In her first interview, “I do it because I love animals. That is what keeps me vegan,” Jenny shared how her upbringing, family health concerns, and growing awareness of animal welfare and the environment led her to embrace veganism. A mom of three from Tennessee, Jenny grew up with a deep respect for the earth and its inhabitants, values instilled by her grandparents. Yet, despite her love for animals, she struggled with the disconnect between her beliefs and her diet—until a turning point in 2017 inspired her to go vegan.
Now, 7.5 years into her journey, Jenny reflects on how far she’s come. While she has no regrets about her decision to go vegan, she shares how she continues to learn, grow, and improve her approach to living a healthy, compassionate lifestyle. Join us as Jenny discusses the lessons she’s learned, her evolving passion for veganism, and her hopes for a kinder, more sustainable world.
Click below to revisit Jenny’s inspiring first article, and then dive into the next chapter of her story.
I am thankful for 7 vegan birthdays and the peace on my plate every time I eat
Jennifer Jen Jenny💜
I’m close to the 7.5 year mark of my vegan journey. I originally started this journey because my actions did not align with what I knew was morally right. I have no regrets about my decision to go vegan, but I do wish I would have started sooner. I feel like as the years go by, I learn how to do things better and healthier.
I have personally come a long way. I was relying a lot on processed vegan foods. I love junk food, especially vegan chik’n nuggets. I got into a habit of eating those items daily. I’d come home and be tired from work, but I was hungry.
Pop some nuggets into the microwave and that was a snack. I have become more purposeful in my planning. Making a little extra at dinner to have leftovers that are easy to grab. My reasoning for becoming vegan has always been about saving animals first, but I felt like I needed to pay more attention to how much processed stuff I was consuming.
There are still some challenges. I definitely won’t say there aren’t. When I first became vegan, vacations were a struggle. A few places we went, there were very few vegan options. Several times I went to the store and bought food to make myself.
I don’t want my actions to cause harm to either. Even if the only option is fries, I feel an eternal peace that I was missing before. I wish I would have done it sooner, but I’m glad I’m here now
Jennifer Jen Jenny💜
We now check vegan available options before we make vacation plans. If we absolutely have to go somewhere that doesn’t have vegan options, I will pack a cooler.
There are other challenges too, but my reasoning keeps me going. I knew things would be hard where I live, but saving animals with the choices I make is bigger than any challenge. Everyone around me knows I am vegan. I often share my veganism through food.
Any chance I have to make vegan food for people, I do it. There is often a lot of negativity surrounding the word vegan. People instantly think the food is going to be weird or taste bad. I’m working on changing that perception. I enjoy showing people that vegan food can be amazing.
I am glad I can recreate those same foods without animal ingredients. Everything is vegan and amazingly delicious
Jennifer Jen Jenny💜
These past few years, I’ve been learning how to bake. I can cook all sorts of things, but baking has never been a passion or something I felt I do well.
People love baked goods. I had to step up my game. I’ve gotten pretty good at it. There have been a few fails, but it is always a learning adventure. I will be making baked goods for the holidays and some side dishes too. In social settings, potlucks, I go into those situations prepared. Knowing there probably won’t be anything I can eat. So I bring something that I can eat and that other people will want to eat as well. Sharing food is always a big conversation starter.
My number one reason for being vegan is because I love animals. The second reason is to preserve our beautiful planet.
Jennifer Jen Jenny💜
Each year, I see veganism grow. It is slow here in Tennessee where I live, but it’s moving. I think it will just keep growing. We’ve definitely proven it’s not a trend. I’ve heard that multiple times, veganism is here to stay.
As far as beauty products go. I use Tarte, Bare Minerals, Pur, Colourpop, Andalou, and Not Your Mother’s products. They are good at indicating if a product is vegan. More companies are labeling their products to make it easier to make ethical vegan choices.
Jennifer Jen Jenny💜
Vegan for the animals🐮Vegan home chef🌱
Italian chef🍝🍕
Early Childhood degree🖍️25yr teacher
Mom💚💙🤍Kitties💙🧡🩷💜
Tattoos🦋💐Teslas🚘Tennesse🌄
all images courtesy of Jennifer Jen Jenny💜
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