Nanda turned plant-based since ‘96. She was born in a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil but moved to Canada when she was 15 years old. Meatless Movement recently had a chat with her about her vegan life.
Tell us more about yourself please
Hi, my name is Fernanda but all my friends call me Nanda. I’m a designer from Toronto, Canada. I was born in a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil and immigrated to Canada when I was 15 years old.
I love to cook, eat and be surrounded by Mother Nature. When I’m not creating in my studio you’ll most likely find me appreciating Nature.
After 5 years into marriage my husband also became vegan (not my influence) he decided with his own consciousness and life has been awesome after that! Now I can eat out of his plate, share dishes when we go to restaurants and we find much joy in cooking together.
Happy Vegan Girl
Nanda
I was born this way 🙂 My family tried feeding me meat but I only chewed and could never swallow it. By the time I was 5 I found my voice and said: I don’t like eating animals please stop forcing me to eat it. My little brain could not process the idea of eating a being, eating life.
I had a few chickens as pets and one day after returning from a trip I came home to find my family had cooked them that day. I was devastated.
Seeing all the uncooked meat only reminded me my human meat I could not see the difference between my human meat and animals meat.
From the Earth to my soul
Nanda
Growing up there were no vegan or vegetarian people I knew. I would go out to have a burger and take the meat out and give to my friends. Sleeping over at friends house was very challenging as their family did not support or believed my lifestyle.
My favourite food is pizza, a good vegan pizza! You can find many recipes online and I also have a very easy on my Instagram page. Fresh and The Hogtown Vegan in Toronto are my absolutely favourite places to eat!
Also during my latest trip backhome I was quite impressed with the vegan restaurants, they blew my mind with their flavours and taste and I think Brazil is a great potency for vegan foods.
What are some misconceptions about meatless diets?
Eat the 🌈💚🌱 and I still get questioned about what i eat ……
Nanda
Vegan food is expensive. That’s a huge misconception. I did not come from a rich family and I managed just fine being one. Like everything in life you have to make an effort and being vegan is just like choosing healthier options for your body.
I feel peace. I feel love. I couldn’t imagine myself not being vegan
Nanda
Stop seeing meat as a good option. Try for a month, you’ll feel and see the difference in your body. If you don’t eat pain you will experience less pain in your life altogether.
The whole idea of being vegan is interesting. Cooking vegan food is pure joy! Don’t pay attention to anyone that annoys you about your lifestyle. My dad tries to bribe me with money every time he’s making BBQ. It’s too sad that people don’t understand, but is their choice and not yours.
Our community has solid and ethical arguments that support our fight
Nanda
First I’m so proud of you for changing your perspective about your eating habits. Life is not food. As I mentioned, don’t think of animals as a food choice and your transition you’ll be much more pleasant.
Thank you for allowing me to share my views on veganism! I know for sure the future is vegan! There is no evolvement of the planet without veganism.
Nanda
ⓥ Welcome to my vegan life!
☾ yogi, nature lover 🌱 plant-based since ‘96
all images courtesy of Nanda