Like It Or Not

I recently went to the Vegan Street Fair. As I got closer I could tell that there was going to be way more people there than I expected. Cars were bumper to bumper in both directions. Every possible parking space was occupied and multiple groups of people were moving toward a single destination. All types of people: Young, old, single individuals, families, every ethnicity, all body types and from the cars what appeared to be all social-economic levels. Wow! I thought, this vegan thing is really taking off. Three and a half hours later I was wondering what exactly is this VEGAN thing? The variety of food was very interesting. There were tacos, hot dogs, cupcakes, vegan shrimp (which was amazing!), sushi wraps, even fried pickles. Everything was plant based and labeled either V for vegan, GF-gluten free, SF-soy free or NF-nut free or all of the above. However, the majority of items offered at the fair represented a shift not a switch. The food was vegan but it is what I now refer to as “Transitional Veganism” – healthier vegan versions of unhealthy non-vegan food. It was the food we want to eat the way we should eat it. But not entirely the food we should eat. I would bet that everyone there “liked” the idea of eating vegan food but very few had actually “agreed” to becoming a vegan including the two people who came with me. I was struck by the idea that this vegan fair was possibly a real life replica of what happens on non-real life social media apps. We all wander around “liking” the idea of this or that and “sharing” the things we like without any declaration of our personal opinions or any real commitment to do anything significant. We like; we don’t change. We “like” but most of us don’t bother to or won’t risk agreeing and even fewer dare to disagree. It is safe to “like” something; attend the fair, if you will, and enjoy the vegan chili cheese fries. That doesn’t make us a vegan. It doesn’t mean that we agree that non-plant based food is harming our health and our planet. Vegan chili cheese fries at the vegan fair may be a start but they are not a commitment. I want to do more than “like” being a vegan. I agree that non-plant based foods are endangering our health and our planet. I write this blog because I am trying to figure out how to make a real commitment. I write it because I want to inspire others to also make the commitment. Do you “like” what I have to say or do you agree? Are you willing to commit?

My Story

I worry about not being able to touch my toes and not getting the last slice of pizza. I drool over size 6 dresses and bbq. I can’t go a day without cookies or forgetting where I put my phone or my keys. So it’s no wonder that I keep getting older and fatter while dying to feel younger and healthier. To say the least, my life is at a crossroad or it was until fate intervened. I was flipping through the tv when I stumbled across the documentary, “What The Health”… What the f*ck! You mean what I’m eating is not only burying my emotions it’s also going to bury me! So I decided to change. I decided to become a VEGAN. But who was I kidding? I can’t be a vegan I love food! I especially love delicious food! Food that tends to require meat, cheese, eggs and/or butter; pizzas, chili cheese bacon burgers, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken! And don’t even get me started on my love for things like carpaccio, Eggs Benedict or anything with lamb or shrimp. When I thought about all that I would be giving up, it felt like I was sentencing myself to a lifetime of bland, underwhelming and redundant food choices. As delicious as black beans, brown rice and broccoli are I didn’t want to eat that all day every day. I didn’t want to give up the culinary orgasms I experienced every time I ate something delicious, especially since most days that was the only orgasms I was having. How was I going to be a vegan? How was going to get healthy? How was I going to help save the planet? Is it even possible to be happy and healthy? As a former vegetarian (or reborn carnivore), I know that change may happen in an instance but maintaining change takes a lifetime. I decided to do more research. A few weeks and several documentaries later I was filled with more resolve. I would be a plant-based eater, a connoisseur of vegan food. I would find a way to eat the delicious food I loved and craved and stay true to being a vegan. The kind of food prepared by a domestic goddess; food I would make if I had the time. Wait! I did have the time. I just quit my job and relocated back to the US. I could become the goddess I was looking for. I could do my best to save myself, my family, my friends, my planet and anyone else who wanted to eat a hearty plant-based diet. I transformed myself into the Urban Vegan Goddess! A superhuman capable of turning any everyday food into delightful vegan cuisine. My first triumph was creating a delectable plant-based cookie. I wasn’t joking, I really do love cookies! They make any bad moment better and any good moment fantastic. This chocolate chip cookie is perfection! It has all the warmth and goodness a cookie needs, without eggs, butter or any other dairy or animal based product. My challenge to all of you wanting to heal yourself and the planet is to join me on this journey. Start by picking one thing you love and find the vegan version. Don’t give up if it’s not fantastic the first time. Trust me healthy happiness is out there! If you don’t believe me put your money where your doubt is and order a dozen of my Peithos-my chocolate chip cookies named after the Greek goddess of persuasion and seduction.

For orders or additional information, please email me at urbanvegangoddess@gmail.com