Why did you become vegan?    I had been vegetarian since the age of eight, after seeing a lobster get dropped into a pot of boiling water. But, having never even heard of a vegan, it never occurred to me how animals who produce eggs and milk may be treated as well. When I was a junior in high school, I was writing a research paper on vegetarianism and I stumbled across a website that explained the connections between the meat industry and the dairy/egg industries. I was horrified and I went vegan overnight.

How was your transition?   I didn’t know any other vegans when I made the switch from vegetarian to veganism, so I wasn’t completely sure what to eat. At first I ate a lot of bagels and fries, but within the first year, I began educating myself about a wider variety of fruits and vegetable and learned how to cook nutritious meals for myself. Because it was a completely ethical decision, even though it was a bit confusing at first, I never found it difficult to stick to.

Although this sure wasn’t the reason that I went vegan a really cool side effect was hat even though I was obese when I went vegan, over the next two years I lost 80 pounds without even trying much. This led me to learn more about fitness and nutrition and ultimately got me to where I am today. Going vegan changed everything for me.

What is the funniest misconception(s) that you have heard about vegans?    This idea that vegans are weak and scrawny makes me laugh almost every day. I’m sure weak and scrawny vegans exist, JUST LIKE weak and scrawny meat eaters exist! Vegans, just like everyone else, come in all shapes and sizes, but in general, vegans tend to have a greater emphasis in their lives on health, so I would say that a larger percentage of vegans are actually quite fit than of the general population. There are way more sexy badass vegans out there than most people think.

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

Going vegan was the best decision I have ever made in my life. My favorite thing about being vegan is how supportive and engaged the community can be. Every city we go to for work, we are met with all kinds of people who are amped to support the message that vegans can be strong, fit, AND cruelty free. I also REALLY love finding new vegan spots all over the country. I love food.

What do you think makes a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan?  I think a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan is someone who is vegan and makes no apologies for it. Being confident in your choices to avoid animal products is very attractive, and shows that you really stand for something. Also, someone who tries to be an example of a healthy, happy, but also KIND vegan, because being judgmental of others doesn’t accomplish anything except making you look like a jerk.

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

-One Box of Mori-Nu Silken Firm Tofu

-3-4 Tbl Dark Cocoa Powder

-½ tsp vanilla extract

-1/2 banana OR stevia to taste.

Blend the tofu on high until completely smooth. Turn the blender to low and the banana, and turn the power back up until the banana is smooth and incorporated. Turn the blender back down and add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a bowl with a rubber spatula and chill for at least 4 hours. This is a simple dessert on it’s own, or a great dip for strawberries!

What is the best Vegan Restaurant you have ever had the pleasure of eating at?  Portobello in Portland Oregon is hands down the best vegan restaurant in the country.

What advice do you have for those that are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle?  Go for it! Reach out to those in the vegan community since most people want to help others make the switch. There is so much advice out there and so many ways to go about transitioning. Be gentle with yourself and find what works best for you and then stand by your guns.