I'm a salad junkie. I put so many types of lettuce (boyfriend grows lettuces for me hydroponically year round) lots of veggies and grains. People can't believe I eat such large salads. I love your comment about checking in with yourself as to why you're doing this. It's so easy to be swayed by bad foods, even as a vegan. I eat fruit for sweets and don't crave bad sweets. It's funny that my extended family and friends eat so much better since we've gotten older. They used to make fun of me and I always had to bring my own food for my to every occasion. Now they see the health benefits of eating clean. It makes a difference. I'll be 60 this year. My blood work is great, and my health is excellent.
This is a great point! I remember being worried about going home after 4 years in China due to COVID because I don't do meat much anymore... only to find that my sister has gone no meat due to her nutritionist's advice after she beat cancer!
Isn't being a vegan wonderful? I wonder why you never mention the "downside to plant based diets"? You know, the constant stinking flatulence, The massive poos that take a half a roll of TP to clean afterwards. The skin rashes, the mental fog, the chronic fatigue, and severe mood fluctuations, just to mention a few? Yes the vegan diet does all this to you and more. I know because I've lived with it. I also know you suffer from most, if not all, of these ailments from your diet, but you don't have the testicular fortitude to openly admit it.
@@enough425 Please allow me to answer for her. I do not know her personally but I am aware of her "type". She MUST eat every 2-3 hours because she is "starving" all the time. She passes lots of smelly gas, often. The has bloating, she drops a commode full of messy, stinking poo and must use 1/3 of a roll of toilet paper to clean herself. She constantly has mental fog, skin rashes, and other ailments associated with eating an improper plant based diet. Not only that but she spends a great deal of her "free time" thinking about meat and trying to figure out how she can make veggies taste like meat to satisfy her body's craving for meat. The problem is the human body is smart enough to know real meat from beyond meat and it wants real meat. This incessant meat craving by the human body is the beginning of the mental issues that manifest with all vegans. Go eat a steak if you want a sound mind and body. ALL vegans suffer similar ailments because carnivores like us humans evolved to eat meat, and lots of it.
I’ve been vegan for 30+ years…back then the only plant milk was powdered soymilk if you could even find that and you couldn’t even find tofu in a health store. I ate 100% Whole Foods. I agree with you the vegan diet turning into the plant based SAD diet. It’s become all about $$$ marketed as healthy
As a fellow vegan, you were on point! Well said. Additionally I would suggest starting with one meal, like Breakfast. Try some different options for a week. Then try experimenting with vegan lunch ideas for another week. Then experiment with coffee and/or treats. And lastly, I would suggest folks experiment with dinner. People need to build up their vegan food options. I mean most people who are transitioning to eating vegan have decades of eating omnivorously, so in any given scenario, they know what to eat, but when you go vegan, it takes time to build up the knowledge of what to eat in any given situation.
I became "vegan" by circumstances. Many of my family members dropped dead from heart failure. We have a genetic heart condition and even though the members of my family died were not obese and ate most animal products in moderation. My aunt was a registered dietitian and made me vegan when I got diagnosed at 12 with the same condition. I became fully vegan in uni (vegan cosmetics and clothing, more environmentally conscious). I never looked back. I'm very healthy and my cardiologist is astonished that I am in remission for almost 30 years which is how long I have been vegan for. I didn't have those processed vegan foods. Today I will have to sing my praises to the vegan food industry that makes excellent vegan cheeses from nut milks. I will be honest about all the things I missed the most was the cheese. It was very hard growing up. I had to bring my food with me everywhere as there were no vegan restos back then. I thank all my foreign friends I made from uni. My Indian, Ethiopian and any orthodox Christian and strict Buddhist friends introduced me to all their traditional vegan dishes. I was astonished to learn so many people are vegans not just for animals, the environment, human rights but also for religious purposes. Every year for Lent we would abstain from flesh (Catholics) but other groups won't touch dairy or fish for Lent. It was a life experience.
I agree 100% , I was buying some Vegan processed foods and realized the sodium is so high. Which is a big problem for people with high blood pressure. Or down the line could cause high blood pressure and other health issues. Great topic!👍🏽
I have started Vegan three weeks ago. I am so surprised I feel better, have more energy sleep better and grocery bill is less. I stopped shopping at the supermarket that had nothing but bad food, I go to natural supermarkets and Farmers Market Store. For my sweet craving I grab frozen grapes, strawberries and blueberries etc. THANKS FOR YOUR CHANNEL IT HELPS ME SO MUCH!
This came at the perfect time! Yesterday was my very first day grocery shopping for plant-based items only. I'm so excited to start this journey but realize it takes time, patience, and grace. Thanks for this video! I'll be incorporating some of your tips throughout the year 💚
This is such a wholesome and kind video. I have been vegan/vegetarian for almost 4 years and have done some of the mistakes you mention like eating too few calories and sometimes stressing about eating junk food or non-vegan things. Your message of not being perfect and it’s okay almost made me cry. Love your positive energy ❤
I’m so glad you mentioned that you have to eat a good amount while being vegan. I was vegan for 2 and a 1/2months and didn’t eat enough and always felt weak. I lost about 25 pounds and that felt great but I always felt sluggish and hungry. I went back to eating meat and then gained all that weight back and then some. I’m glad I stumbled onto this video so I can get back to being vegan but actually eating and feeling nourished ❤
I’ve been vegan for 20 years and I’m so glad I became vegan during the era where processed foods didn’t exist. Like you, I was able to use whole foods and learned how to cook all my meals. While the convenience of some of these newer “foods” is great, I agree that it should be the exception and not the rule when it comes to your health. ✌🏾❤️
@theloveleebaker i am learning this as a younger person who has recently noticed health decline. I didn't want to teach myself to cook so fast food was my best friend. Well it showed me who it was 25 lbs later.
Beans! and a lil tofu and tempeh...a veggie burger here and there... this was the foundation back in the 90's when I really got into vegan foods. It was about simplicity, ecology and nourishing the body without processed foods.
Thanks for posting this video. I’ve been vegan for going on eight years, but admittedly I’ve fallen off track and I always felt bad like I’m the only vegan in the world who messed up. But hearing you say that you messed up and that it’s okay, made me feel better. I like what you said, “ the goal is to do less harm.” And for me it is; I tell my kids that I personally don’t like harming animals and then eating them. Anywho, just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement. Also, your falafel recipe with the avocado topping is my favorite.
Thank you for sharing. 🙏💯 When I started my vegan journey two years ago, I wasn't eating enough, and I felt weak and dizzy all the time. I turn Sixty years old this year, and I feel better now than I did in my 30s, 40s and early 50!
Would you mind sharing tips on how you learned to correct the behavior and what you eat daily? 60yrs young that is amazing! I am new to Vegan and I'm learning what to eat daily! I need a little more information
@@roberttaylor9628 thanks for sharing this...your comment is inspirational. I am in my late 50s, and am hoping i can increase my health and energy levels. I'm just beginning.
Thanks so much. I've been doing raw for a little over a week now, always hungry, and was unaware of cooking without using unhealthy oils or ingredients. Thanks for reminding me to take it easy on myself. At least I've gone a week without fast food - yippee!!! I'm gonna try a vegan meetup group for help. Absolutely love your videos - THANKS!!!
Been following you for a while (actually before you had your baby girl) and I must say that I am so, so, so proud of your consistency, honesty and overall love for your health and sharing that with others so that they could be their best selves as well! Thank you so much for staying the course and staying true to self. I’ve always loved your recipes and you def did not disappoint with the hearty salad that you prepared in this video. So happy I hit that subscribe button so many years ago! I consider myself a more conscious, healthy eater instead of a vegan. I believe the word ‘VEGAN’ has been raked through the mud in this country just like everything that is wholesome. I fell off after having my last babygirl a year ago and I have felt so horrible physically, until recently when I changed my mindset back to my original “WHY”. I will never look back after this. Over the past few months, I have felt so much better mentally, physically and even spiritually bc of the switch I’ve made with eating a 95% Whole Food diet. I love how you put the American food system on blast and called it out for what it is; POISON!! Thanks for your transparency and passion for what you do 👍🏾👏🏾👍🏾👏🏾
Such good advice. You are so spot on with your advice concerning the over use and dependency on faux meats and cheeses. They are so loaded with sodium. I’ve been vegan for over 28 years and have used / eaten way too many of the fake meats. I wouldn’t say I’m a very healthy vegan at all.
Hello friend in my head. It’s nice to see you in your element again. Thanks for the much needed reminders… I’ve been plant based since 2017. I cured my gut/digestive issues by giving up the dairy & meat and adding probiotics, prebiotics & post biotics. I fast everyday for 18-20 hours then break my fast with Kimchi & seaweed or protein….It has been a journey. But it was all worth it…If only I can give up my addiction to popcorn & unsalted chips, lol!!! ❤
The point you made about people still sticking to the standard American diet while going vegan is so true! I’ve been vegan for 8 years now and remember making a lot of these mistakes along the way. Love your channel! 🌱🧡
"Convenience" foods are very expensive and often far less nutritious, and today, "plant based" has become a marketing buzz phrase. I have always appreciated your simple and down to earth approach.
Ten year vegan here who started raw benefiting from this video! I went off the rails with the processed stuff when I met my now husband. (At least he’s vegan!😍) Loved this video, it is spot on and great for new and even some veteran vegans.
You were one of the first channels I found when I went vegan in 2017 and you are still speaking so much truth and knowledge on the vegan lifestyle. I’ve loved following your journey and continuing to live a life filled with healthy plant powered goodness!
Food Journal: I have kept a food journal over the last 5 years. I switched to Whole Food Plant-Based 2 years ago. Reviewing my journal (there are several volumes), I see a dramatic difference when all the animal products and alcohol were removed from my diet like weight loss and Rx meds were discontinued. I keep track of general data like what I am eating not how much. I do count the glasses of water consumed. I track general health metrics like weight, blood pressure, hours of sleep, and miles walked. I make entries as the events occur. It is not time-consuming. I keep massive amounts of fresh produce and grains in the house. I always have several options when it is time to eat. It is difficult to believe I have lost so much weight when you look at the volume of food consumed. The key for me was switching to home cooking and learning to embrace spices. I put a lot of spices in all my dishes. I love to create Asian and Ethiopian dishes. I try to make every dish as visually appealing as possible. Don't under estimate the power of using beautiful ceramics on your table. It turns an ordinary meal into an event. I created a list of healthy alternatives for all my "trigger or comfort foods" consumed during stressful situations. It is It has been a fantastic life-changing journey. Jenné, I love what you are doing for the Plant-Based community. You know I have a copy of the "Sweet Potato Soul" cookbook! ❤ ❤
This was so refreshing ! To hear out loud that being imperfect and it being a process is ok. And how much more I eat on wfpb - I switched due to deficiencies and it took a while for me to realise they weren’t improved quickly enough because I hadn’t adjusted how much I was eating x
Thank you for this video. I've been vegan/ plant base for almost 5 yrs now. I'll admit at first I was eating alot of the alternative meats. I'm now trying to focus more of mire plants & legumes with an alternative every so often.
🤯 you solved the mystery of my confusion, I assumed everyone the health food store was healthy 😂. I quickly learned to read labels there was a must. I had the wrong idea, thank you for opening my eyes to “not being” a crossover ( “eating vegan junk food”). And all the other so called healthy Unnecessary stuff but considered doing them, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This was a great video and just what I needed to hear. I’ve been on my journey to becoming vegan for almost three years now. I always feel bad if I slip up and eat something that isn’t plant based. Now I know to allow myself some grace. Progress, not perfection. ❤
I went vegan in February 2012. You are so right about how things were back then. I think the closest thing to junk food I got my hands on would be TVP. I had lost so much weight and was so healthy and felt so good. Then I fell into all of the junk foods and gained back about 60 lb. I started back on eating whole foods at the end of December and I'm down 15 lb. 😊 P.S. Love your green jacket 💚
Exactly. Veganism is not perfectionism. It's trying our best in a very non-vegan world to do less harm. These are all great tips. I've been vegan since 2008 and wish I had a video like this to help me.
I am planning to start a Vegan diet plan this March. I am not sure how quickly this transition will take, but I am ready for it. I need all the help I can get...so I will sign up for the newsletter. I need recipes!
I just found your channel and I'm so happy I did! Your videos are so helpful and honest and beautifully filmed! Perfect balance between professional and relatable content🥰
I love the fall off part because as a vegan mom, my family still eat meat, milk and all that stuff. I cook all the meals and taste the meal as well but I am still a vegan. I used to feel guilty for that. Thank you for sharing ❤
Love this advice, especially about not sweating the small stuff. I had a similar journey of being vegetarian for many years, then finally giving up dairy and eggs because of the animal welfare aspects. But I went full on raw vegan. I actually loved the foods and freshness of it, but found it unsustainable for me. I just love soups and muffins too much to give up cooked foods. But most of all, I don’t sweat the small stuff, like you said. Very wise advice!
So much processed food aimed at vegan market, especially artificial meat, that I believe it's being promoted in order to make the vegan diet seem like cause of malnourishment and embellish dairy/meat industry ( partnerships between government, industrialised farmers, and large businesss such as supermarkets who are all very invested in the status quo). I believe not eating wholefoods, means we mistake malnutrition for hunger, and keep eating and buying unnecessary amounts of food ( capitalism in action). Bless you for sharing this knowledge and helping to counter this food "trap".
I would say for someone trying to go vegan it is actually helpful to make the equivalent switch to a similar diet of what you already have but no animal versions. Then you can decide if you want to make it healthier along the way. But if someone is gunna miss pizza when they go vegan they need to have that vegan version so they don’t slip backwards. Love the video especially the part about the “why”.
Thank you so much for sharing what you've learned. I've been eating mostly plant-based for the past year, but find myself eating vegetarian not vegan a lot these days. I'm also over processed foods and have been trying to get back to doing more cooking. Thank you for the reminders.
Unfortunately, I can’t eat at restaurants that accidentally put dairy or meat in the food… I have a very severe allergy to those foods! Being vegan helped me tremendously. In my younger years I was always in crippling pain and had so many medical issues. Since 2013 I have been pain free and no medical issues!
Thank you sooo much for this video. I really needed to hear this. Just recently started journaling and had to admit I’m not eating enough. Today I finished watching your meal prep playlist. Thank you for the info. I’m ready to do this, the right way now.😊❤
🌴☀️ now this is a fantastic update on the subject for this channel. I sent this to several people fantastic points that you made here, especially about taking your time and the length of time that it took you before you became vegan. I also love the fact that you’re like hey just take your time, you know you may continue to eat other foods but just take your time with yourself and see how your body feels. Love love love this video and as always, you can never make enough videos lol☀️🌴
I love that you talk about the "veganization" of the standard american diet. I love this. The first vegan I met seemed like she didn’t eat vegetables, and it seemed worse than just eating meat
Yummy, my type of diet!💚 My church been practicing this type of healthy living for over 100 years, and has been trying to teach it to the world. Thx for your videos❤
You are so right, it’s confusing to many that vegan = healthy but really only whole food plant based is really the way but it definitely takes prep and cook time.
Continue the Vegan life & share healthy tips. To us! We’re trying! Have you thought about doing a Workshop on Vegan foods at Cooks Warehouse, Whole Foods or a private home situation? Just a thought.
Hi, I can't place any comment on the newest video about the Instant Pot. But I am always kind and never done anything wrong. I absolutely love your channel so much.💚
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think no matter how much healthy, unprocessed vegan food we eat, we all need extra B-12 from somewhere. Either from supplements or so-called “fortified” foods. And some of us need extra iron.
Yes, that's my understanding as well. And for non-veg it's especially important as you age. With iron, I'd rely on a blood test and talk to the doc before supplementing.
Wise words indeed!!! Well done! Awesome vid!!! Thank you! I really need to eat healthier. I’ve been a junk food vegan for 11 years 😁 so I’ve been more like 20:80😁😂😂. I need to work on flipping that ratio😁😂. Thank you! Continued success to you!
I'm in year 2 of transitioning to plant based diet. I love this video. I was a vegetarian for years but becoming vegan seemed overwhelming. Now I can accept its a process. Why: ethics.
These are some great tips! I especially love how you said it's okay to mess up. Pretty much every vegan has messed at some point intentionally or not. Don't let the handful of overreactors scare you away from veganism forever over a simple mistake. You can mess up and go right back to veganism. Veganism isn't about perfectionism; it's about making the best choice for you, the animals, and the environment. I want to add that if you have a history of disordered eating it's probably not good to have a food journal. It can get you back in a really bad mindset with food, which has unfortunately happened with too many people transitioning to veganism. This isn't a how-to guide that will fit 100% of everyone's life. You're allowed to skip and add in your own steps to ensure your vegan journey is safe for you 💜
This was excellent! So many good pointers covered that assist a person who is on their vegan journey be successful. I admire your advocacy for veganism. You have crafted an inspirational resource. Thank you!
The first step for me was not eating in fast food restaurants anymore. Once I started cooking all of my meals at home, (even if it’s a sandwich 🥪), I started feeling better. Going vegetarian is step two. Like you said..Baby steps.. 👩🏽 🌟 Edit: I tried going vegan and I almost passed out. 😵 I felt horrible. I had zero energy. I went back on meat. Sis, Thank you so much for making this video. I’ll try again. My Why.. I no longer want to participate in the torture of animals. 😞
Hey this happens to me too when I don’t get enough protein. I’ve been a vegetarian since 1999 and an off again on again vegan for a few years. When I can’t cook and I’m working and going to school it’s hard to find “fast” vegan food with protein and I would get the shakes and have to eat cheese . What you can do if you aren’t a big cook like me is to have different trail mix options or nuts with you and protein drinks or bars. Then it won’t happen. By going vegan I lowered my A1 C and am no longer pre diabetic, my triglycerides are now normal and I lost weight. It’s a matter of planning ahead and this is something I struggle with. Good luck to you ❤
Oh girl you have to plan better!! That sounds like you are just not eating enough!! You need plenty of grains and beans with your fruits and veg and nuts. Don’t leave the house without a snack bc I can’t be getting hungry and passing out!!! Failing to plan is planning to fail. It’s easy when u have enough food with u!!
Great video! Although I did get in trouble in my late 50’s with medical issues related to low vit d levels and vitamin b12, so keep an eye out for those levels or take a supplement, love you sweet potato
Thanks you for sharing. How to you keep your produce fresh and crispy? I buy veggies with the intent to cook them but after a day in my fridge they look...unappetizing. Help please
Here's the link to the colorful salad I make in the video: sweetpotatosoul.com/best-ever-autumn-salad/ ENJOY!
Hello! Can you tell me where you got the orange thing to wash your greens. Also, what do you use to wash your fruits and veggies. I love your content.
@@SweetPotatoSoul Happy Vegan Month!❤ From 🇬🇧
I am 57 and my why is I don't want my children and family to see me waste away to preventable illnesses and I want to live vibrant and healthy for me.
I'm a salad junkie. I put so many types of lettuce (boyfriend grows lettuces for me hydroponically year round) lots of veggies and grains. People can't believe I eat such large salads. I love your comment about checking in with yourself as to why you're doing this. It's so easy to be swayed by bad foods, even as a vegan. I eat fruit for sweets and don't crave bad sweets. It's funny that my extended family and friends eat so much better since we've gotten older. They used to make fun of me and I always had to bring my own food for my to every occasion. Now they see the health benefits of eating clean. It makes a difference. I'll be 60 this year. My blood work is great, and my health is excellent.
Years ago someone once told me while making a salad “jeeze you don’t gotta eat the whole bag “ I still laugh about it to this day like why not!?
This is a great point! I remember being worried about going home after 4 years in China due to COVID because I don't do meat much anymore... only to find that my sister has gone no meat due to her nutritionist's advice after she beat cancer!
Isn't being a vegan wonderful? I wonder why you never mention the "downside to plant based diets"? You know, the constant stinking flatulence, The massive poos that take a half a roll of TP to clean afterwards. The skin rashes, the mental fog, the chronic fatigue, and severe mood fluctuations, just to mention a few? Yes the vegan diet does all this to you and more. I know because I've lived with it. I also know you suffer from most, if not all, of these ailments from your diet, but you don't have the testicular fortitude to openly admit it.
can you share what your typical day is like @robynparker9383
@@enough425 Please allow me to answer for her. I do not know her personally but I am aware of her "type". She MUST eat every 2-3 hours because she is "starving" all the time. She passes lots of smelly gas, often. The has bloating, she drops a commode full of messy, stinking poo and must use 1/3 of a roll of toilet paper to clean herself. She constantly has mental fog, skin rashes, and other ailments associated with eating an improper plant based diet. Not only that but she spends a great deal of her "free time" thinking about meat and trying to figure out how she can make veggies taste like meat to satisfy her body's craving for meat. The problem is the human body is smart enough to know real meat from beyond meat and it wants real meat. This incessant meat craving by the human body is the beginning of the mental issues that manifest with all vegans. Go eat a steak if you want a sound mind and body. ALL vegans suffer similar ailments because carnivores like us humans evolved to eat meat, and lots of it.
I’ve been vegan for 30+ years…back then the only plant milk was powdered soymilk if you could even find that and you couldn’t even find tofu in a health store. I ate 100% Whole Foods. I agree with you the vegan diet turning into the plant based SAD diet. It’s become all about $$$ marketed as healthy
YEP wrote the same thing! $$$$$
Exactly!!! ...."The veganization of the standard American diet"! Whole nutrient dense foods is the way to go.
I really wish every human would watch this video. 💚🌱
Why?
As a fellow vegan, you were on point! Well said.
Additionally I would suggest starting with one meal, like Breakfast. Try some different options for a week.
Then try experimenting with vegan lunch ideas for another week.
Then experiment with coffee and/or treats.
And lastly, I would suggest folks experiment with dinner.
People need to build up their vegan food options. I mean most people who are transitioning to eating vegan have decades of eating omnivorously, so in any given scenario, they know what to eat, but when you go vegan, it takes time to build up the knowledge of what to eat in any given situation.
Yes to this!! It is so helpful to start small and making attainable and sustainable habits!
Great additional tip!! Start small--veganize your favorite meals a few times a week :)
Yup! Meatless Mondays are a good start
In all my years I don't know if I've ever heard a better how to vegan than this. Very good.
Thanks, and I shared it.
I became "vegan" by circumstances. Many of my family members dropped dead from heart failure. We have a genetic heart condition and even though the members of my family died were not obese and ate most animal products in moderation. My aunt was a registered dietitian and made me vegan when I got diagnosed at 12 with the same condition. I became fully vegan in uni (vegan cosmetics and clothing, more environmentally conscious). I never looked back. I'm very healthy and my cardiologist is astonished that I am in remission for almost 30 years which is how long I have been vegan for. I didn't have those processed vegan foods. Today I will have to sing my praises to the vegan food industry that makes excellent vegan cheeses from nut milks. I will be honest about all the things I missed the most was the cheese. It was very hard growing up. I had to bring my food with me everywhere as there were no vegan restos back then. I thank all my foreign friends I made from uni. My Indian, Ethiopian and any orthodox Christian and strict Buddhist friends introduced me to all their traditional vegan dishes. I was astonished to learn so many people are vegans not just for animals, the environment, human rights but also for religious purposes. Every year for Lent we would abstain from flesh (Catholics) but other groups won't touch dairy or fish for Lent. It was a life experience.
I agree 100% , I was buying some Vegan processed foods and realized the sodium is so high. Which is a big problem for people with high blood pressure. Or down the line could cause high blood pressure and other health issues.
Great topic!👍🏽
Yes! Bring sanity back into the conversation! The madness needs to stop. It’s not that complicated. Thank you. 🌸
Thank you!! Amen, not that complicated.
I have started Vegan three weeks ago. I am so surprised I feel better, have more energy sleep better and grocery bill is less. I stopped shopping at the supermarket that had nothing but bad food, I go to natural supermarkets and Farmers Market Store. For my sweet craving I grab frozen grapes, strawberries and blueberries etc. THANKS FOR YOUR CHANNEL IT HELPS ME SO MUCH!
This came at the perfect time! Yesterday was my very first day grocery shopping for plant-based items only. I'm so excited to start this journey but realize it takes time, patience, and grace. Thanks for this video! I'll be incorporating some of your tips throughout the year 💚
Wow! That is so exciting. I'm happy for you!
This is such a wholesome and kind video. I have been vegan/vegetarian for almost 4 years and have done some of the mistakes you mention like eating too few calories and sometimes stressing about eating junk food or non-vegan things. Your message of not being perfect and it’s okay almost made me cry. Love your positive energy ❤
Thank you so much. I'm rooting for you!
I’m so glad you mentioned that you have to eat a good amount while being vegan. I was vegan for 2 and a 1/2months and didn’t eat enough and always felt weak. I lost about 25 pounds and that felt great but I always felt sluggish and hungry. I went back to eating meat and then gained all that weight back and then some. I’m glad I stumbled onto this video so I can get back to being vegan but actually eating and feeling nourished ❤
Hey girl! I literally just stopped eating processed foods all together. I’m almost 30 days down.
I’ve been vegan for 20 years and I’m so glad I became vegan during the era where processed foods didn’t exist. Like you, I was able to use whole foods and learned how to cook all my meals. While the convenience of some of these newer “foods” is great, I agree that it should be the exception and not the rule when it comes to your health. ✌🏾❤️
@theloveleebaker i am learning this as a younger person who has recently noticed health decline. I didn't want to teach myself to cook so fast food was my best friend. Well it showed me who it was 25 lbs later.
Beans! and a lil tofu and tempeh...a veggie burger here and there... this was the foundation back in the 90's when I really got into vegan foods. It was about simplicity, ecology and nourishing the body without processed foods.
Those are all processed foods 😂
@@Jodie-masterson Tofu and tempeh, yes. Beans, no. We made our veggie burgers from scratch, and most other things as well.
So glad to see you're back. I've been inspired by you since your early New York days. Thanks!
Wow, such a kind and motivational video☺️💪 I’ve been vegan for 4 years, but if I weren’t already, this video would definitely push me there🤭🌱🫶
Aww, that is great to hear. I appreciate it.
Thanks for posting this video. I’ve been vegan for going on eight years, but admittedly I’ve fallen off track and I always felt bad like I’m the only vegan in the world who messed up. But hearing you say that you messed up and that it’s okay, made me feel better. I like what you said, “ the goal is to do less harm.” And for me it is; I tell my kids that I personally don’t like harming animals and then eating them. Anywho, just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement. Also, your falafel recipe with the avocado topping is my favorite.
Thank you for sharing. 🙏💯 When I started my vegan journey two years ago, I wasn't eating enough, and I felt weak and dizzy all the time.
I turn Sixty years old this year, and I feel better now than I did in my 30s, 40s and early 50!
Would you mind sharing tips on how you learned to correct the behavior and what you eat daily? 60yrs young that is amazing! I am new to Vegan and I'm learning what to eat daily! I need a little more information
@@khloe4134 start watching video on “vegan for beginners”
@@roberttaylor9628 thanks for sharing this...your comment is inspirational. I am in my late 50s, and am hoping i can increase my health and energy levels. I'm just beginning.
Thanks so much. I've been doing raw for a little over a week now, always hungry, and was unaware of cooking without using unhealthy oils or ingredients. Thanks for reminding me to take it easy on myself. At least I've gone a week without fast food - yippee!!! I'm gonna try a vegan meetup group for help. Absolutely love your videos - THANKS!!!
Been following you for a while (actually before you had your baby girl) and I must say that I am so, so, so proud of your consistency, honesty and overall love for your health and sharing that with others so that they could be their best selves as well! Thank you so much for staying the course and staying true to self. I’ve always loved your recipes and you def did not disappoint with the hearty salad that you prepared in this video. So happy I hit that subscribe button so many years ago! I consider myself a more conscious, healthy eater instead of a vegan. I believe the word ‘VEGAN’ has been raked through the mud in this country just like everything that is wholesome. I fell off after having my last babygirl a year ago and I have felt so horrible physically, until recently when I changed my mindset back to my original “WHY”. I will never look back after this. Over the past few months, I have felt so much better mentally, physically and even spiritually bc of the switch I’ve made with eating a 95% Whole Food diet. I love how you put the American food system on blast and called it out for what it is; POISON!! Thanks for your transparency and passion for what you do 👍🏾👏🏾👍🏾👏🏾
Vegan seven years here and for life. Great video and channel !
Such good advice. You are so spot on with your advice concerning the over use and dependency on faux meats and cheeses. They are so loaded with sodium.
I’ve been vegan for over 28 years and have used / eaten way too many of the fake meats. I wouldn’t say I’m a very healthy vegan at all.
Hello friend in my head. It’s nice to see you in your element again. Thanks for the much needed reminders… I’ve been plant based since 2017. I cured my gut/digestive issues by giving up the dairy & meat and adding probiotics, prebiotics & post biotics. I fast everyday for 18-20 hours then break my fast with Kimchi & seaweed or protein….It has been a journey. But it was all worth it…If only I can give up my addiction to popcorn & unsalted chips, lol!!! ❤
Sweet potato soul is my most used vegan cookbook!
I LOVE that! I'm honored. What's your fave recipe?
@@SweetPotatoSoul I make the sweet potato Mac n cheese year round!
Right on time, I’m 11 days in!
Awesome!!
Hows it going ?
@@marvin2678 still going strong, way easier than I thought
The point you made about people still sticking to the standard American diet while going vegan is so true! I’ve been vegan for 8 years now and remember making a lot of these mistakes along the way. Love your channel! 🌱🧡
I just love watching your videos. You make the concept of a vegan diet so approachable. Thank you!
"Convenience" foods are very expensive and often far less nutritious, and today, "plant based" has become a marketing buzz phrase. I have always appreciated your simple and down to earth approach.
I love your balanced approach. Some vegans are militant. Thank you.
I bought your book! I went plant based 2/10/24, and I can't wait to try the recipes! ✨️🤎
Fantastic!!! Thank you for buying it. Best of luck to you!!!
Love her postitivity and encouragement!
Ten year vegan here who started raw benefiting from this video! I went off the rails with the processed stuff when I met my now husband. (At least he’s vegan!😍) Loved this video, it is spot on and great for new and even some veteran vegans.
I’m so glad you came back up on my feed! I missed seeing you. I really enjoy your videos ☺️!!
You were one of the first channels I found when I went vegan in 2017 and you are still speaking so much truth and knowledge on the vegan lifestyle. I’ve loved following your journey and continuing to live a life filled with healthy plant powered goodness!
Good info. Your approach to vegan eating makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
Where can I find the orange washing tub shown in your video? Thanks!!
I've just begun my journey and have run into a few bumps in the road. You have encouraged me. Thank you.
I have to pause and say I love your green vegan-leather jacket! 🌱💚
I have been watching you for years and I am so proud to see how much you have grown.. still sharing your love and knowledge with us! ❤ Thank you!
Food Journal: I have kept a food journal over the last 5 years. I switched to Whole Food Plant-Based 2 years ago. Reviewing my journal (there are several volumes), I see a dramatic difference when all the animal products and alcohol were removed from my diet like weight loss and Rx meds were discontinued. I keep track of general data like what I am eating not how much. I do count the glasses of water consumed. I track general health metrics like weight, blood pressure, hours of sleep, and miles walked. I make entries as the events occur. It is not time-consuming.
I keep massive amounts of fresh produce and grains in the house. I always have several options when it is time to eat. It is difficult to believe I have lost so much weight when you look at the volume of food consumed. The key for me was switching to home cooking and learning to embrace spices. I put a lot of spices in all my dishes. I love to create Asian and Ethiopian dishes. I try to make every dish as visually appealing as possible. Don't under estimate the power of using beautiful ceramics on your table. It turns an ordinary meal into an event. I created a list of healthy alternatives for all my "trigger or comfort foods" consumed during stressful situations. It is It has been a fantastic life-changing journey.
Jenné, I love what you are doing for the Plant-Based community. You know I have a copy of the "Sweet Potato Soul" cookbook! ❤ ❤
Great advice, imho. Like your veganized version of the 80/20 rule. Thanks for this great contribution!
Reginald McDonald said God bless and keep up the great work out there ♥️🙏🏼♥️
This was so refreshing ! To hear out loud that being imperfect and it being a process is ok. And how much more I eat on wfpb - I switched due to deficiencies and it took a while for me to realise they weren’t improved quickly enough because I hadn’t adjusted how much I was eating x
Thank you for this video. I've been vegan/ plant base for almost 5 yrs now. I'll admit at first I was eating alot of the alternative meats. I'm now trying to focus more of mire plants & legumes with an alternative every so often.
🤯 you solved the mystery of my confusion, I assumed everyone the health food store was healthy 😂. I quickly learned to read labels there was a must. I had the wrong idea, thank you for opening my eyes to “not being” a crossover ( “eating vegan junk food”). And all the other so called healthy Unnecessary stuff but considered doing them, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you so much! You are so motivating!
Thank you so much for watching!!
I love seeing one of your old videos!! I remember those days. Super nostalgic!!
Love thus sit down chat! Very informative and educational to transition to healthy eating and healthy living.
I love your approach and your content! 😃 Do you mind sharing the orange bowl/collander you were using to wash and rinse your greens? Thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This was a great video and just what I needed to hear. I’ve been on my journey to becoming vegan for almost three years now. I always feel bad if I slip up and eat something that isn’t plant based. Now I know to allow myself some grace. Progress, not perfection. ❤
Very informative and encouraging. Thanks for sharing 😊
I went vegan in February 2012. You are so right about how things were back then. I think the closest thing to junk food I got my hands on would be TVP. I had lost so much weight and was so healthy and felt so good. Then I fell into all of the junk foods and gained back about 60 lb. I started back on eating whole foods at the end of December and I'm down 15 lb. 😊
P.S. Love your green jacket 💚
I’m so glad you found your way back to the good stuff; just as nature intended it 😉 Keep it up!!
Exactly. Veganism is not perfectionism. It's trying our best in a very non-vegan world to do less harm. These are all great tips. I've been vegan since 2008 and wish I had a video like this to help me.
I am planning to start a Vegan diet plan this March. I am not sure how quickly this transition will take, but I am ready for it. I need all the help I can get...so I will sign up for the newsletter. I need recipes!
Welcome! The newsletter has meal plans & lots of other recipes so you shouldn't have any trouble finding something you like!
I just found your channel and I'm so happy I did! Your videos are so helpful and honest and beautifully filmed! Perfect balance between professional and relatable content🥰
I love the fall off part because as a vegan mom, my family still eat meat, milk and all that stuff. I cook all the meals and taste the meal as well but I am still a vegan. I used to feel guilty for that. Thank you for sharing ❤
Love this advice, especially about not sweating the small stuff. I had a similar journey of being vegetarian for many years, then finally giving up dairy and eggs because of the animal welfare aspects. But I went full on raw vegan. I actually loved the foods and freshness of it, but found it unsustainable for me. I just love soups and muffins too much to give up cooked foods. But most of all, I don’t sweat the small stuff, like you said. Very wise advice!
This video is superb. Its informative, motivational and witty.
I love your channel and the recipes are fantastic.
Awesome video!! Thanks so much for sharing. May GOD bless you with much more success. I've been vegan for 8 years. Have a blessed day.
So much processed food aimed at vegan market, especially artificial meat, that I believe it's being promoted in order to make the vegan diet seem like cause of malnourishment and embellish dairy/meat industry ( partnerships between government, industrialised farmers, and large businesss such as supermarkets who are all very invested in the status quo).
I believe not eating wholefoods, means we mistake malnutrition for hunger, and keep eating and buying unnecessary amounts of food ( capitalism in action).
Bless you for sharing this knowledge and helping to counter this food "trap".
I would say for someone trying to go vegan it is actually helpful to make the equivalent switch to a similar diet of what you already have but no animal versions. Then you can decide if you want to make it healthier along the way. But if someone is gunna miss pizza when they go vegan they need to have that vegan version so they don’t slip backwards. Love the video especially the part about the “why”.
This is a foodie goodie sis! Thanks for sharing😋❤️🙌🏽
Thank you so much for sharing what you've learned. I've been eating mostly plant-based for the past year, but find myself eating vegetarian not vegan a lot these days. I'm also over processed foods and have been trying to get back to doing more cooking. Thank you for the reminders.
Unfortunately, I can’t eat at restaurants that accidentally put dairy or meat in the food… I have a very severe allergy to those foods! Being vegan helped me tremendously. In my younger years I was always in crippling pain and had so many medical issues. Since 2013 I have been pain free and no medical issues!
Thank you sooo much for this video. I really needed to hear this. Just recently started journaling and had to admit I’m not eating enough. Today I finished watching your meal prep playlist. Thank you for the info. I’m ready to do this, the right way now.😊❤
I would love to see your pregnancy video update❤❤❤
🌴☀️ now this is a fantastic update on the subject for this channel. I sent this to several people fantastic points that you made here, especially about taking your time and the length of time that it took you before you became vegan. I also love the fact that you’re like hey just take your time, you know you may continue to eat other foods but just take your time with yourself and see how your body feels. Love love love this video and as always, you can never make enough videos lol☀️🌴
I love that you talk about the "veganization" of the standard american diet. I love this. The first vegan I met seemed like she didn’t eat vegetables, and it seemed worse than just eating meat
Yummy, my type of diet!💚 My church been practicing this type of healthy living for over 100 years, and has been trying to teach it to the world. Thx for your videos❤
You are so right, it’s confusing to many that vegan = healthy but really only whole food plant based is really the way but it definitely takes prep and cook time.
Can you please share the link for the orange food washer or salad spinner, not sure what it's called?
Continue the Vegan life & share healthy tips. To us! We’re trying! Have you thought about doing a Workshop on Vegan foods at Cooks Warehouse, Whole Foods or a private home situation? Just a thought.
Thank you for sharing. Been watching you forever. Stay blessed.
Hi, I can't place any comment on the newest video about the Instant Pot. But I am always kind and never done anything wrong. I absolutely love your channel so much.💚
So glad to see you back!! :)
So helpful❤❤❤
This video was right on time. Thank you!! Planning to start my plant based lifestyle May 1st. ❤
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think no matter how much healthy, unprocessed vegan food we eat, we all need extra B-12 from somewhere. Either from supplements or so-called “fortified” foods. And some of us need extra iron.
Yes, that's my understanding as well. And for non-veg it's especially important as you age. With iron, I'd rely on a blood test and talk to the doc before supplementing.
Wise words indeed!!! Well done! Awesome vid!!! Thank you! I really need to eat healthier. I’ve been a junk food vegan for 11 years 😁 so I’ve been more like 20:80😁😂😂. I need to work on flipping that ratio😁😂. Thank you! Continued success to you!
Thinking of going vegan and this site eeeey always gives me some encouragement and ideas ❤
You're the first content creator I discovered! You're an excellent example!
I'm in year 2 of transitioning to plant based diet. I love this video. I was a vegetarian for years but becoming vegan seemed overwhelming. Now I can accept its a process. Why: ethics.
Thank you sooo much for the video. 🙏🤗Lots of love from India 💚
What did you cook with your fennel?
It's in a salad!!
Do you have any books you would recommend for anyone wanting to learn about eating a healthy vegan diet?
Hi! Where did you get your huge orange salad strainer bowl?!!!🤗
These are some great tips! I especially love how you said it's okay to mess up. Pretty much every vegan has messed at some point intentionally or not. Don't let the handful of overreactors scare you away from veganism forever over a simple mistake. You can mess up and go right back to veganism. Veganism isn't about perfectionism; it's about making the best choice for you, the animals, and the environment.
I want to add that if you have a history of disordered eating it's probably not good to have a food journal. It can get you back in a really bad mindset with food, which has unfortunately happened with too many people transitioning to veganism. This isn't a how-to guide that will fit 100% of everyone's life. You're allowed to skip and add in your own steps to ensure your vegan journey is safe for you 💜
Thank you for your input, I do agree 100%🥰
This was excellent! So many good pointers covered that assist a person who is on their vegan journey be successful. I admire your advocacy for veganism. You have crafted an inspirational resource. Thank
you!
The first step for me was not eating in fast food restaurants anymore. Once I started cooking all of my meals at home, (even if it’s a sandwich 🥪), I started feeling better. Going vegetarian is step two. Like you said..Baby steps.. 👩🏽 🌟
Edit: I tried going vegan and I almost passed out. 😵 I felt horrible. I had zero energy. I went back on meat. Sis, Thank you so much for making this video. I’ll try again. My Why.. I no longer want to participate in the torture of animals. 😞
Hey this happens to me too when I don’t get enough protein. I’ve been a vegetarian since 1999 and an off again on again vegan for a few years. When I can’t cook and I’m working and going to school it’s hard to find “fast” vegan food with protein and I would get the shakes and have to eat cheese . What you can do if you aren’t a big cook like me is to have different trail mix options or nuts with you and protein drinks or bars. Then it won’t happen. By going vegan I lowered my A1 C and am no longer pre diabetic, my triglycerides are now normal and I lost weight. It’s a matter of planning ahead and this is something I struggle with. Good luck to you ❤
@@MyLifeInTheDesert . I am pre diabetic and I have high cholesterol as well. I will buy some trail mix’s and protein shakes today. Thank you 🙏🏽 😊 ☺️
Oh girl you have to plan better!! That sounds like you are just not eating enough!! You need plenty of grains and beans with your fruits and veg and nuts. Don’t leave the house without a snack bc I can’t be getting hungry and passing out!!! Failing to plan is planning to fail. It’s easy when u have enough food with u!!
I still use your chickpea tuna recipe from 2016, so happy I became vegan in that time.
Great video. One thing I would say is a B12 supplement is important. That is based on advice from all the vegan doctors here on youtube.
I wish I heard this 7 years ago when I went vegan ❤ thanks for sharing 🎉
Great video! Although I did get in trouble in my late 50’s with medical issues related to low vit d levels and vitamin b12, so keep an eye out for those levels or take a supplement, love you sweet potato
Thanks you for sharing. How to you keep your produce fresh and crispy? I buy veggies with the intent to cook them but after a day in my fridge they look...unappetizing. Help please
I would love a video about how to minimize food waste for people without a lot of time on their hands, especially if you are eating a lot of produce.
Thank you so much!🙏🏾