Battling illness during the early stages of the pandemic, Nene decided to embark on a 30-day vegan challenge, discovering that she could still enjoy familiar flavors. However, faced with criticism and teasing, her first attempt proved challenging. Undeterred, Nene gave it another shot, delving into experimenting with various recipes and even crafting some of her own.
As her vegan journey progressed, Nene delved into documentaries, witnessing the harsh realities of food production and the unimaginable suffering of animals. The profound impact left her emotionally moved and motivated to fully embrace the vegan lifestyle. In the present year, Nene has committed to immersing herself entirely in the ethical and plant-based way of living.
Tell us more about yourself, please
Hello, my name is Courtney, I am 26 year’s old and I am originally from a small town in Missouri. I recently moved to Washington back in June of 2023.
On and off, I have been vegan since the start of the pandemic back in early 2020. It truly started out as a curiosity, I would watch my favorite vegan YouTuber Cheap Lazy Vegan and remember being in awe at all the delicious food she would create. In the early stages of the pandemic I had fell sick and eating meat started to make me feel even worse so I decided that I would try the 30 day vegan challenge.
I didn’t realize that you could still eat all the same food that you once consumed and it didn’t help that I got picked on for what was on my plate. So, my first go at it was absolutely terrible. My second try was a bit better and I began to experiment with different recipes as well as create some of my own. I also started watching the documentaries, and just remember being an absolute puddle of tears when I saw how the food I had consumed was being made and all of the torture the animals had to be put through. It was the most barbaric thing I will never be able to unsee.
This year, I decided to fully immerse myself in the vegan lifestyle because, why not? I don’t enjoy consuming meat, and it’s better for my health anyway
Before my dad passed he gave me his famous ravioli recipe (at least to us it was famous). We had a peculiar relationship but it was one of my favorite memories that him and I shared. Of course when I went vegan I had to veganise the recipe but knowing that it’s one of the last gifts from him makes the meal all that more special.
I feel amazing. Knowing that I am choosing a road of less violence brings me peace
Nene The Stoned Vegan 💕
I feel like veganism gets a bad reputation for being “too extreme” or people assume that all we do is eat salads all day and unless you grew up with vegans and vegetarians or had friends who ate vegan or vegetarian, it is hard for people to understand let alone fully accept. Thankfully (and God bless the vegans before me), I went vegan at a time when there were more options to choose from so finding tasty food isn’t hard. As far as going out to eat is concerned, I believe we still have a long way to go. Especially, in smaller towns where I came from. There are vegans there too and we like to go out to eat just as much and the normal foodies. However, overcoming this is quite easy. Have a good support system and call restaurants ahead of time to see if they have vegan/vegetarian options. Or ask for an allergy menu
How might you encourage someone who hasn’t embraced a vegan lifestyle to explore plant-based cuisine?
Make something they are familiar with. 8/10 they can’t tell or like it more than the original version.
I mostly eat at home and cook from the heart. So my recipes come from curious thinking, recreation of childhood meals or inspiration from other content creators.
I have heard of Tabitha Brown’s restaurant and The Slutty Vegan, oh! And Hart’s Kitchen. But if you’re looking for recipes or inspiration I highly recommend y’all check out: @edgyveg @thekoreanvegan @cheaplazyvegan @sausestache @chefjoya @bertajay @tabithabrown And many more on Instagram and YouTube.
A lot of people assume that vegans are malnourished and that are food lacks substance which simply is not true. Vegans are the true macgyvers of the culinary world and the food that I have seen being created using simple ingredients and or a certain replacement to turn it into whatever they desire it to be, is absolutely amazing. No shame to other chefs but veganism isn’t just a lifestyle but is truly an art form that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. As far as education goes, I am still learning so I encourage those who are curious to do the research and even if you’re not curious, I would still encourage you to do your own research and come up with your own conclusion as well as talk to your doctor and see what is right for you in terms of your own health.
Guidance for individuals new to the vegan lifestyle.
You can still eat what you used to. Just find the vegan or plant-based alternative to that specific food. Also take your time there is no such thing as perfection, I mean there is but that’s just so boring. Relish in the mistake and learn from those to create a better masterpiece. Like the famous Bob Ross said there is no mistakes only happy accidents.
Nene The Stoned Vegan 💕
Stoner who loves 🌿 memes😂 and vegan food 🍲
🇵🇸FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸 @itsyagurl420
all images courtesy of Nene The Stoned Vegan 💕