Jamie is an energetic graduate student who is on a quest to discover her true self.
She is a talented musician who finds solace and expression through playing various instruments. She has a deep love for animals that goes beyond words, showing immense compassion. Traveling is a passion that ignites Jamie’s soul, as she enjoys exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
Meatless Movement recently had a chance to speak with her.
Jamie believe that biting into a fresh, juicy peach is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Please tell us more about yourself
I am from Virginia, and I am a huge animal lover – always have been. I have a rescue dog, and plan to rescue many more when I have more money and land. I do pottery, and love skiing, playing cello, and being outdoors.
I have always thought eating meat was somewhat wrong since I can remember, even coming from a rural place where I didn’t know a single vegetarian. I stopped eating red meat (cows, pigs, lambs) when I was 11, and after eating meat again for a bit of high school, I became pescatarian and then vegetarian in early college. I transitioned gradually into veganism, which made sense to me at the time. I became vegan when cooking at home and stayed vegetarian when eating out for several months, and I became fully vegan in the summer of 2019, so it’s been exactly 4 years!
The same summer I became fully vegan, I also started training for my first half marathon. I was able to get stronger and faster and healthier during this period, and loved that I was able to complete the hardest thing physically while adhering to a diet that so many view as unhealthy. I ran the half marathon at a 10 minute pace having never run more than 4 or so miles before training.
What are some commonly misunderstood beliefs about vegans or vegetarians?
One misconception I find funny is the idea that you can’t eat enough food and protein on a vegan diet. I have heard so many people say they started eating meat again because they just “couldn’t get enough calories on a vegan diet.” I have a high metabolism, and I actually gained weight when becoming vegan without trying. I also easily get over 100 grams of protein per day by eating a variety of foods like beans, tofu, lentils, and many other things.
Could you please recommend some excellent vegan dining options or dishes?
My go-to, tried and true place to go when on the road is Chipotle because it’s everywhere! White rice, pinto beans, sofritas, mild, corn, guac, and lettuce – nothing beats this combo, I have even gotten meat-lovers on it! My favorite thing to cook is tofu with gochujang sauce, rice, and a veggie – it’s easy, delicious, and balanced! My favorite places to eat where I live now are Greenhouse Canteen, 4th and State, Comune, and Two Dollar Radio HQ.
What advice would you offer to someone who is starting to transition to a meatless diet?
I’m a big fan of being kind to yourself and taking it gradually to some degree. I know many people urge others to go vegan immediately without turning back, and while that works for some people, I think it has huge potential to cause a rebound effect. In other words, cause people to go back to meat eating because the stark lifestyle change was too difficult. By cutting things out overtime, you have time to figure out what new foods you can eat, go-to meals, and you can adjust to life without some of the products you used to rely on. For me, meat was never an important part of my diet, but dairy was. By cutting things out overtime, I really never had a hard time finding meals and things to eat. It was a sustainable process for me and I think that approach can work for many others.
I have traveled internationally a lot since being vegan, and I have been so encouraged by the amount of vegan options I have seen in so many countries! One of the most vegan-friendly places I have been is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – I was there for a month, and didn’t even get to every vegan restaurant since there were so many.
Could you please share some intriguing anecdotes or experiences related to being a vegan?
If you can thrive health-wise and still enjoy your life without contributing to the suffering of sentient beings, why wouldn’t you? At the end of the day, the reason a person refuses to stop eating meat is because of the flavor – does your momentary satisfaction justify the mistreatment, pain, and death of an animal that wants northing more than to live?
Jamie Rye
Digital creator
environmentalist • animal advocate • vegan
📗PhD student in conservation psychology🌱
📍Columbus, OH
all images courtesy of Jamie Rye