Since I went vegan, I have been pleasantly surprised by how rich and varied plant-based food can be

Meet Beatriz, a Brazilian native who moved to New York in November 2018 for work. Initially a vegetarian, Beatriz didn’t plan on making it a permanent change. However, as she began to learn more about the meat industry and the cruelty involved, she made the decision to never eat meat products again.

Her knowledge expanded to include the cruelty in testing for dairy and eggs, which prompted her to become vegan. It has been almost three years since she made the switch to a vegan lifestyle, having been a vegetarian for 2.5 years prior.

Please tell us more about yourself

My decision to go vegan was solely driven by the animals rights
@beatriz.vegan

I’m from Brazil, and I moved to NY in November 2018 for work.

At first, I became a vegetarian, and I didn’t intend for it to be a permanent change. However, as I delved deeper and watched documentaries about the meat industry, I decided to never eat any meat products again. After that, I gained more information about dairy and eggs, such as cruelty in testing, and made the decision to become vegan. I have been vegan for almost three years now, and before that, I was a vegetarian for 2.5 years.

I never felt like I was giving up anything that rightfully belonged to me because animals are not ours to exploit
@beatriz.vegan

I think it has been a beautiful journey. I have learned how to cook much better and discovered so many new flavors.

My biggest challenge has been dealing with non-vegan friends and family. It makes me sad to know everything I know now, and I don’t feel comfortable at non-vegan tables anymore.

Going vegan was the best decision of my life, and my only regret is that I didn’t do it earlier.

What I could not have imagined before embarking on this journey was the incredible array of new flavors and textures that nature has to offer
@beatriz.vegan

On my Instagram account, I try to show everyone how rich vegan meals can be by sharing photos of restaurants I visit and food I cook at home. I also have guides in my Instagram to my favorite restaurants and recipes.

Enjoy this journey and let go of your previous assumptions about what your plate should look like. Try new flavors, experiment with new places, explore vegan accounts, and, most importantly, understand the reason for going vegan – align your ethics and respect for animals. This is what will keep you going.