It’s now something I can’t imagine not being and that’s a beautiful thing

Kimberly is from Texas. She enjoys high protein vegan food even though she is not very into fitness. Meatless Movement recently had a chat with her.

She told Meatless Movement that she is now more aware of buying cruelty free products. Animals Testing is a commonly overlooked topic. Each year more than 100 million animals become experiments just in the U.S. alone. Mice, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and monkeys are just some of the many.

Please tell us more about yourself

My name is Kimberly Higo. I’m 18 years old and I live in Houston, Texas. I was born in Florida but my mom is from the Dominican Republic and my dad is from Japan. I’m currently a student working towards a Business Administration degree and want to get into marketing. I am also a receptionist. I’m definitely a huge foodie and going vegan amplified that for me.

I swear being vegan isn’t my only personality trait
Kimberly Higo

I turned vegan in October of 2020 after watching a popular vegan documentary called “Dominion”. It was such a raw piece that was very life changing and “eye-opening” for me. It definitely made me question so many things i’ve never really thought of before. I have been vegan for about a year and a half now. It’s most definitely a journey and I learn more every day.

This really is more of a funny story but I once was on a date with a guy. I told him I was vegan and he asked me if “Barnyard Animals” turned me on. Obviously, I didn’t go on a second date. Lmao.

When it comes to being passionate and more educated on a topic like Veganism it is hard getting backlash and mean comments. As frustrating as it is, I always remember to put myself in their shoes and remember that I once were them. I try to change their perspective by seeing it as soy or pea protein rather than “fake meat” because the term fake doesn’t seem appetizing. I’ve had many of my friends try vegan foods and I never heard bad things back so it’s definitely a good feeling.

Another interesting story I have is that I almost had a chance to meet, activist, Earthling Ed. I have a friend that goes to UT and at the time he was on a US tour. He ended up arriving a day after I left Austin so unfortunately I didn’t get to see one of those live debates with university students.

Houston – Lots of vegan options
Kimberly Higo

I am fortunate enough to live in a big city like Houston where vegan restaurants/ foods are of plenty. Though I have faced challenges when eating out with friends because some restaurants are very limited on options. Another obstacle is definitely eating vegan at parties or events. I find those the most hard to find vegan options just because it’s a party setting but I mean… drinks are always an option haha. I usually overcome these by eating the basic foods like fruit, french fries, chips, drinks, etc.

I’ve tried a plethora of amazing vegetarian/vegan restaurants all over Houston. Some of my favorites I would recommend to anyone are Korny Vibes, Sinful Bakery, Verdine, Trendy Vegan, Flower Child, Project Pollo, San San Tofu, and Loving Hut. There are many more great options but those just are too good!

As these animals are clearly living creatures, they scream, cry, and fight with every last bone in their body
Kimberly Higo

I feel very passionate about being a vegan. There aren’t many and it motivates me to do better and encourage not only more people but myself. Though it is looked down in society as a “diet” or disguised as a “picky eater”, I genuinely have a lot of pride in being vegan. It’s now something I can’t imagine not being and that’s a beautiful thing.

My advice to a beginner is to not put so much pressure on yourself. When I slipped up here and there, I would be so hard on myself and almost felt this sense of guilt. The bottom line is the individual is trying their best in this modern-day society. Animal products are everywhere you turn. It can get difficult especially with the input of friends/family. Just remember you are a little fish in a big sea of meat-eaters. Don’t lose hope and have pride in what you are doing.

Being meatless is something to be applauded, not judged.

Going vegan can make you more creative
Kimberly Higo

A common misconception about being vegan is having limited food options. By this I mean people think there aren’t many things to eat regardless of availability but this is false. As a vegan, I’ve actually expanded my experience in foods. I’ve tried fruits, veggies, soy proteins, beans, grains, etc that I never would have tried without being vegan.

This is because when you take out just the same animal meats it forces one to get creative with their dishes. The flavors and variety that can be made is honestly unbelievable and I’m very lucky to have the privilege to try them. I almost want everyone to have a chance to try these options. My most reliable way of educating a friend is just trying to tell them to open their mind off the dependency of animals. If you think outside an animal’s meat dish, really the sky’s the limit and so many people restrict themselves to inside the box.

People can get offended by the fact that someone is vegan/vegetarian. They feel it is different and odd. Just stay positive with them and remember to invite them in. If you have friends that are willing to try, try inviting them out and sharing your experiences. It changes the light that society puts on vegan communities.

At the end of the day, continue growing, loving, and learning because life is beautiful.