Tell us a little about yourself.
Hey! I’m Whitney Elizabeth (Instagram: @_webuddha) and I live in Atlanta, Ga. I’m a freelancer focusing most on my spirituality & being a Spiritual adviser. Inner wealth is the only thing we can take with us, a guide back home to yourself.
What lead you to veganism? How long ago?
Spirit lead me to veganism. Before becoming vegan I considered myself a foodie and would NEVER go on any kind of diet. Once my compassion for others and animals began to grow I became more open to the idea of being vegetarian. Close friends and some coworkers of mine are vegetarian and would suggest foods for me to try. I liked the food they gave me to try but I still wasn’t
convinced to stop eating animal products. I started receiving signs to stop and an coworker asked me one day during a shift while I was eating a chicken wing “what are you eating?” Something about the way she asked me I know I was never going to eat meet again. I put the wing down and haven’t picked it up since that was 2 years ago!
When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?
When I first became vegan I went “cold turkey” and learned as I went. I stopped all meat, then dairy, then slowing any other animal products I had or still used. I focused on what I was going to add to my new eating habits instead of focusing on taking away. Same with clothing and other items. Over time I replaced all things around me with vegan items.
Do you make any exceptions for yourself or if you are married with kids – your family, when it comes to veganism?
I’ve made exceptions for honey during my vegan journey.
Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into meats?
I personally wouldn’t show kids videos of animals being turned into meat, I don’t even like to watch those. I would teach them the health benefits of being vegan and teach them about compassion for animals & all living things. I would be the example and allow my actions to teach.
What does being vegan mean to you? For example, does it extend to not killing bugs and bees? Does it include not patronizing vegan companies owned by non-vegan parent companies? Does it affect the way you treat other humans?
Being vegan to me means health & compassion. I just recently learned to sit with bees instead of running from them! I was told they will lick you if they land on you, haha plus I am now the official taker out of spiders out the house. My sister freaked out when she spotted one & wanted to kill it but I couldn’t let her harm it. So I took him/her outside I was so proud to feel that love for the spider 🙂
Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?
I don’t think it’s every vegans duty to become an activist but I do think once we become vegan we naturally nudge others to join us!
How compassionate or empathetic are you towards non-vegans?
I’m very compassionate to non-vegans because I used to be one! “Forgive them for they do not know” before I was aware, I simply was unaware. I’m kind to them and allow them to try my vegan food, experience is a better teacher. Let the food talk
Any recommended social sites, blogs or pages?
Instagram:
@drvegan
@veganclassroom
@alkaline_vegan_news
Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?
YouTube Channel: Whitney Elizabeth
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
Vegatinos (food truck in LA)
Tassilis Raw Reality (ATL)
Please share your favorite vegan recipe?
I made these for my soul sisters birthday the other night and WOW best vegan cupcakes ever!!! From the site lovingitvegan.com
Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes:
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup (200g) Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup (240ml) Soy Milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 2 tsp (10ml) Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil*
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) White Vinegar
Strawberry Vanilla Frosting
- 1/2 cup (112g) Vegan Butter
- 3 cups (375g) Powdered (confectioners) Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tsp Strawberry Flavoring
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
Focus on adding vegan items instead of focusing on taking away from what you already eat. Stay open. It gets better, ask for help from other vegans..It’s a new way of living!
What is the vegan scene like in your city?
Atlanta has a good amount of vegan options. More restaurants & events surrounding veganism keep popping up! I just recently moved back from LA where there were tons of vegan options but Atlanta is on the rise!
What personal recommendations can you make for people to meet other vegans?
To meet other vegans I suggest going to all-vegan restaurants. Use Eventbrite & search vegan in the search box. Search #vegan on Instagram & follow someone new people online which will lead to more like-minded people.
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