Maxine Phoenix
What inspired you to go vegan?
M: I was inspired to go vegan three years ago for health reasons, and over those three years it has turned from caring about myself and wanting myself to be the best I can be, to wanting the world to be the best place it can be. To caring about the animals, about the movement, and about our global health. I no longer buy leather, suede, or wool products, nor anything tested on animals! slowly and surely making my way towards a 100% vegan lifestyle.
What are some of your favorite vegan restaurants?
M: My favorite vegan restaurants in LA are Crossroads, Shojin, Gracias Madre, Plant Food and Wine, and Araya’s Place.
What are your favorite vegan dishes to make?
M: I am so simple when it comes to cooking for myself, I’ll just make pasta with a bunch of veggies, or rice, or steamed/baked potatoes with hot sauce and greens. But when it comes to cooking for my boyfriend, family, or friends, I love to make roasted cauliflower “wings” with rice, enchiladas, vegan pizza, or curry dishes. I love to bake more than anything else, especially vegan donuts, banana bread (I literally always have banana bread in the fridge/freezer), and brownies.
What are common misconceptions about being vegan?
M: One of the worst misconceptions about vegans is that we force our lifestyles down everyone’s throats, and hate non-vegans. Not true in the slightest! I try to be as open-minded as possible, because forcing your beliefs on someone usually has the opposite intent, and they’ll resent you instead of following in your footsteps. Most of the people in my life still eat animal products and I do my best to show them how delicious and easy the vegan lifestyle can be regardless.
What do you find is the worst part about being vegan?
M: Worst part about being vegan is finding really cute vegan leather bags! There are some great brands like Matt + Nat, but we need more. Come on, designers!
What is the best part about being vegan?
M: The variety. It’s such a misconception that vegans are restrictive and eat nothing but salads all day. I actually hate salads, but I consider myself to have a healthy diet regardless. There are so many vegan options not only to make at home, but to eat out with friends! Even dining at non-vegan places, you can always find something. My favorite thing is eating at pizza places and getting just a plain base with marinara sauce and all the veggies that can be piled on top.
What advice to you have for people who want to become vegan?
M: Jump in right away. All in, headfirst. Many people recommend to ease products out of your diet little at a time, first meat, then eggs, then dairy, etc. But I personally went all-in and felt the amazing effects right away. It’s going to be hard, and you need to be prepared. For first timers, though, there are so many products like vegan yogurts, vegan cheeses, even vegan hot dogs and lunch meats, that will replace what you’re used to. Eventually, you should get to a more plant-based vegan diet with whole foods, since that is the healthiest and most sustainable in the long run, but jumping into veganism right away without the slow burn of cutting things out weeks at a time will have you feeling (and looking, which is what more people care about, sadly) amazing right away. Then you’ll want to stick with the lifestyle forever!
How has your life changed since you’ve become vegan?
M: Since becoming vegan, I’ve taken better care of my body. That means trying to get more sleep, drinking more water, exercising when I can (but not pushing myself ever more than I need to be pushed). I also have noticed myself becoming a kinder person the longer I am on this lifestyle.
What are the top 3 reasons to go vegan?
M: Top 3 reasons to go vegan: Compassion, Environmentalism, Longevity.
What are your favorite vegan blogs/instagram/youtube channels?
M: I follow so many vegans across social media platforms that this is hard to answer… Freelee the Banana Girl has always been one of my favorites. I don’t follow her Raw Till 4 principles, but she inspired me when I first started going vegan to eat more raw fruit in my diet as well as exercise consistently, and it made a difference. Love that girl. Also love Naturally Stefanie, Plant Based Judy, Oh She Glows (my first vegan blogger I ever found!), The Vegan 8, BonnyRebecca, and HappyandHealthy96. The list could go on, but these ladies all inspire me with so much positivity and love. As well as kick-ass recipes!
Do you have a blog, instagram, or youtube channel?
M: I only have Instagram for now, but I’d like to start up a YouTube or blog in the near future! You can find me @planthappy.
That’s my beautiful niece, Maxine! Love her, love her convictions. Love & admire her healthy & compassionate lifestyle! Enjoyed reading this interview … well done ladies!