Being Vegan, Vegan Being: Amy Kathleen Perry: Getting Jakd on Plants

Tell us a little about yourself.

Amy Kathleen Perry,  28 Years young. Born and raised in Australia on the sunny Gold Coast. What started as a journey to improving my health quickly turned into finding out a lot more than I ever had expected. Veganism has led me to find my passion and has completely changed my outlook on life.  Veganism has helped shape my life in my twenties and has opened my eyes in so many ways. I have learned to make the connection of what is on my plate. Now that I am vegan, I am advocating for these beings – I now want to educate and inspire as many people as I can, to help make the connection too. This is what lead me to where I am today. My husband and I run our own online vegan health and fitness coaching, where we create meal and training plans to help others thrive on this lifestyle. Our mission has always been to break the vegan stereotype this is where @jakd_fitness was born. Click here to view our  Website.

You can also find us online here:

What lead you to veganism?

My husband was my greatest inspiration.

We first went vegetarian in 2020 and I too followed in this journey. He later went Vegan 1 year later and this opened my eyes to a whole new world.

I transitioned to becoming vegan in 2020 and have never looked back.

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

I was already vegetarian before I went vegan so I only had to phase out dairy and eggs. I just cut back on my consumption, tried new vegan cheeses and also chocolates. Found my favourite substitutes and then trialed veganism for a whole day, then a whole week and eventually I watched a documentary called ‘PEACEABLE KINGDOM’ and that is what helped me to go all in.

Do you make any exceptions for yourself or if you are married with kids – your family, when it comes to veganism?

We haven’t had to cross this bridge just yet. But our son is 10 months and is 100% vegan at this stage. He eats what we eat. Once he is at an age where he can make decisions on his own on what he eats than we will let him decide which path he wishes to take. We will never push our beliefs onto our son or our family. We simply educate and let others decide for themselves.

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

We already do!! Think about most kids’ movies.

  1. Chicken Run.
  2. Finding Nemo.
  3. Charlotte’s Web.
  4. A Bugs Life.
  5. Ants.
  6. Babe.

The list goes on. We are already teaching our kids that animals don’t want to be eaten. But we then recondition them by telling them they need to eat meat for protein and dairy for calcium. When really, they can get everything they need from plants.

I don’t believe we need to show them graphic footage. But yes, at an appropriate age we can tell them the process of what is involved in making animals based products.

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

No, I don’t believe it is. Just by being vegan you are playing a huge role in being a voice.  Being an animal activist can be hard for people with mental health issues.  You are doing enough by not contributing to animal cruelty and others around you will notice the changes you have made to your lifestyle and hoping this can rub off on friends and family causing that ripple effect.

How compassionate or empathetic are you towards non-vegans?

I used to once be one myself, so I don’t have any hate or anger towards them.

I am sure if they were to look into veganism more, their minds may shift and maybe not. But it is not my birthright to push my beliefs onto others. I am simply here to be a voice and share my lifestyle. If others want to know more and ask questions, then I am happy to help.

Any recommended Vegan books?

Forks over knives, Thug kitchen, bosh, How not to Die by Michael Gregor

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

Peaceable Kingdom.

What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?

I have a few! It’s hard to choose just one when we have such a huge variety to choose from these days.

But currently, I have found myself eating out at ‘Doko DemoV’ In Miami Gold Coast. They have a huge selection of vegan options. A great restaurant to take nonvegans, to show the variety you can get these days.

Please share your favorite vegan recipe.

Our current favourite recipe is ‘Chickpea Curry’ out of our ‘Vegainz’ ebook.  Beautiful creamy sauce, vegetables, and chickpeas!!

Some encouraging words for new Vegans?

Take it one day at a time. If your end goal is to be ‘Vegan’ than that should be your main focus. Each day try new vegan options and recipes. You will find vegan options you enjoy and also options you won’t enjoy.

What is the vegan scene like in your city?

Veganism on the Gold Coast is thriving!!

We have so many vegan restaurants popping up each week and even your mainstream businesses introducing vegan options. Some find it frustrating that big businesses are cashing in on the vegan label. And yes, they probably are, but if one meat-eater chooses the vegan cheese on their pizza over dairy cheese, then to me that’s a win and a step forward into trying more vegan options. All about planting that seed and see if it grows.

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

Vegan potlucks, meetups, Facebook groups, chat with vegans on social media, wear a vegan t-shirt. Strike up conversations at vegan restaurants.

What does living cruelty-free mean to you? Does it extend to the way you as a vegan treats other humans too?

We should always live by the motto ‘’treat others the way we wish to be treated’’. This is something my dad taught me and I have always stuck by this motto, vegan or not vegan.

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

  • I love my skincare and makeup line I use @lust_minerals
  • Baby products @bareand boho & @franklyeco
  • Protein powder @blessedprotein
Donate to your favorite Sanctuary by using this app. Click Image to download the new Vegan Everything App and Join the Revolution!

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

To be honest, I really can’t think of anything! We are so lucky to live in a time where vegan alternatives, are so easily accessible and the best part is it is growing each year.

Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?

I have never really struggled myself being Vegan but over the last year or so the only thing I have struggled with, is other vegans who have been role models for many years, turning their back on veganism and blaming their diet. Veganism isn’t just about your health, you go vegan for three reasons:

  1. Your health
  2. The animals
  3. The environment

We need to constantly remind ourselves about our WHY and keep educating ourselves along the way. We are ALL different and require different vitamins and minerals to function. There is no ONE size fits all when it comes to eating. Find your own style of being vegan, LISTEN to YOUR body and do what works best for YOU.

Did you know the Joker is Vegan? Get your Vegan Club shirt here.

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