So October is coming to an end and you know what that means… no it is not Halloween, but time for our Sexy Bad Ass Vegan of the Month. This month I present you the co-creator of vGirls|vGuys! He is also is an ultra athlete… He honestly has some races under his belt that the average man would only dream to participate in (Ask him more about the events he conquers) . One of the coolest guys on the planet with a huge heart to save it! Everyone meed Donovan, Mr October!!!
Name: Donovan Jenkins
Where do you live and where are you from? I live in Los Angeles but I’m originally from the small town of St. Ignatius, Montana.
Age? 31
What do you do for a living/profession? I’m the owner/photographer at Single Track Studio and the co-creator of vGirls|vGuys, a vegan outreach project.
What do you like to do for fun? Nothing beats a long trail run or bike ride in the mountains. I’ve run several 100 mile trail races and about 25 50k/50-milers, so I spend a lot of my free time out in the mountains training for these races. Next up is the Death Valley Double Century, a 200-mile bike ride around Death Valley this October, so I’m trying to spend some quality time with my bike before then. Haha! Other than that, I like the usual… hanging out with friends, going to movies, concerts, etc.
How long have you been vegan? I’ve been vegan since 2007, so about 6 years.
Why did you become vegan? A friend introduced me to veganism and open my eyes to the awful things we’re doing to the animals. I was already concerned about the environment and, as an athlete, interested in health and fitness. The more I learned about veganism, the more it became the obvious choice. Since becoming a vegan I’m happy to know that my lifestyle changes have had a positive impact on the animals, my health, and the environment. I don’t know how someone who really cares about these things could choose not to be vegan.
How was your transition? First I made the transition to a vegetarian, which I found to be really easy. But it took a little over a year to fully drop the dairy and to develop the skills and knowledge to make the lifestyle easy, fun, and sustainable. It’s easy now.
What is the funniest misconception(s) that you have heard about vegans? That vegans are unhealthy and malnourished. It’s just not true. There’s a ton of research and hundreds of successful vegan athletes out there proving otherwise. Eat a balanced diet with lots of whole foods, avoid too much vegan junk food, and work out occasionally and you will be fine.
What is your Favorite thing(s) about being a vegan? The food! The food I eat now that I’m a vegan is way better than what I used to eat. As a vegan I’ve cut a few things out of my diet but replaced them with hundreds of awesome new foods. And I also get to eat more of it all without feeling guilty!
What do you think makes a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan? A Sexy Bad Ass Vegan is someone who you would want to use as an example of a vegan when dealing with the haters. They are successful, compassionate, and outstanding in some way. Wow, I set the bar high… hopefully I still qualify.
What is the best vegan dish that you make in your kitchen? I got this recipe for a vegan blackberry cheesecake from Vegan Shortcake and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever made.
What is the best Vegan Restaurant you have ever had the pleasure of eating at? My new favorite is Maddy’s in West Los Angeles. It recently opened up just down the road from my house and they have the best food and gelato.
What advice do you have for those that are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle? Just do it! It’s the most important thing you can do to help the animals and yourself. Find a vegan friend to be a mentor and help answer your questions, or spend some time reading up on veganism, and vegan cooking and nutrition. There are tons of great books out there. Or just skip all that and watch youtube videos. Basically, educate yourself and take the plunge. It gets easier the more you know and the longer you do it.
Do you have a website to share with the BAV nation?
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