I am plant based because I cannot bear to think about contributing to the suffering involved

Jenn is a Real Estate agent serving sellers, buyers and investors in The San Fernando Valley, Conejo Valley and parts of the Greater Los Angeles areas. She has been vegan for more than 10 years now. Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to chat with her. Jenn told Meatless Movement that in the beginning, it was a bit difficult knowing where to start, but like anything, with time, it got easier.

Tell us more about yourself please

ᴄᴜʀʀᴇɴᴛʟʏ: sᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴇsᴛᴀᴛᴇ | ᴇɴᴊᴏʏɪɴɢ ʟɪғᴇ 🌱
Jenn Horst

I am from Los Angeles, California and still reside here. I ran a hairstyling business for many years until a little over 2 years ago began my new business as a Real Estate Agent, which I am loving.

I was sleeping better, looking better, had more energy
Jenn Horst

About 11 years ago, I found yoga, and dove all the way into the “yogic lifestyle” which is rooted heavily in “doing no harm”. I was taking all of the environmental actions to do my part in easing my footprint on the planet, even getting rid of my car and riding my bike around town. I realized shortly after that the one area I was still doing harm was my diet. So I decided it was time, and overnight stopped eating any and all animal products.

The first 2 weeks were a bit difficult, but like anything, with time, it got easier. The most difficult part was that during this time we did not have all of the alternative meat and cheese options that exist today. I was living in Sacramento for 2 years and there was 2 restaurants that had a vegan option.

But I accepted it because I felt a responsibility, and also the side effects that came along with it really surprised me: I was sleeping better, looking better, had more energy and also more patience, as odd as that sounds.

In Los Angeles, there are TONS of places that are vegan friendly. But a couple of my favorite places that are totally plant based are Sugar Taco and Gracias Madre (for amazing Mexican food) and Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose in Hollywood for a more upscale restaurant.

The point is not to make every vegetable taste like an animal product but to appreciate it for the plant food it is.
Jenn Horst

I have found in all of these years of eating and living a plant based diet / lifestyle, that you cannot convince someone of anything that they are not open to. So I don’t actually attempt to tell anyone they should be vegan. I live my life the best way I can, and show how I am thriving and share once in a while delicious restaurant that happens to be vegan.

People think that everyone that is vegan preaches to everyone they come across about being vegan. Although we may be passionate individuals, this just isn’t the truth. Of course, we would love for everyone to stop harming animals in the name of breakfast or dinner, but I realize everyone has to find it on their own time. I realize the media has done a really great job at making people think they need animal products in order to thrive.

My advice or anyone that is trying out being vegan, play with recipes and find out what you like, and NEVER compare a vegan dish to a non vegan dish because you’ll always be disappointed. The point is not to make every vegetable taste like an animal product but to appreciate it for the plant food it is.

Every choice you make and product you consume impacts more than just you. Bringing this awareness with you throughout your day, will have a great positive impact on the world and on your well being

Even if everyone who currently eats meat, cuts out animal products two full days per week, you have no idea the positive impact that will have on the environment and the companies behind the production will see that there is a real demand for plant based foods.

Slow and steady is always better and we can all wake up to the harm these industries are doing to beings and the environment, let alone our health.

I’m plant based because I cannot bear to think about contributing to the suffering involved; to the animals, the planet and to my body that was once riddled with intolerances and sleeplessness.