Why did you become vegan?    I had been vegetarian for 12 years before finally making the switch. Initially I transitioned because my skin had been breaking out a lot, and after doing some research, I realized how bad dairy was for your skin and that I should never have eaten dairy to begin with. As a vegetarian, I didn’t realize the cruel practices that go along with the dairy industry. It’s like all of a sudden everything just clicked for me & my eyes were opened to a whole new world & I’ve never looked back!

How was your transition?   It was such a natural transition for me, one I wish I would have made years ago. Thriving on a plant-based lifestyle has been so empowering & it’s brought on such a positive change to my life.

What is the funniest misconception(s) that you have heard about vegans?    Omg…there are so many….”You need meat & dairy to survive.” Well, I would be dead if that were the case, lol. Or when people think all I eat is lettuce, lol.. That baffles my mind. I’ve had countless people berate me & question my protein intake. No one talks all that much about protein, but as soon as I say that I’m vegan, “OMG, where on earth do you get your protein”… REALLY?? I think people are starting to come around to the idea of veganism, but I’m really looking forward to the day that being vegan is the norm.

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

My favorite thing about being vegan is knowing that no animal is being harmed on my behalf. Living a compassionate lifestyle is something that I take very seriously & the only way I choose to live my life.

What do you think makes a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan?  I think a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan is someone who’s comfortable in their own skin, someone who’s not afraid to stand up for what they believe in & someone who’s proud to tell you that no living beings are hurt because of their lifestyle 🙂

What is the best vegan dish that you make in your kitchen?   

I’m always trying new ideas and recipes but there are a few that are a staple in my kitchen. I make a bad ass vegetable & lentil soup! 🙂 I just wing it every time I make it & throw in or take out some spices, add different vegetables, more or less broth, etc… but this is my base 🙂

2 cups brown lentils

1 cup quinoa

1 large yellow onion, chopped

8 carrots, peeled and chopped

7 celery stocks chipped

1 clove minced garlic

½ head of cabbage

6 cups vegetable stock

6 cups water

1 large can diced tomatoes (although I try to stay away from canned goods, fresh produce is always better)

1  tbs. smoked paprika (sometimes more or less)

1 tbs. ground cumin (sometimes more or less)

1 tsp. salt (sometimes more or less)

2 tsp. freshly ground pepper (sometimes more or less)

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add carrots & celery and cook until it’s softened, about 5 minutes longer. Add garlic stir until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.

Stir in 6 cups of vegetable broth & 6 cups of water. Add uncooked lentils, can of diced tomatoes or freshly diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low… Add your cabbage & cover. Let simmer until lentils are very tender, about 25 – 30 minutes, depending on your preference of consistency and VOILA! 🙂

What is the best Vegan Restaurant you have ever had the pleasure of eating at?  I love trying out new vegan restaurants & whenever I travel to different countries, I search for the nearest spots to hit up. To date I’ve eaten at vegan restaurants in over 25 countries, so I have a tons of favorites, but my local NYC favorites so far are ‘Blossom’ & ‘Candle 79’!

What advice do you have for those that are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle?  There’s no time like the present! Stop thinking about it, and just do it! Not only are you going to save countless animals lives, you’re going to feel better, look better, live longer & save the planet.