Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi there! My name is Casey Linke and I am a nurse practitioner at LIFE Medicine in Denver and Boulder, CO. I promote plant-based diets every day in my practice and have been so inspired by my patients who have turned around chronic disease through eating more plants! I am most passionate about gut health and mental wellness, and love providing tools for people on their journeys as they heal themselves.
What lead you to veganism? How long ago?
I went vegan about 4 years ago after watching Cowspiracy. My husband and I wanted to do our parts to help the planet and the animals and then we discovered all the health benefits as well!
How many children do you have? Were they born vegan?
I have two children, both girls. One was born when I was still eating an omnivorous diet and we went plant based when she was 6 months old. My first pregnancy was tough; I was anemia, my blood pressure was high, I gained more weight than was normal, and I had a lot of challenges with postpartum anxiety after birth.
My second pregnancy was fully vegan and it was amazing! I gained the perfect amount of weight, my blood pressure was perfect, I didn’t become anemic at all, and I had a wonderful postpartum experience. My first birth was also a lot harder on my body physically; my second birth was amazing and I recovered really fast.
What are some of the challenges you find raising a vegan child? How have you dealt with these challenges?
Some of my challenges are around birthday parties. While we don’t ever feed our children meat or dairy at home, if they’re at a birthday party, I will let them have a piece of birthday cake. I feel its damaging psychologically for them, as they’re too young to understand why they’re not eating cake and everyone else is, and don’t want them to feel punished. Usually they only have a couple of bites anyway.
Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into products? How are you educating your child/children on veganism and compassion?
I would not personally show that to my children as they’re still very young and they would be extremely traumatized. If when they’re older and they express interest in eating meat, I may be open to showing them a kid’s version of a PETA video. Once they’re teenagers and old enough to understand, I think that will be their choice.
What does being vegan mean to you?
We always teach our daughters never to hurt bugs or bees or any living creature. We do patronize companies that aren’t vegan, because we enjoy their vegan products and they need to know there is a demand for vegan food, etc.
Any recommended vegan books, social sites, or blogs?
I recommend the following IG accounts for vegan parenting: @plantbasedpediatrician, @leafy_vibe, @vegan.kids.nutrition, @plantbasedjuniors; @MyPlantStrongFamily
Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?
No, I would just like people to know about my Instagram: @ThePlantBasedFNP
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
Watercourse Foods in Denver, CO
Please share the recipe your kids love most.
My kids LOVE vegan baked beans, sweet potato fries, peas and corn, and fruit.
Some encouraging words or advice for vegan parents.
You are making the absolute right decision in raising your children on a well-balanced, well planned plant based diet! You are drastically decreasing their chances of experiencing chronic disease later in life and setting their microbiomes up for optimal gut health as well.
Have you connected with other vegan families in your city? If so, how did you meet?
Not really, we’re newish to Denver, but are interested.
How do you think you will react if your is out with his/her friends and they eat animal products?
I will understand that it’s their personal choice but make sure they understand the choice they are making so it is an informed decision.
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