Being Vegan, Vegan Being: Donna Dennison - That Snarky Vegan Girl- I Am a Totally Unapologetic Vegan -

Hi! My name is Donna Dennison, A.K.A. That Snarky Vegan Girl. I currently live in Los Angeles, with my girlfriend, three rescue dogs, and one rescue cat. I am a freelance creative, working in the film industry. I have a passion for photography and the plant-based lifestyle. Using social media, I try and promote veganism through videos and photos of food, my cute animals, and all the fun happening in L.A. and beyond, in the world of veganism. I also collaborate with my girlfriend, Jane Velez-Mitchell, who does a LIVE vegan cooking show Sunday through Friday via Facebook called #LuncBreakLIVE.

Check out some of my posts on social media at:

Facebook: facebook.com/ThatSnarkyVeganGirl
Instagram @ThatSnarkyVeganGirl
Twitter: @SnarkyVeganGirl
My blog is www.ThatSnarkyVeganGirl.com

What was the moment you realize that you wanted to go vegan?

I started researching about factory farming and animal rights about 6 years ago. In my research, I discovered a short film called “Farm to Fridge.” The video basically shows you what happens to the animal (food) from the start of their life to when they end up on someone’s plate. It was mortifying to me, to say the least. After seeing that video, I decided I could not support an industry with such cruelty, and I instantly went vegan and have never looked back.

How long have you been Vegan?

6 years

Why is being Vegan important to you?

Being vegan is important to me because it is the right thing to be. There is so much suffering that is attached to eating animal products (and wearing them), that I can’t imagine participating in that now that I know the information. I feel like the world would be a much happier and healthier place if everyone simply chose to live a plant-based lifestyle.

Any recommended Vegan books?

How Not To Die ( I haven’t read it yet but I am certain it is brilliant). Also the 40 year old Vegan is a great cookbook for easy and tasty vegan recipes. The magazine VegNews is great!

Any recommended social sites, Facebook Groups or other?

If you are interested in great videos related to veganism and animal rights (lots of food videos and recipes too) you can find them on JaneUnChained.com and facebook.com/JaneVelezMitchell. If you are interested in meeting like-minded people there are vegan and veggie meetup groups all over the country. Visit meetup.com and find one in your city.

Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?

I recently watched the movie “What The Health.” I HIGHLY recommend it. Also “Cowspiracy”. “Forks Over Knives” is a movie that really started me on my journey to
questioning food long ago. I have several videos on my Facebook page that are “snarky” little videos revolved around vegan subjects.

Do you actively promote veganism?

I promote veganism nearly daily through social media. I use photos and videos to show the food I eat, the vegan events I attend, the vegan social media influencers I meet, or all the wonderful animals in my life 🙂

What is your favorite Vegan meme?

What is the vegan stereotype you hear the most and how do you respond to it?

I still get the protein question (which I can hardly believe) and the comment that vegans don’t get enough protein. I responded with a video I posted on social media. You can see that here. https://www.facebook.com/ThatSnarkyVeganGirl/videos/834220203351509/ I also often respond with “Plants have plenty of protein for me to survive, relax.”

What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?

Hmmm. I don’t think I can choose one. Gracias Madre in West Hollywood is amazing. Sage in Culver City is a great casual restaurant with awesome food. Shojin in Culver City is AWESOME for vegan sushi. And of course, Crossroads in West Hollywood is also a favorite.

Please share your favorite vegan recipe?

Bacon Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Vegan Bacon of your choice
Daiya Vegan Cheese of your choice
Avocado
Just Mayo vegan mayonnaise
Sourdough bread
Spread Just Mayo mayonnaise on the outside of your bread.
Fill the middle with the cheese, avocado, and vegan bacon.
Grill in frying pan over medium heat, cover to allow heat to melt the cheese.
Flipping a few time.
Eat & enjoy.

You can see a video of me making this here:
https://thatsnarkyvegangirl.com/2020/10/15/who-says-vegan-cheese-doesnt-melt/

Some encouraging words for new Vegans?

Its the best decision you will ever make…for your health, your spirituality, the planet, and the animals. Being vegan is so easy these days as there are so many plant-based options available at our fingertips. Grocery stores are stocking more and more options for vegans because it is no longer a small group of individuals who are vegans. Veganism is a worldwide, fast-moving movement, and vegan food is in high demand. Vegan restaurants are popping up everywhere. Search on social media for other vegans, we are everywhere, and we are here to help and support anyone interested in the plant-based way of life.

What does living cruelty-free mean to you?

Not eating any animal products. Not wearing any animal products (leather, fur, wool, etc.). And not using any products that are tested on animals. It means not supporting venues that use animals for entertainment such as, Zoos, Sea World, Circuses, Bull Fights, etc.

What are you favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?

Emani makeup
Kat Von D Beauty

What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need?

I have had a hard time finding a hair color (dye) that is cruelty-free that I love.

Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?

When I first became vegan I use to feel bad about going to dinner parties or holiday parties, etc., that were not vegan, because I felt like the “Pain in the ass vegan” at the gathering. But that has changed. The more I learned about the cruelty in the factory farming industry the less bad I felt. Now I am a totally unapologetic vegan. There is no reason for me to feel bad for being vegan when being vegan is the compassionate thing to be.

What is one question you would ask other Vegans?

Would you date a non-vegan? Well, since I am currently in a committed relationship, I wouldn’t be dating. However, if I was single, I would consider dating non-vegans..here is why: I think it is a good opportunity to show all the reasons why I am vegan and to potentially help the person I am dating make a different, better life choice for themselves by going the plant based route. I believe this lifestyle is growing not only because of the cruelty that is being exposed in the meat and dairy industries, but also because people are attracted to what they see in the vegans around them. We are not suffering on this plant-based lifestyle. We are not deprived in any way. Quite the opposite. And dating a non-vegan is a great way to show that off, and potentially be an influence in their life.