Teresa Palmer
Actress, health blogger, mother
Teresa Palmer has starred in movies such as Warm Bodies and Hacksaw Ridge, runs TWO health and wellness blogs, AND is a mother. There is nothing that Teresa Palmer can’t do! We are very excited to feature her as our special guest Vegan of the Month. Read her interview below!
1. What inspired you to go vegan?
Ultimately it was a lifestyle decision, we decided as a family that veganism best fit in with our philosophy and views on the world and it felt contradictory to our core beliefs to not make the change. We feel compelled to lessen the suffering in the world and as huge animal lovers we felt like we were living in contradiction to not give up dairy etc. We had been thinking about it a lot and then one day my step-son Isaac declared that we are a vegan family! As a family it just feels right and we have found that we are now so much more inspired to get into the kitchen and get creative!
2. How has your life changed since becoming vegan? What are the benefits you have experienced?
Since adapting a plant based diet, I have noticed a change in how I feel and ultimately how I look. My skin feels great, my gut health has improved and I generally feel better. It is a diet /lifestyle change that really suits my body and its needs and I feel great!
3. What are your favorite vegan dishes to make?
Ever since we made the recent decision as family to go vegan, we have really upped our cooking game. We have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen, creating dishes and pouring love into the food we are making. Our favorite go-to’s are roast vegetable ratatouille, salads, sweet potato fries, noodle dishes, penne pasta with sundered tomatoes and olives, broccoli with nutritional yeast, rice noodle stir fries, beyond burger meatless burgers…and the list goes on, we never struggle for options and we’re loving experimenting with dishes and resting family favorites!
4. What is it like being a vegan mother in terms of raising your children and eating the right foods during pregnancy?
I have found it really easy to be honest, we are raising the boys as vegan and providing you know about nutrition, do the research and ensure you are giving your children the nutrients they require it is perfectly healthy. During pregnancy and post partum I ensured I was eating a lot of greens, increasing my caloric intake and ensuring my body had the recommended balance of vitamins, minerals, good fats, protein etc.
5. What is it like being a vegan actress? Is it hard when you are traveling all the time or filming in different countries?
Luckily for me, this is never really an issue. I always find catering on set to be so accommodating in terms or making vegetarian / vegan options – often they will ask me for my favorite dishes! Whenever we travel for work, Mark and I are really good at scoping out the best vegetarian / vegan restaurants as well as health food stores. We have travelled all around the world and always done this.
6. What advice would you give to someone transitioning to vegetarianism or veganism?
Above all else; listen to your body – when you’re in tune with your body it will tell you what you need, what you’re lacking, what feels great and what doesn’t. Do your research, know what you need to nourish your body with and make sure you’re filling your body with the nutrients it needs and looking for the best alternative sources to animal products where needed. I would also say just experiment with recipes and discover what you love – there is a wealth of knowledge available online and so many amazing vegan recipes (we feature some delicious ones on YZL!). Ultimately, find what works for your body, for some people going cold turkey is best however I have also had friends that have preferred to ease themselves in, eliminating one particular animal product at a time, don’t be scared and enjoy the journey!!
8. With your platform, what differences do you hope to make or what message do you hope to send about veganism through outlets such as social media?
My message has always been ‘be the change’ it’s my favorite quote and something I strive to live by. My greatest hope is always to use my platform to affect positive change. I love the societal shift that is happening, wellness and veganism is definitely becoming a lot more mainstream and accessible and I think as social media continues its prevalence, the message will become louder and stronger.
To find out more about the lovely Teresa Palmer, follow her on Instagram @Teresapalmer or visit her blogs below:
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