Vegan Interrogated: Bianca

 
Name: Bianca
Location: Nelson, B.C. Canada
Website/blog: http://www.reloveplanet.com/
 
A little about yourself:
I'm a free-spirited, positive gal living my life as fully as possible. I love inspiring people and spreading joy and love to anyone around me… and giving hugs of course. :) I've been vegan for 3 years, I definitely had my slip-ups until about a year and a half ago where I went full-on vegan and brought it into my lifestyle in every aspect as well.
 
What made you decide to go vegan?
Finding out the truth. I started as a vegetarian simply for the reason I wanted to be healthier. From there I actually found out what goes on on factory farms, just how much we exploit animals and the level of cruelty. Sadly before that I just never Thought about it. Which is why I do my best to spread the word and inform people, as I know that I, personally, wish I had known sooner.
 
Favorite meal to make?
Smoothies! It's almost silly! I make them just about every morning, such a wonderful way to get a healthy dose of fruit and I find ways to add protein (whether it's protein powders, tofu, or nut butters). They're just so fun to make and play around with! Plus you can add super foods like cocao, coconut oil, maca, matcha, hemp so easily into your diet with smoothies. Simply yum! I think it's also kind of therapeutic, I think we truly are what we eat and we should take care in the preparation of our food just as much as when we eat it. :)
 
Do you find going out/social situations difficult?
Only sometimes. I generally surround myself with more like-minded people which I think is important no matter what your beliefs are. There are definitely times when I go out though and just find it so strange and kind of heart-breaking that people eat meat and wear wool and continue to subject animals to unreasonable cruelty for selfish reasons (again, often without ever thinking about it). But most of the time it's super fun and easy and generally people meet my veganism with warm curiosity.
 
What changes have you noticed in yourself since going vegan?
So many! My mood improved, my health improved. I pretty much never ever get sick--unless I'm super stressed out, but that will happen to anyone. My skin is clearer. My mood is better. My stomach feels so much better, I used to almost always feel like crap! I have more energy. And my karmic soul feels better too. ;)
 
What is the biggest misconception people have about you being vegan?
That I don't get to eat delicious food! Or every so often there are those who think I'm crazy and unhealthy, haha. But people will always have their own opinions. I just follow what I believe in, lead by example, and share information when it's welcome. Easiest thing to do is be confident in your own decisions and usually people come around.
 
Do you have any advice for people toying with the idea of becoming a vegan?
Just go for it! ;) Dive fully into it. The hardest part about making the switch is that you're changing old food habits, and giving up addictive things like cheese. If you commit yourself to two weeks, or even a week, chances are you'll continue with it because you'll be over the bump of addictions and have created new eating habits that will be easy to stick to by this point. Also always keep in mind that it is FUN! Attitude is everything!
 
Do you think your veganism has an impact on something greater than yourself?!
Absolutely! They say vegans save 100-200 lives a year. That, to me, is enough to know I am making a difference. Plus, vegans tend to be enthusiastic about their lifestyles, they are going to share what they know with others, and chances are "convert" others. I know that I, personally, have shared this lifestyle with countless others, and many have gone vegan or started to make the switch even if it's slower. Leading by example and showing how in love I am with being Vegan is one of the greatest things I can share with other people to encourage their own switch. More and more people are becoming vegan every day, we all count towards something bigger than ourselves.