that until listening to Colleen’s words, I had no idea that cows did not readily give milk and had to be impregnated in order to do so.  It was all I needed to hear, and I became vegan the very next day after hearing her speak the horrific truths of the dairy and egg industries.  My boyfriend also decided to become vegan just a few days later.  We’ve been much more at peace and healthier ever since!”

What do you love most about being vegan?  “I was pleasantly surprised by the 15 pound weight loss I experienced after becoming vegan and have found that I don’t gain a pound on a vegan diet no matter what I eat.  This is fortunate, as I love vegan food.  I also feel that my vegan diet has halted the aging process for me.  I’m 38 and feel better and more energetic than I ever have before.  It just keeps getting better.  Also, as a food lover, I also really love scouting out vegan restaurants and recipes.  But, what I most love about being vegan is knowing that I am doing my absolute best to ensure that no harm comes to any animals.  I feel much more at peace and in line with my belief system as a result of my food choices.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “Nutritional yeast is a must for us.  I LOVED parmesan cheese before becoming vegan, and nutritional yeast mixed with nuts and sea salt is a fine substitute.  I also think that some wonderful sauces can be made with tahini and miso, and I make a delicious macaroni and cheese with these ingredients that could fool anyone.  Perhaps most importantly, we always have a bunch of fresh, local vegetables on hand as a result of our summer and winter farm shares.  We love coming up with new recipes for whatever we receive each week.”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “It’s hard to name just one, but I really do love pastas with creamy sauces.  We do wonders with nutritional yeast, fresh herbs, vegetable broth, white wine, and soy milk.  I’ve been enjoying quinoa pasta lately as a healthy alternative.  I also really love making different nut cheeses.  They’re delicious!”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “I would tell them to go for it and explain that when I did, I never looked back, not even for a second.  It’s the best decision I have ever made, and I can smile every day knowing that I am doing what I can to help my health, animals, and the environment.  I’d also tell them to visit a local farm sanctuary and find out what happens to animals whose bodies and secretions are used for food.  After educating themselves and meeting the animals, they’re most likely to go come to veganism naturally.”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “I have never experienced any difficulty being vegan in terms of finding delicious, satisfying food.  I do tend to sometimes struggle though when friends and family know the truth about how animals are treated and still remain omnivores or vegetarians rather than vegan.  When this happens, I try to remember that it took me a long time to come to veganism, and I try my best to practice acceptance.  Thanksgiving is a tough holiday for me especially because I absolutely adore turkeys.  I got a chance to hang out with a few at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and was amazed and impressed by their personalities and gentleness.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “We also have two vegan dogs, as well an occassional foster dog who all seem very happy and healthy.”

I can totally relate to Nicole’s sentiments about Thanksgiving.  Over the course of this year, I have become very close with a turkey at WFAS named Beatrice… I am not looking forward to the holiday this year, particularly because I know how awesome these creatures are.  However, I am looking forward to celebrating them at the annual ThanksLiving celebration at WFAS!  And that is what is important to me.  Tickets go on sale this weekend and they sell out like hotcakes! 

Vegan Like Me No. 16

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Ellen Mass

Ellen (far right), vegan 3 years, and her family – also vegan!

Where do you live?  Northern NJ

How long have you been vegan?  ”3 years”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”Three years ago my husband and I visited Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary because I heard how wonderful it was. We were vegetarians for years, but when we took the tour and I saw how the chickens were treated (for eggs) and the cows were treated (for milk) I said “I’m done” and became vegan. When I got home my older daughter, then 17, said she would join me. My husband and younger daughter, then 14, joined shortly after.”

What do you love most about being vegan?  “The belief that I am doing the right thing, for my ethics, my health and for the environment. It becomes hard to understand why everyone doesn’t feel the same. I also love that I haven’t given anything up, just found substitutes, for ice cream, cheese, meat, etc. (Who knew!?) I also am vegan in my clothes, so my favorite designer brands are Vaute Couture and Matt and Nat, and favorite shoe store is MooShoes in NYC. Actually, my favorite part is being vegan with my family.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “Standard vegan items include nutritional yeast, Braggs kelp seasoning and Marigold vegan vegetable bouillon. Also lots of different grains.”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “As a foodie, anything that is cheezy or creamy. We all love Daiya cheese when the soaked cashews and nutritional yeast homemade version takes too long. (Huh? This is why you need new cookbooks!) There is also Vegenaise for a good homemade potato salad.”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “Talk to vegans and read their blogs. Toss your old cookbooks and buy new vegan ones. Read about health benefits. Join Farm Sanctuary and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. If you are doing it for health, read “The China Study” or “Eat to Live.” If you are doing it for the environment, read “Animal Factory.” If you are doing it for compassion, read the upcoming “The Lucky Ones” by Jenny Brown and Gretchen Primack or “Farm Sanctuary” by Gene Baur. And check out your local farmers market for veggies that you never tried before!”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “People who think being vegan is a joke and like to shove bacon in your face. And restaurants that don’t offer vegan options. And coffee places that don’t have non-dairy milk.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “I am 50 and so many of my friends are starting to need drugs for cholesterol, diabetes, etc. It is often as simple as changing your diet. Don’t always trust your doctors. Depending on your current diet you may have to go slowly or your stomach may have issues and you will give up. And always believe in the right thing to do. It will keep you going when no one else does. (Also, have your answer ready when (often unhealthy meat-eating) friends ask you where you get your protein! )”

Ellen (right) with Jenny Brown (left), co-founder of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

Ellen offers some AWESOME book suggestions!  I just finished “The Lucky Ones” and it was incredibly moving and wonderful read.  I also love the fact that Ellen has made veganism a family affair.  Thank you so much, Ellen!

Vegan Like Me No. 15

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Becky Brooks

Becky, vegan 2 years (and her Husband-to-Be, Greg, who is also vegan!)

Where do you live?  NYC

How long have you been vegan?  ”2 years and a few months”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?   “I initially went vegan at age 16 after watching “Meet Your Meat.” After subsiding on a diet of french fries at a local diner in Red Bank, NJ, I reverted to being a vegetarian who ate dairy for over 10 years…

Then I met my now fiancé (we’re having a vegan wedding in mid-August at the Water’s Edge in Long Island City!).  He wasn’t a vegetarian when we first met, but he had attempted it for about a week in the past.  He is a personal trainer who reads-up on health and also is into a lot of hardcore bands like Propagandhi and Gorilla Biscuits who sing about animal rights.  So, the idea was appealing to him from a health and ethical perspective always.

He soon went vegetarian after we started dating since I started to introduce him to good vegetarian restaurants/cooking.  I quickly became a full-fledged vegan after that since it seemed easy to do given the restaurants we ate at and the type of food we ate.  Then Greg went vegan a year after me!”

What do you love most about being vegan?  “I love knowing nothing I ingest or wear was once a living, breathing thing.  I also love the food and exploring new vegan restaurants with Greg!  I love opening other people’s eyes to veganism (which is one of many reasons why I’m excited for my wedding!) and I love being part of a movement that will help save the world and seems to be getting more and more traction in the last few years.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “We own a Vitamix, so bananas are always in our kitchen (although not in our pantry).  We recently started using Yeast in our smoothies and our smoothies have never been yummier.  And of course peanut butter!”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “I love “accidentally” vegan things like dark chocolate peanut butter cups from a company called Justin’s.  But if I had to choose just one… it’d probably be the seitan slice of pizza at Viva Herbal Pizzeria on 2nd Ave in the East Village.”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “Ease into it.  I know when I first made the decision to go vegan, I did it very spontaneously and without researching it (I was also 16 at the time).  It’s fine to not declare yourself anything for a while and just see what you like eating, what’s healthy and go by how you feel.  Try new foods, have an open mind, and educate yourself!”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “I used to get really hung up on whether it was annoying to accommodate for my veganism at outings with friends or things of that nature.  I’ve started to get over that though.

I had a brief moment leading up to the wedding where I started to worry about whether people would like the vegan food at our wedding and how important it was for me to make a good impression on the guests in terms of what vegan food tastes like since so many of them had never eaten vegan before.  Then I realized it didn’t matter because it was my day anyway.  When we had the food tasting, I was also calmed.  We went with a non-vegetarian restaurant, the Water’s Edge.  Their chef made some of the most amazing hors d’oeuvres and entrees.  Our wedding coordinator even said he may have missed his calling as a vegan chef!  I kind of believe her.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “Greg, my fiancé, is in the midst of revamping his health/fitness blog and turning it into his personal training site. He’ll continue to blog about fitness though. He’s a personal trainer, Pilates instructor and… a vegan! 
http://ikillfat.com

Also, I work with U.S. Veg Corp and their flagship NYC Vegetarian Food Festival.”

Becky was kind enough to send along a copy of her finalized vegan wedding menu.  I thought it might be awesome to share that so people can see how accommodating places can be when planning for such events.  I am also a HUGE fan of the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival and am grateful for Becky and the other coordinator’s drive and insight to bring Vegetarianism and Veganism into the mainstream!

Vegan Like Me No. 14

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Amanda Just

Amanda, vegan 8 years

Where do you live?  Tampa Bay, Florida

How long have you been vegan?  ”Vegetarian since 1995, vegan since 2004″

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?  ”When I was 10 years old, a relative at a family dinner turned my world upside down when he “playfully,” pointed out that the steak we were all about to eat was a cow.  I was in shock. I had never thought about my food before!  I swore off all meat that night, but my mother, concerned about “protein,” convinced me that chicken was okay.  But with age comes wisdom, and shortly after I turned 11, I was completely vegetarian.

During my later high school years, I unintentionally started learning more about the dairy and egg industries.  Specifically, I stumbled upon an article that stated there was pus in milk, and I immediately switched to soy milk.  Giving up cheese was easy, but ice cream took time.  After about two years of transitioning, I went completely vegan in 2004 and never looked back. “

What do you love most about being vegan?  “I feel lighter, not only in my conscience, but from head to toe.  And I want to clarify that I only began to feel lighter physically once I balanced my diet.  I was a “junk food vegetarian” for years, and a “junk food vegan” the first year, and I felt awful all of the time.  Sick, heavy, sluggish… Ditching the dairy helped a little, but once I taught myself to cook and started to really explore the produce section (and, for me, cutting out wheat products), I finally felt lighter and cleaner.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  “My fridge always has Sabra hummus, almond milk (unsweetened plain and sweetened chocolate), and a glass shaker jar of nooch (nutritional yeast).

The freezer always stores a variety of frozen vegetables (especially broccoli and Brussels sprouts), frozen fruit (usually blueberries and banana slices), and, lately, frozen servings of homemade stews and chilis for quick and easy dinners.

My pantry shelves always have black beans and chick peas, Medjool dates, and Bragg’s liquid aminos. “

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  “Tater tots and chocolate (but not together)”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “There’s the usual advice that is truly helpful: listen to your body, educate yourself, experiment in the kitchen, watch “Forks Over Knives,” etc.  But beyond that, I would say hook-up with a local vegan group for that support system.  Growing up, I was the only vegetarian I knew, and it felt isolating at times.  Thank goodness for the Internet, which connected me with other vegetarians and vegans around the world. It helped tremendously!  Then MeetUp.com made it even better.  I’ve found vegan groups in different cities (I moved a couple of times) and it’s SO NICE to hang out with a group of like-minded individuals.  If you don’t have a vegan group in your city, START ONE!”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “Years ago, I would have said either “going out to eat,” or “comments from non-vegans.”  Going out to eat is pretty easy, and much easier than it was when I first went vegan.  The same goes for other people’s comments.  Veganism is becoming more and more mainstream and more people are aware of veganism and the reasons to become vegan.  Between celebrities going veg and movies like “Forks Over Knives” and “Vegucated,” I’m surprised if someone DOESN’T know the V word!”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?  “I write the blog, Hungry Vegan Traveler and contribute to several other sites, including This Dish Is Veg and ForksOverKnives.com.  I’m very active in the vegan scene of beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida, via co-organizing vegan events and groups, running local Facebook pages, volunteering, and teaching.”

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Amanda! I have recently started attending a monthly vegan meet-up locally, and I agree with Amanda when she says how awesome it is to hang out with folks who feel the same way you do. The vegan community is endlessly amazing!

Vegan Like Me No. 13

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Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world!  We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that.  If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.

Name:  Patrick Murphy

Patrick, vegan for 7 years

 Where do you live?  Somerville, MA

How long have you been vegan?  ”I’ve been vegetarian for fifteen years and have been vegan for the last seven.”

What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet?   ”I came to it through punk and the DIY scene. I grew up in the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts which had a really vibrant DIY community in the mid 90s. I started going to a lot of punk shows by local bands like Piebald, Cave In, Converge, and Eulcid, among many others, and from there found out about Fugazi and Dischord and countless others. It seemed like the majority of people who were active in this community were vegetarian or vegan and at shows people would also trade and pass out zines and these often had articles or information on vegetarianism. This was all really exciting stuff for a high school kid, and really had an impact on me, and sometime around late 1996 or early 1997, after dabbling a bit, I gave up eating meat for good.

For many years my diet bordered on vegan but I’d still get down with a slice of pizza or cheese on a burrito. In 2005 I decided I’d stop eating cheese as well. I had wanted to go vegan and finally just decided that with cheese being the only animal product I still consumed it was time to just do it. “

What do you love most about being vegan?  ”For me, being vegan is one part of a bigger whole that helps me feel like I’m making some kind of difference, albeit small perhaps, in the world. We live in a consumer society where homogenization and materialism is rampant. I try to participate in this as little as I can and being vegan is just one more way to not participate in things I don’t believe in.”

What three items do you always have in your pantry?  ”The three things I could never do without.  1) Brown Rice  2) Black Beans  3) Coffee!”

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?  ”In Boston there is a vegan pizza place called Peace O’ Pie. I generally don’t do the fake meat and fake cheese thing, but whenever I’m near Peace O’ Pie I can get down with a few slices. It’s delicious!”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet?  “Ease into it and take some time to learn about foods and what you like and what works for you. Vegetarian and vegan doesn’t necessarily equal healthy. There are plenty of processed foods that are vegan. There was a time where I had the attitude that if it was vegan, I ate it. I’m glad I don’t roll like that anymore. I’m more active and I feel better than ever, but I wish someone had given me a wake up call a little earlier. I can still get down with some vegan junk food but now it’s the occasional treat rather than the norm. Take some time to find out what your body needs and what works for you and how to make it happen in the most natural way possible. Lastly, if you’re going to go vegan, do it because it’s something that you want to do.”

Do you find anything difficult about being vegan?  “A number of years ago, I would have said that finding something good to eat while traveling could be a bit of a hassle. Especially when you’re out of cities. I don’t think that’s the case anymore. I do like that now it’s fairly easy to a quick internet search and find something good to eat pretty much anywhere.”

Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add?   “Thank you for creating and maintaining this blog and for providing another way to connect with others and to make healthy vegan living that much easier!”

Thank you SO much, Patrick, for being our lucky 13th Vegan Like Me!  Big thanks also to my cousin, Sarah, who connected us.