Amanda Suarez
What inspired you to go vegan?
So many things! Probably most formally, was the Paul Mccartney video about animal cruelty and the farming industry. Just seeing all of that made me want to part in the animal product business. More gradually, though, I started watching a lot of vegan YouTubers and reading vegan blogs and recipes about a year or so before I went vegan. I thought, “Man, those people just have so much fun with their food! And they’re so happy all the time!” It’s really inspiring to see someone so passionate about their lifestyle.
What are some of your favorite vegan restaurants?
I LOVE By Chloe, although I know they’re having some legal trouble right now. I’m also an acai addict, so I love Juice Crafters and Amazebowls. Gracias Madre is always amazing and you gotta love the Vegan Joint!
What are your favorite vegan dishes to make?
I really love making vegan curry with Japanese sweet potatoes! It mixes the spice of the curry with the sweetness of the potato, and makes for an awesome dinner. I have a million overnight oats recipes, as oatmeal is my passion and if I could marry it, I would. They’re just so versatile and super good for you!
What are common misconceptions about being vegan?
That you can’t eat anything! I always get comments about how I “can’t eat anything” or “Well you need to eat so much because you’re vegan and all you eat is vegetables.” There are plenty of food sources that I can eat. I have never once felt deprived as a vegan. I can eat fruit, grains, vegetables, legumes (which includes beans of all kinds and tofu!), nuts, fats and oils, sugars. Not to mention all of the vegan alternatives to stuff! Anything there is, I swear there’s a vegan version of it. Nothing is off-limits. Another thing I hear is that all vegan food is healthy. Have you ever been to Donut Friend? Erin McKenna’s? Yeah. Sugar and oil is sugar and oil. Now, on the whole, vegan food is healthier than animal product food, but I would never say that everything I eat is healthy—and it shouldn’t be! Balance is best 🙂
What is the worst part about being vegan?
Besides the sometimes patronizing remarks from nonvegan family and friends, I find it most uncomfortable to eat out at traditionally nonvegan places in nonvegan areas of the US. I’ve just had a lot of mishaps in that department due to people not understanding what I mean, or just not knowing enough about their own restaurants food. But I’ve gotten better at this, and am no longer afraid to be more assertive and honest about what I need.
What is the best part about being vegan?
The FOOOOOOOOD.
What advice to you have for people who want to become vegan?
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes when trying something new. There are times when I’ve been so disappointed in myself because of a mistake I made or even something that was out of my control. You have to be patient with yourself: it gets easier! Also learn how to READ EVERYTHING. Labels, ingredients, menu descriptions. Everything. Become an expert reader, and always look something up if you’re not sure. Don’t let a mistake happen out of unwillingness to do a little extra work.
How has your life changed since you’ve become vegan?
I’ve become so much more thoughtful about what I put into my body. I used to never care about what I ate, as long as it tasted good. Now I know that there’s so much more to a diet. Also, i think I appreciate the flavors of things more, because vegan food is often so much more flavorful. It has to be to get past the stigma! Lastly, I cook a lot more now than I ever did, and I love that. It’s therapeutic and better for my wallet (sometimes).
What are the top 3 reasons to go vegan?
- Saving all of the precious and innocent animal lives who fall victim to the meat, dairy and egg industry
- Saving our planet and helping to conserve water and other crucial resources
- Saving your body by eating foods that are nutrient-dense and naturally cholesterol-free. Heart disease is the number one killer in America!
Do you have a blog, instagram, or youtube channel?
Why yes, yes I do. I have a YouTube channel titled Amanda Mars (a reference to my middle name, Marissa), as well as two blogs: Hippie at Heart and Cruelty-Free with a Degree. My instagram handle is @amandamars94
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