Lena is a passionate vegan blogger, recipe creator, food stylist, and photographer whose journey into veganism was sparked by a profound spiritual transformation.
Lena’s commitment to a vegan lifestyle has deepened since 2011 when she began crafting and sharing vegan recipes with family and friends.
Her creative flair has allowed her to reinvent traditional recipes from various cultures, particularly European and Asian, into stunning vegan gourmet dishes. Lena’s awakening through kundalini yoga, meditation, and spirituality has strengthened her belief in the importance of a healthy vegan lifestyle for the mind, body, and soul, and its deep connection to the well-being of all living creatures.
Meatless Movement had the opportunity to chat with her recently.
Please tell us more about yourself
WELCOME TO LENA’S VEGAN LIVING
Lena’s Vegan Living
I was born in Slovakia, formerly part of Czechoslovakia. In 1990, I moved to Canada and have since lived in Mississauga, Ontario, within the Greater Toronto Area.
I have been vegan since 2011, following three years as a vegetarian. My transition to a vegan lifestyle was inspired by a spiritual awakening through kundalini yoga, meditation, and a deepening connection to spirituality. This journey helped me recognize the profound impact of a healthy vegan lifestyle on the mind, body, and soul, as well as its significance in respecting and protecting the non-human animals with whom we share our world.
There is just something deep within that is stronger and it’s worth the sacrifice
Lena’s Vegan Living
I could write a book about this period of my life, as so much was happening—though not all of it was pleasant. Shortly after fully transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, I moved to Montreal. I teamed up with a vegan friend to start a vegan catering business, and we were both incredibly excited with big plans for the future! Unfortunately, things didn’t go as we had hoped. Her kitchen was too small for the business to expand, and the cost of leasing a larger space in Montreal was beyond our budget. Eventually, I had to return to Toronto.
In recent years, vegan products have become widely available in supermarkets, practically flooding the shelves. However, one challenge I face is that my favorite products aren’t always available in a single store. This often means I need to shop at two or three different stores, and sometimes even on Amazon. On the bright side, finding vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants in the Toronto area is easy. Dining out with friends or family is never a challenge.
Being vegan is being my true Self. I just had to awaken to realize that
Lena’s Vegan Living
I’ve always been passionate about sharing vegan food with my friends and family—whether it’s homemade, store-bought, or from a restaurant. However, I learned the hard way that pushing something on someone who isn’t interested is rarely effective. Fortunately, most people are open to trying new things, and they usually enjoy it. I’ve found that a gentle approach is key to winning them over. The other way is to share vegan food on social media, which is one of the key reasons I started my recipe blog. It is proven fact that people eat with their eyes first before they are open to taste something!
Some of my favorite food recommendations from my blog:
Veganism is not a diet; it is a lifestyle!
Lena’s Vegan Living
There are many misconceptions about veganism, such as the belief that humans are meant to consume meat and animal products because we’ve always done so in the past, or because it’s written in religious texts. These aren’t just simple misconceptions; they’re the result of millennia of cultural conditioning. One of the best books that explores this deeply is The World Peace Diet by Dr. Will Tuttle.
What we’re doing now is reprogramming the collective consciousness through education and by setting an example for others. It’s a slow process, but it’s crucial to approach it with patience and love.
If you hold on to that, you will overcome the challenges while facing the non vegan world
Lena’s Vegan Living
Fortunately, there is ample scientific research supporting veganism, whether it’s for our health or the health of the ecosystem. Social media also plays a key role in our efforts, enabling us to spread the truth to as many people as possible.
I recommend exploring a variety of products available on the market, particularly those featuring tofu, tempeh, legumes, and quinoa. It’s important to prioritize whole foods and limit the intake of processed options for better health benefits. Additionally, if you’re interested, consider setting a goal to gradually transition to a vegan lifestyle.
My journey to veganism is an interesting story worth sharing, woven with many experiences—some joyful, others more challenging—but all valuable lessons that continue to shape my path. When I first embarked on this journey, I knew very little about veganism. Before that, I spent three years as a vegetarian, because my understanding of proper vegan nutrition was lacking. Everything changed when I met a friend from Montreal, who introduced me to new cooking techniques, vegan substitutes and products. Many of the recipes on my blog have their origins in her kitchen. Her guidance was instrumental in my transition. Another significant influence was Alicia Silverstone’s book, The Kind Diet.
This book was a tremendous source of inspiration, and I’ve created several delicious recipes based on what I learned from Alicia. To conclude, I want to express my deep gratitude to these two amazing women. Their shared knowledge in 2011- 12 was crucial in helping me navigate the early days of my vegan journey, and I am forever thankful.
The life you had will never be the same, yet if you are like me, you will do it anyway. There is just something deep within that is stronger and it’s worth the sacrifice
Lena’s Vegan Living
In conclusion, it’s important to understand that veganism is not just a diet—it’s a lifestyle. It embodies a way of living that prioritizes love, compassion, and minimizing harm to animals, nature, humanity, and oneself. Vegans not only follow a plant-based diet but also choose products that are cruelty-free and not tested on animals. This extends to clothing, which may be synthetic or plant-based, but never made from leather, silk, or wool. The term “vegan” was coined by Donald Watson, the founder of the Vegan Society, in 1944.
Lena’s Vegan Living
Vegan since 2011 💚🌿💚
Recipe creator, photographer, videographer & digital creator 🍒🍑🍉🍍🍇🥝🥭🍎🍐🍓
Ontario – Canada
all images courtesy of Lena's Vegan Living