Why did you become vegan?    It started as an experiment.  If you had asked me a few years ago, I would’ve said, no way am I doing that!  I was on the typical fit chick/bro diet for years and would regularly binge on forbidden foods after I couldn’t stomach another plain chicken breas,t then feel like a complete failure and do it all over again.  When I started my training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I began to question my methods.  I started moving toward a more plant-based way of eating and reduced my protein intake.  When my muscles didn’t suddenly atrophy like all my gym friends said they would and I actually felt better, I decided to go a step further.  I also had a few clients at the time asking me how going vegetarian or vegan would affect their fitness goals.  The best way to find out is to just do it.  So I committed myself to making the transition and maintaining a vegan diet for six months just for the experience.  It changed my life on so many levels for the better that before I even reached that bench mark, I knew I’d never turn back

How was your transition?  The vegans I knew and had seen at that time were more not into working out in the gym and lifting heavy weights.  Of course that is not the case now, but back then I thought, “I’m not a hippie.” Maintaining my fitness lifestyle was paramount.  So I sought out an expert to teach me how to be a badass vegan, world-renowned strength trainer Mike Mahler, who is also a hormone optimization specialist and creator of an amazing supplement line.  Mike became my friend and mentor and I credit him for giving me the tools to successfully make the transition as well as becoming a better business woman.

What is the funniest misconception(s) that you have heard about vegans?    I hear the skinny hippie stereotype thing a lot, but the weirdest one is when I hear someone try to argue that vegans aren’t as healthy because people need meat.  When I tell people I’m vegan it’s funny because so often they’ll say, “you don’t look like it!”  It immediately leads into a conversation and I get to dispel some myths and put another perspective on the topic that hopefully makes people think about it more seriously.

What is your Favorite thing(s) about being a vegan?

Health has always been a priority for me, but as time has gone on it’s only one of the reasons I choose to live this way.  The overall greater sense of connectedness to life is my favorite thing about being vegan.

What do you think makes a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan?  Living vegan means you care about more than just yourself.  It also means you don’t care what other people think since most people still eat meat and there are many stigmas about veganism.  Being thoughtful is sexy.  Passion is sexy. Confidence is sexy.  I think you need all three to be sexy, vegan or not.

What is the best vegan dish that you make in your kitchen?   It’s simple, but that’s why it’s so great – tofu yogurt.  It’s similar to Greek yogurt in texture with a high-protein content.  So it’s ideal for bodybuilding.  1 block of firm tofu, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1tsp vanilla extract, 1Tb liquid stevia – put it all in a blender and BAM!!!  Top with whatever and you’ve got great tasting fuel for gains!

What is the best Vegan Restaurant you have ever had the pleasure of eating at?  Spiral Diner in Dallas and Fort Worth.  Everyone loves that place, vegan or nah!  Reverie Bakery is another fav.  Organically focused and supports local vendors.  I can’t leave with less than three of their delicious goodies!

What advice do you have for those that are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle?  Find someone who inspires you to help guide you.