Being Vegan While Black

When you think of “vegan,” what comes to mind? I had always assumed that it was a white hippie thing. You don’t see many people of color when you do a google search of vegans. 

However, 2 of the 3 leading causes of death in the black community are stroke and heart disease. It doesn’t have to be this way. Those who enjoy a mostly plant-based diet are 52% less likely to develop heart issues, but you don’t have to give up your soul food. 

Black culture has been programmed to eat foods like chitlins, ham hocks, and neck bones in greens, but that doesn’t have to define our blackness. Our ancestors didn’t have a choice and they ate what they had to to survive slavery. They didn’t have DoorDash. There’s no reason for us in 2022 to keep eating like this.

When I switched over to veganism myself, I was my grandmother’s caregiver and I slowly made changes for her as well. After just a few months her labs were greatly improved, she had more energy, better memory, and she went off her diabetes medication.

What you eat is supposed to nourish your body, not knock you out.

I recommend a couple of documentaries for you this week: “The Invisible Vegan” and “Feel Rich; Health Is The New Wealth”

You can search for vegan restaurants near you using ​​https://www.happycow.net/

Don't want to give up your sweet tooth? Who said you had to? Head over to southernrootsvegan.com where we recreate southern classics with a vegan twist. Use promo code PODCAST for 20% off your first order!

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Music credit: Cafe Lounge by FASSounds

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