I live in Santa Monica with my chihuahuas and husband. I am a lifestyle, health, and fitness coach taking classes to be certified in plant-based nutrition. I also have a vegan protein snack line, Snacks by Jeana.
What was the moment you realize that you wanted to go Vegan?
I was a strict pescetarian for 3 ½ years (no dairy) before I went vegan; however, the moment I knew I wanted to be vegan was in Colorado for a friends wedding. We went horseback riding through the snow, it was beautiful but at the end, I met this amazing little calf, Howlie. We locked eyes, she gave me a kiss and in that moment everything I knew about factory farming and the food industry just clicked. I fell so in love with this amazing animal I knew I could not remain ignorant of the facts. I could not continue to say I am an animal lover while consuming animal products.
How long have you been Vegan?
I have been vegan for 6 months.
Why is being Vegan important to you?
I believe in making the world a happier, healthier place.
Do you have a blog or favorite vegan blog you read?
I have a blog, Jeana.Passy.Co, I share (easy) vegan meals and other things. Of course inspirational souls, other than that I don’t know of a lot of Vegan blogs, but I follow a lot of vegans on Instagram.
Any recommended Vegan books?
The China Study, it’s nutrition based but educational. Also, Why Do We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows.
Any recommended social sites, Facebook Groups or other?
Honestly, Instagram. So many great resources and people are so accessible if you have questions.
Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?
My favorite vegan related movies are Cowspiracy and What The Health. Kip Andersen does a great job presenting tangible facts in both.
Do you actively promote veganism? How? Please share any stories you would like.
I wouldn’t say I promote veganism on a large scale; I try to create awareness within my group of friends and family. I feel as though the change starts close to home. I have my friends over for vegan meals and send them links to educational documentaries. But more than that, I share how veganism has literally changed my life. Not only from an emotional and physical perspective but also eliminated migraines and acne. There’s a post about my journey on my blog too.
Do you miss any non-Vegan foods?
No, there are so many vegan options now! You know you’re Vegan when you can create a meal from the side menu options. Seriously, the story of my life!
What is your favorite Vegan stereotype? If someone asks you a question about it, how do you respond?
I don’t know if it’s my favorite, but it certainly annoys me the most. Is that veganism is just a diet? I respond by saying veganism is an active choice to refuse violence, our diet is just a reflection of that choice.
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
It’s a tie between Sage in Culver City and Satdah in Venice.
What’s your favorite recipe? Please share it.
Hands down black bean and butternut squash enchiladas! You can find the recipe on my blog.
Cook time: 25-40 minutes on the stove, 5-10 in the oven.
Ingredients:
• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Water
• Black beans
• Butternut squash
• Tomatoes
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Scallions
• Jalapeño
• Vegan (duh) shredded cheese
• Vegan (duh) sour cream
• Tortillas
What is the one big stereotype you hear about Vegans that you want to dispel?
That vegans are physically weak/unhealthy. You know the famous question, Where do you get your protein?
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
The change starts with you, stay strong and others will follow.
Are you a cruelty-Free vegan?
Yes, I have actually sought out and promoted cruelty-free products most of my life.
What are you favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?
For all the ladies Kat VonD make-up and Jeffree Star lipsticks are a must! I also love, Native deodorant for my fellow sweaty girls.
What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need? Toothpaste, Deo, glue, etc..
I think I am pretty fortunate in this aspect living in LA. There isn’t an item that I can’t find between Whole Foods, farmers markets, and the internet.
Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?
I haven’t struggled to be vegan, but I did struggle to make the switch from pescetarian to vegan. For the first month or so I was concerned I would be perceived as difficult because of my choice(s), specifically when it came to food. This changed when I considered how much the animals suffer and reminded myself that veganism is a moral standard.
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