Ask A Vegan Pt. 15

Today was one of those days, one of those I want to stab the next annoying person in the esophagus with a fork days. Lately at the ol' grocery store, business has been good. More business equals more food to stock equals more employees, right? Well we have the more business, more food part right but the last few days we have been painfully short handed. I say painfully because my back, my knees and the knuckle on my middle finger, right hand hurts. No, I didn't punch a customer, but on accident slammed my hand between two boxes. Now I have a swollen middle finger, not cool for angry expressionism. There is a point in here somewhere, I promise. I sometimes get very serious at work, when things don't get done, I take it as a personal failure, which is really dumb. I was about to reach the point of stark raving mad when I remembered today was Monday, Ask A Vegan day and everything turned around. Cheesy but very true. The little lady I am sharing today is incredibly sweet, her food is om nom nom tasty and she is gorgeous! (I know, I think all vegans are beautiful, but this one is like...woah)

I first found Jacklyn (or maybe she found me?) through blogger. Her blog Go Vegan Meow was instantly appealing to me as a veg and as a cat lady. Her little kitty cat is super adorable and I swoon whenever she posts photos of her furry baby. Once I got over the "oh my gosh kitty" phase I noticed how truly delicious her food was. She posts a new recipe almost daily, not all are her own but the fact that one girl can make that much food and still be smokin' hot is incredible! Check her out, and fall in love.

Name: Jackie
Age: 26
Location: Los Angeles
Website: Go Vegan Meow


How long have you been Vegan?
A little over a year.

What made you decide to go Vegan?
I occasionally used to eat at vegan restaurants before I made the change. On one visit I grabbed a Peta magazine while I waited for my meal. I read the “Meet Your Meat” article, and just like many others was horrified about what I read. I did more research about factory farming and the toll meat plays on your health. A week later I went vegan cold turkey and haven’t looked back since.

How do you feel health wise with this diet choice?
I’ve never felt better. Going vegan was one of the best choices I have ever made. First thing I noticed was the weight I was trying to lose, came off so easily. I feel more energized and I noticed that I don’t get sick as often as I used to. Must be all those yummy veggies I be eating.



Are you open about your Veganism?
Of course! I always invite friends over to share meals that I have made. I want people to know that vegan food isn’t all about salads and tofu. One of the main reasons why I started my blog was to help people find fun, yummy vegan recipes. It’s definitely not something I am ashamed of.

If so, are you involved in any activism i.e. protests, leafleting etc…Unfortunately no, but I would love to.

What do your family, friends, co-workers think about your diet?
Oh geesh, I get mixed reactions from the people in my life. My mom totally understands why I went vegan and is slowly starting to give up meat herself. Some of my aunts on the other hand, think I am really weird and some worry that I am going to get sick. My friends used to tease me when I first went veg. But as time went by and they realized it wasn’t a phase they stopped. They respect my decision and are always down to go out to eat with me at vegan joints.

What advice would you give those interested in becoming Vegan?
To take it slow and not be so hard on yourself if you slip and eat something non-vegan. I see a lot of people attempting to become a vegetarian, only to give up a week or two later because they started feeling too weak. People don’t understand what a big change they’ll be making. It’s basically like having to learn how to eat and cook all over again. One year later, I am still learning myself.



Would you eat at Mc Donald’s if they carried a Vegan burger?
No way! I would never support an organization that didn’t treat their animals humanely.

Do you have a Vegan celebrity that you find particularly dashing?
Natalie Portman all the way. Is she considered dashing? Hehe Either way I think she’s so talented and I love how fashion forward she is, while still keeping all her outfits vegan. She gave me hope before I made the change that vegan fashion could still be super cute.

Do you have a favorite Vegan blog or website that you follow?
Why yours of course Rikki! : ]
But other than yours, I love QuarryGirl.com for info on all the yummy vegan restaurants in my area.

What is your least favorite question that you are asked about your diet?
The dreaded “where do you get your protein?” question ugh.


isn't she a cutie?

What is your favorite dish?
A vegan Pho I get from a local restaurant. It’s a Vietnamese soup with rice noodles, soy protein, veggie broth and cilantro. Served with Sriracha and Hoisin sauce mmm!

What do you typically eat at Thanksgiving?
Last year was my first vegan Thanksgiving so I did a Tofurky with string beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. But this year I am thinking about making my own “Turkey” with all the same sides. I can’t wait to see how that turns out!



If I could make you any flavor cupcake in the world what would it be?
Hmm maybe a Espresso / Gingerbread flavored cupcake with a little gingerbread man cut out on top!


Please share your favorite Vegan recipe.
One of my favorite recipes and a promised hit with all your vegan and non-vegan friends.



Chipotle Chili
– serves 6 to 8

* 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 1 large carrot, chopped
* 1 stalk celery, chopped
* 1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
* 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
* 1 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped chipotles in adobo 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 2 teaspoons ground cumin
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their liquid
* 3 cups cooked red kidney beans, drained
* 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, drained
Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, peppers and garlic and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until vegetables are softened but not browned.

2. Add chipotles, oregano, cumin, chili powder and salt. Stir to blend. Add tomatoes and 4 cups water. Gently simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 45 minutes.

3. Add beans and simmer an additional 30 minutes. Garnish individual bowls with green onions or vegan sour cream, if desired.

Thanks Jackie! You are ridiculously rad!