Jenny Truong

What inspired you to go vegan?

JT:  I was vegetarian for a few years before I went vegan – the reason why I initially went vegetarian is actually pretty funny. We were watching a documentary in my high school economics class that had nothing to do with vegetarianism or veganism at all – it was about the closing down of General Motors in Flint, Michigan. Basically the town went into a huge recession after the factory closed down, and this woman resorted to selling her rabbits as “pets or meat.” There was a brutal scene in the documentary where she just started slaughtering her rabbits from her tree, and I burst into tears and realized there’s really no difference between eating cows or chickens and eating our beloved pets. I eventually went vegan after I realized that dairy farming is no better for animals, and that it’s much much better for the environment.

What are some of your favorite vegan restaurants?

JT:  By Chloe is hands-down my all-time favorite! SO thankful they have locations in both NY and LA! I also love The Butcher’s Daughter (all vegetarian and mostly vegan, but also on both coasts!!). In NY I love Cinnamon Snail, and in LA I love Sage Organic Vegan Bistro and Crossroads. Urth Caffe gets honorable mention because they have a to-die-for vegan pizza (and who doesn’t love green tea boba?!), and as far as desserts go I am a sucker for Pressed Juicery Freeze!!

What are your favorite vegan dishes to make?

What are common misconceptions about being vegan?

JT: I think the most common misconception is that it’s limiting, or depriving. I’ve found that since I’ve become vegan I’ve discovered so many different types of foods and dishes from different cultures, and foods I might not have tried if I weren’t vegan. Another misconception is that it’s hard – yes, it can be an adjustment if you’re not used to a plant-based diet, but I truly never find myself missing meat, dairy, or any other animal product. There are so many substitutions and alternatives available, and vegan food is seriously amazing!!

What do you find is the worst part about being vegan?

JT: The worst part about being vegan is probably finding vegan bags and shoes!! It can be a struggle, but a little research into non-vegan and vegan brands is all you need. But we still need more of the latter!

What is the best part about being vegan?

JT: The best part about being vegan is how good you feel – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I went vegan because I wanted to make a difference in the world with regards to the environment and animal rights, and everyday I am able to go to sleep at night knowing that I did what I could to do that. It honestly makes being vegan SO easy when you’re doing it for the right reasons, because then it just becomes an extension of your own guiding principles.The physical health benefits – higher energy, clearer skin, healthier hair, etc. – were just an added bonus!

What advice to you have for people who want to become vegan?

JT: Everyone has a different approach to becoming vegan – some people advise you to ease yourself into it, while others say it’s best to just jump in. It was easy for me because I was already vegetarian. My advice would be to just educate yourself on why you should go vegan, because then it’ll be less about restricting yourself to certain foods and more about adopting an alternate lifestyle. And trust me, you won’t be craving meat or cheese when you know what goes into the manufacturing of animal products! Also, don’t be so hard on yourself – everyone makes mistakes, and what matters is that you’re trying.

How has your life changed since you’ve become vegan?

JT: I think I’ve become more aware and more compassionate since going vegan. It’s opened my eyes to a whole host of other social issues, and it’s strengthened my own resolve to want to make a difference somehow. With climate change continuing to pose a real threat to our environment and many, many people (*cough cough Trump*) continuing to deny its existence, for example, I’ve come to realize that veganism is just one way we can combat serious political, social, and environmental issues.

What are the top 3 reasons to go vegan?

JT: For the animals, for the environment, and for your own mental and physical well-being!

What are your favorite vegan blogs/instagram/youtube channels?

JT:   I love Oh She Glows, Minimalist Baker, Plant Based Jane, Chocolate Covered Katie, and of course That Vegan Life Doe! 🙂

Do you have a blog, instagram, or youtube channel?

JT: I’m on Instagram as @plantiful.jenny!