Kristy Lee is a certified reiki master, herbalist, health and vegan coach, and a small business owner. She loves to garden, cook, and explore new things, especially when it comes to creating vegan dishes inspired by her fiancé, Chen, who hails from China.
Although she has lived in different places, New York will always be home to her. Kristy has been a vegetarian for 20 years and a vegan for 16. She traces her journey to vegetarianism back to her love for the band Good Charlotte and their stance on vegetarianism.
At the tender age of 11, she watched a series of slaughterhouse videos, which led her to request her family not to give her meat again. At 15, she became a full-time vegan, supported by her mom, who was instrumental in keeping her healthy and discovering new vegan recipes in the kitchen.
Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to chat with her.
Please tell us more about yourself
My name is Kristy Lee. I’m a witchy mom to my son, Kai and all our little furry beasts. I have a fiancé named Chen who is actually from China and inspires a lot of the dishes I cook on a daily basis.
I’m a long term vegan, small business owner, certified reiki master, herbalist, health and vegan coach and more! I love to garden, cook foods that inspire me and try new things. I was born and mostly lived in New York although I’ve moved around a lot over the years including Utah, Delaware and Pennsylvania! But NY is always home:)
How long have you been following a meatless diet?
20yrs vegetarian and 16 as a vegan.
As for how I became one, as a kid I loved the band good charlotte and at around 11 Billy from the band had said something about being vegetarian and sited videos. Well, I went online that summer and watched a bunch of slaughterhouse videos. I cried and threw up a bit and requested my family never give me meat again.
That was a week before I turned 12. As for becoming vegan, at 15 I became a full on vegan because I felt I was capable of doing so and my mom supported my choice and was super helpful in keeping me healthy and exploring recipes in the kitchen, thanks mom! Lol
Have you experienced any interesting stories related to your veganism
I would say the best stories of this time are when I had friends and loved ones go vegan or at least meat free.
Honestly, maybe it’s because I’ve been meat free for so long now but, I feel that it’s pretty easy to find vegan or vegetarian options almost anywhere. When I was younger I would often find myself sitting in a restaurant with all my friends with a cup of water or plain Iceberg lettuce and oil because nothing else was vegan friendly, not even fries lol.
Now, thankfully; almost everywhere has a vegan burger option and many places no longer make fries in meaty oil! This really helps with those struggles. If you live in a less vegan friendly area though, look for bigger places like Cheesecake Factory, chilis or tgif because they carry veggie options. It also makes it easier to eat with friends who aren’t vegans if you find places that offer both.
You can also look online before going to the restaurant and seeing their menu and even calling ahead to see if they could make an option for you when you come in. I’ve done this many times while traveling and they’ve always been happy to work with me!
How do you feel about being a vegan?
I feel great! I think it’s an important movement and one I’ve always been proud to be a part of and proud that my son is following along that journey with me (by his own choices) he loves animals and couldn’t understand why anyone would love a pet but slaughter another creature.
I didn’t even have to teach him that he just felt it. I’m really proud of his compassion and depth at just 7 years old and find this is common amongst many veggie kids! I think we’re not just doing good as one person but we can inspire future generations to do better and those around us.
What would be your approach in encouraging someone to try meatless food?
I have had many friends and family members try vegan dishes. Some seem surprised when i don’t hand them a bowl of lettuce lol. I’ve even helped some friends become vegan over the years.
I don’t generally like to shame anyone and believe you get more with honey. I like showing them the delicious meals available by cooking them food or taking them to try at a restaurant. I’ve almost never had anyone dislike or complain about the food and always seem pleasantly surprised.
If you can show them that they won’t actually be missing out on flavor, being satiated, or getting proper nutrition than they normally soften their stance and become open to at least trying it. Speaking one on one with them can also help as they won’t need to put on a show for anyone else by being open minded!
What are some common misunderstandings or false beliefs about being a vegan?
Sadly many people believe you can’t thrive being vegan and that isn’t true. Many of us have been here for decades and are not only healthy but doing great! Many people also like to say vegans age quickly and that you’ll be a wrinkly mess by 30 not that people can’t age because that’s kind of what we do lol but being a vegan hasn’t aged me horribly.
If you are malnourished and underweight that’s a different story and is not simply because of being vegan. There are so many misconceptions out there it’s hard to pick just a few. Protein is another big one. Protein is in SO many vegetables and vegan foods. It’s hard not to get enough protein if you’re eating enough of a variety of Whole Foods and calories.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to adopt a meatless diet?
Don’t rush yourself if you feel like you want to backtrack already. Go at your own pace and know you’re making changes and those should be celebrated, too! If you have cravings for certain foods or meals than I would find vegan replacements for them and keep them on hand until you’re used to being without them.
Vegan meats are a great transition food and really help people to make the switch! Once you’re settled, they’re a great option for holidays and on occasion. We don’t eat vegan meat non stop here but, we have it on hand and use it for certain meals weekly and on holidays.
Being vegan is a noble choice and you should be proud of yourself for considering making this change!
Kristy lee
You’re giving a voice to innocent and voiceless animals, Victims. Don’t let the teasing and judgements from other people stop you. I know peer pressure can be hard at any age but try to remember that many people allow their projection of guilt to become a weapon. They’d rather you be down on their level rather than making good choices for you, the planet and the animals. You’re amazing and the vegan community will have your back and offer you a place to belong and lots of friendship!
Kristy lee
👨👩👦🌱Vegan health coach.
Meat free for 20yrs & Vegan 16~
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all images courtesy of Kristy lee