Mr. August

How long have you been vegan?  I have been a vegan since 2009, and I was a vegetarian three years prior to that.

Why did you become vegan?  I became a vegan for many reasons really.  After watching my Grandmother have her feet amputated followed by death due to diabetes, and my 31 year old cousin die of a heart attack – that was the biggest eye opener for me.  Eating meat, and even vegetarian can be deadly.  Beyond that, being a vegan is an effective way to reduce my personal eco-footprint.  Vegan diets produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than meat based diets.  They only require around 1/3 of the land and water.  Farmed animals consume much more protein, water and calories than they produce, so far greater quantities of crops and water are needed to produce ‘animal’ products to feed humans than are needed to simply feed people directly from plants. As an American with roots in Africa, I deem it my social responsibility to do whatever it takes to turn the tables, so that ALL people around the world can have ample food and water to thrive and contribute to our global society and economy.  Lastly, I choose to be vegan in solidarity with the BILLIONS of animals who are ENSLAVED, TORTURED and ultimately SLAUGHTERED because they ‘taste good’.

  

How was your transition?  My transition was easy because I did it in steps.  First red meat and pork, then chicken and turkey followed by fish.  It took me the longest to break myself from sushi, calamari and salmon.  Once I became a vegetarian it was super easy.  BUT – giving up cheese was the hardest of them all.  Thankfully, there are now cheese substitutes that satisfy my cheese cravings.

What is the funniest misconception(s) that you have heard about vegans?  The funniest misconception that I have had is more than likely the funniest misconception that ALL vegans have had.  That being that vegans do not get enough protein because they do not consume animals.  Which we all know is ridiculous.

What is your Favorite thing(s) about being a vegan?  My favorite thing about being a vegan is knowing that I have the courage to take a stance for something / someone despite what tradition and culture has taught otherwise since birth.  I have been deprogrammed.

What do you think makes a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan?   I think compassion, fitness, activism, patience and passion all make for great characteristics that you will find in a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan.

What is the best vegan dish that you make in your kitchen?  I’m not that guy who will be sitting by the stove making vegan dishes.  I am constantly on the go, and I would much rather try a new vegan restaurant or throw something quick together on the fly.  That said, I have had some AMAZING vegan dishes over the years.  Way too many to have a favorite.

What is the best Vegan Restaurant you have ever had the pleasure of eating at?   The best Vegan Restaurant that I have eaten at by far is Peacefood Cafe in the Upper West Side.  Now THAT is Soul Food.

What advice do you have for those that are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle?  My advice for those who are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is to seek out the knowledge from many different sources.  Friends.  Family.  Google.  Take from these sources what resonates the most with you and construct an approach that best suits your needs and beliefs.  Also, have an open mind to explore and try new dishes. / vegan products.  There will be some that you like, and some that you don’t.  Over time you will figure things out and refine your approach making being vegan that much more enjoyable and effective.  Trust me, once you get the hang of it – it’s a blast.