Being Vegan, Vegan Being: Robert (Bobby) Sud – I Base Every Choice and Action on One Question; “Is it kind?”

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 36 years old and I live in Santa Monica, CA. I am a cinematographer working with Shaun Monson – (director of “Earthlings” and “Unity”) we are currently shooting a new film “Overhaul”. I am also the creator/producer/director of the vegan travel show “The Road Less Eaten”. You can now watch “Earthlings” for free at nationearth.com.

Click here to watch the trailer for “The Road Less Eaten.”

What lead you to veganism?

My vegan journey began 3 years ago in Austin, Tx. when I weighed 280lbs and suffered from type2 diabetes. My brother Adam Sud, is a plant-based nutritionist and asked if I would be willing to move to LA, live with him, and adopt a plant-based vegan lifestyle. I agreed, moved to LA, and 6 weeks later I had lost over 40lbs and completely reversed my type2 diabetes. I have currently lost over 80lbs.

When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?

I phased out all non-vegan food day 1, for me it was easier to go 100% than to start at 60-80%. The clothing took a few months, but being a “sneakerhead” phasing out my shoes took the longest.

Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into products?

Because I work with Shaun Monson, I have spent a lot of time on the killing floors of slaughterhouses. The suffering and sorrow you will witness is catastrophic and unforgettable, so in my opinion a child should never step foot on a killing floor. I think we should educate them and explain how innocent animals are killed for meat and dairy. I don’t believe showing uncensored slaughterhouse footage to a child under the age of 12yrs old, is in the best interest of their mental and emotional wellbeing.

What does being vegan mean to you?

For me, being vegan means basing every choice and action on one simple question; is it kind? People like to debate morality, right and wrong, religious teachings and laws – especially when debating veganism. I believe if you simply choose to do what is kind, the rest will fall into place.

Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?

We live in a world that promotes destruction as a way of life. Where children are taught and raised to ruin, not only themselves and their health but also the well-being of everything around them. Compassion is a wonderful thing, but things will never change if we choose not to act on our compassion. So I would ask everyone to do more than care – take action. I want others to recognize how important vegan activists are. More than 99% of the entire human population disagrees with them, that is what they are up against. They are faced with the task of bringing awareness and changing the hearts and minds of +99% of the planet. No other social movement has faced greater odds. Still, all over the world, members of groups like LA Animal Save come face to face with the suffering of beautiful, innocent, and sentient animals. They put themselves and their emotional well-being second so they can be strong enough to put the suffering of animals first. I’m reminded every week just how incredible these activists all are and what a privilege it is to count myself among them. I am a member of LA Animal Save, a chapter of the save movement. Every week we hold vigils at slaughterhouses in LA where we bear witness and shine a light, not on ourselves, but on all the beautiful and innocent lives we failed to save. For the 50-60 billion lives lost every year. That is who our light is for.

Any recommended vegan books, social sites, or blogs?

How Not to Die, The China Study, Animal Liberation, The Lives of Animals

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

If we are talking about vegan films, I think “Earthlings” is the most important animal rights/vegan film ever.

What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?

I can’t name just one – Crossroads, of course. Also Au Lac in downtown LA where the wizard-chef Ito makes amazing food.

Please share your favorite vegan recipe?

Kale Cake from the Engine2 cookbook!

Some encouraging words for new Vegans?

The entire world is not vegan yet, but its closer than it has ever been.

What is the vegan scene like in your city?

Its LA, its the vegan capital of the US!

What personal recommendations can you make for people to meet other vegans?

I met almost all my vegan friends by taking part in some form of activism.

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

Mostly clothing and apparel companies like “Vegan Club”, “Vegetaryn“, and “Vegan Power Co.“

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

Suits

Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?

I never really struggled with veganism, there is this idea among non-vegans that it requires a “Spartan-esque” strength of will, but that is completely untrue. Ultimately the reason I am vegan and will always be vegan is that I want to be.