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Please tell us more about yourself
Who else is a junk food vegan? 🙋🏻♀️😅
My Name is Savannah Kelmanson, I am 26 years old born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I moved out to LA 6 years ago to attend film school.
Tell us what makes you turn vegetarian or vegan.How long have you been one?
the global demand for beef is destroying the amazon rainforest
I’ve always had a deep love for animals. Growing up, my mom would constantly rescue stray animals she found on the street, caring for them and giving them a home. I remember going on fishing trips with my dad and hiding to cry because I didn’t want the fish to be hurt. Despite that, I had such a disconnect when it came to the animals I was eating. Veganism wasn’t really a thing in Florida while I was growing up. My sister was vegan, but only for health reasons, and I never heard it discussed from an animal rights perspective. I avoided watching any documentaries on factory farming because, deep down, I knew what I’d see and wasn’t ready to face it.
I was also a big meat lover and didn’t think I could ever give it up. That changed when I moved to LA and met my boyfriend, who had been vegan for nearly a decade. He opened my eyes to how hypocritical I was being and, just as importantly, showed me how incredible vegan food can be. The endless vegan options in LA helped too! It’s been around three years since I transitioned, and I honestly don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. There’s a vegan version of everything these days, so I don’t even notice a change.
Let’s end the war of carnivores vs herbivores… we are not seperate, we are all one family, we are humanity
Before going vegan, I always assumed it would be incredibly hard. But it’s actually been so much easier than I expected. The only real challenges come up when I’m traveling or attending events where the vegan options are limited. When I’m traveling to certain states sometimes the only available choices are vegan burgers at big restaurant chains or snacks from the hotel lobby, which isn’t always ideal. But overall, I feel like the world is slowly adapting, and as the demand for plant-based options grows, these challenges are becoming less frequent. I’m optimistic that as veganism continues to rise in popularity, these gaps will eventually disappear
💚 To love others, to love animals, and to love ourselves – this is the essence of a life well-lived.
Every day we have the option to choose food that nourishes our body, honors the planet, and shows compassion to animals.
I absolutely love being vegan. It’s opened me up to trying so many new dishes and flavors I probably wouldn’t have explored otherwise, and it’s made me more open to new experiences in general. What I appreciate most, though, is that my views and actions are now aligned. I’ve always loved animals, and now I can say my lifestyle reflects that love. Knowing I’m contributing to a more compassionate world, even in a small way, brings me so much peace and a sense of purpose.
How would you tell someone who’s not yet vegan/vegetarian to try meatless food?
“It becomes extremism when your forcing your beliefs on others”
What about forcing animals into existence solely for exploitation?
What do you think?
I always tell people to start small and try replacing just one meal with a plant-based option. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There are so many amazing vegan versions of the foods you already love, like burgers, tacos, or even pizza. I recommend trying some of the newer meat substitutes like Beyond, Impossible, or Daring—they taste so close to the real thing that you’ll barely notice a difference. Once you realize how delicious and easy it can be, it’s much less intimidating to explore more plant-based options
Going vegan has opened me up to some of the most delicious food i’ve ever tasted in my life –
and not ever worrying about getting bad meat, bones, blood, or feces in my food is also a plus ☺️
Where I live- there are so many amazing spots for good food. To name a few: Something Vegan, Veggie House, Toi, Crossroads, Sugar Taco, Mr Charlies, Kung Pao Bistro, Plant Power, SunCafe, Pura Vita, Gracias Madre, Fatburger. These are all my current go to places because the food never disappoints.
What are some misconceptions about a vegan or vegetarian? How do you explain or educate? – A common misconception I hear all the time is people asking how I make sure I’m getting enough protein. Honestly, I’ve never had to stress about it or calculate anything. I just focus on eating a variety of whole, natural foods, and protein is in so many things, even vegetables. People are often surprised when I tell them that foods like lentils, beans, quinoa, and even greens can provide plenty of protein. It’s not as hard as people think, and I feel great without needing to overthink it.
If you ever feel like you cannot make change in the fight against climate change know that changing your diet is the #1 way we as individuals can make a significant change
To someone who’s just beginning to go meatless, what is your advice? – When I first transitioned to a meatless diet, I kept it simple by making all the same meals I was used to but using meat substitutes like Beyond, Impossible, and Daring. It made the switch feel really easy because I didn’t have to overhaul my entire routine. Once I got more comfortable, I started exploring more natural protein sources like lentils, quinoa, beans, tofu, and seitan. My advice is to start with what’s familiar and don’t be afraid to lean on those meat substitutes at first. Over time, you’ll find new ingredients and recipes that work for you, and it’ll start to feel effortless.
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Savannah Kelmanson | Vegan Creator
🌱 vegan recipes | restaurants | products
🩷 LA based
all images courtesy of Savannah Kelmanson | Vegan Creator