With copious notes and copies of VegNews and PETA Vegetarian Starter Kits, I entered in the room prepared to give my lecture on vegan living. I was very excited about the opportunity to speak to women of color who had survived domestic violence. I reached out to this transitional shelter about coming to speak to the ladies about the alternative ways of eating with a focus on veganism. I wasn’t quite sure how I would be received, as the ladies were unaware about the focus of this particular health class. However, I was prepared for any resistance that could possibly come my way.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised that I was not met with stares as if I was wearing celery stalks growing out of my nose. Instead, I was met with a mix of intrigue and excitement. Their curiosity was piqued and I was pleased. None of the ladies resembled the usual picture of veganism, but they wanted to know how they could do it and I was there to help be their guide.
I stumbled upon vegetarianism back in 2001 and fought my way through my cheese addiction to become a full vegan in 2006 and have never looked back. It is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. By embracing the vegan lifestyle, I did have to accept all of the judgment and questions that often come along with it. I had to be comfortable and confident in my choice and be ready to defend this eating lifestyle among family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.
I must say that it still does baffle me that a plant-based diet is strange to some, but eating processed meat that is treated with ammonium hydroxide is normal. However, I do believe that a vegan diet is gaining momentum within the African-American community, but we have a long way to go. We still do not see Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s in certain parts of town and the quality of produce available at most conventional grocery stores leaves much to be desired and organic choices oftentimes are not even part of the equation.
What I work to do is remove the stigma associated with veganism and promote it as a satisfying eating choice among people of color. I started with my family and make it a point to prepare healthful and delicious vegan meals whenever I go home for a visit. I believe that vegan food is often thought of as boring and lacking flavor and that could not be further from the truth. Unfortunately, many of our food traditions are heavily laden with fat, salt, grease, and white sugar. What good are collard greens without the flavoring of a ham-hock? Plenty!
We are dying slow and painful deaths all in the name of fried chicken and it needs to stop. There is too much information available these days about the risks associated with the consumption of meat, most specifically in our community.
According to an article in womenshealth.gov, “Of all minority groups, African-Americans have the most, and many times the largest, differences in health risks when compared to other minority groups. African-Americans have more disease, disability, and early death as well.” This can easily be prevented and many conditions such as heart disease and diabetes can be reversed by changing what you put on your plate. I understand that not all people will adopt a vegan diet, but if you can just make a few changes and cut back on overall animal consumption, this act alone can make a huge difference in the long run.
Veganism is not a dietary lifestyle reserved for privileged white America and too many of us buy into this way of thinking and it is causing grave (pun intended) circumstances. I know that one fear that tends to plague women of color when considering vegan living is losing “too much” weight and not being appealing to men of color. This is where priorities to need to be put in the proper place.
If you lose weight due to dietary changes and you are doing it healthfully, then what you lose you are meant to lose period. If you are incorporating physical fitness along with your diet, then your body will form into the way it was designed to be and what’s more appealing than a physically active woman that eats healthfully?
When trying anything new, you will inevitably have questions and some fears about the new territory, but there are so many resources and communities of color that are embracing the vegan diet that can help you along the way. I endured a lot of trial and error on my journey, but it continues to be well worth it. I can honestly say that I enjoy food more now than I ever did prior to becoming vegan. If you are considering veganism, I challenge you to start with small changes and take each day as it comes. Pick up a piece of fruit when craving something sweet, drink water instead of juice, and buy a couple of cans of black beans to make with rice for dinner. These are all easy, affordable and accessible vegan choices.
With proper planning and preparation, you can be successful and will definitely be satisfied and food will take on a new meaning for you.
I left the shelter that day energized and inspired by the engaging conversation I had with the ladies about health and veganism. I know there are many women of color out there that want better for themselves and their families and veganism can be the answer for many. Life and food is what you make it. It can be dead, or it can be vibrant and full of flavor. It’s up to you to decide.