Is there an intersection between being vegetarian and being black? Why or how is it important for us as people of African descent (aka Afrikans) to be vegetarian?
Here is a video I did exploring why I am a black vegetarian.
Why I am a Black Vegetarian.
I see my black community struggling to stay strong and healthy while KFC and Micky D’s entices with the next great nutrient devoid and illness causing yet oh so delectable too many calorie delight.
I am Black Vegetarian because I need my head to be clear so I can see the deception that comes at me from every direction.
I look around me and I see little back girls and little black boys who are already too fat and I can only imagine what their life will be like.
When already they have the problems that used to be grandmas disease.
I am Black Vegetarian because there is too much work to be done and I need to stick around a while to help do it.
Too many my age are sliding down that slippery slope of disease disability and destruction.
I say Sankofa! moving forward by looking back, way back, to what we have forgotten, to what I wasn’t taught, to what my ancestors knew so very well.
I am Black Vegetarian because I need my ears to be open to the wisdom they’re still trying to tell.
So I reach for this apple – gods intended food.
I bite these greens – Mother Nature’s medicine.
I reach back to Imhotep “Let food by thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
I am Black Vegetarian because it is rightfully mine to claim. It is who am and what I am naturally.
Why are you a black vegetarian?
Tell us why in the comments or post a video response over on YouTube
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A library of courses to show you how to make delicious healthy meals, deal with your cravings, feel confident about what you are eating, and navigate the non-vegan world you live in.
I decided to make a firm commitment to becoming a vegan in 2013 and I’ve made conscious efforts sustained that cause. My drive for this lifestyle originated from many reasons including; Healthy Living, and Sympathy towards most Animals (not insects like mosquitoes and houseflies, haha). In my part of the world (Ghana) where people and families are mainly omnivores, it could be quite challenging for starters and existing vegans / vegetarians to begin or sustain this lifestyle for various reasons that impact on culture, availability and support for local alternatives to animal based diet.
Personally, I managed my dietary pattern to mostly conform as follows;
Breakfast: mostly porridge of varied cereals and nuts (small quantities of fruits and other greens are occasionally consumed as well)
Lunch: I take my main meal of carbohydrates and others, mostly made up of much vegetables
Supper: I go with only fruits.
Tea is taken anytime I feel for.
This new lifestyle has helped considering the reduction in the rate of occasional ailment which even when occurs, naturally heals. My annual medical examination results reads very well. I also realized a reduction in weight from 80kg to 69kg though I have been exercising but not consistent.
With my discussions with people, they all see some benefits in adopting this lifestyle but a step to fully embrace it is challenging.
I am a proud vegan even though it makes me feel isolated sometimes.
Richard, thank you for for sharing. May your healthy light inspire others around you.
I’m becoming Vegan due to health issues and wanting to Reverse and Stay Healthy. I ate my way into this illness and I will eat healthier to get out and stay free of any illness.I’m 43 and have a lot more living too do.I want the other half of my life to be more Active , Healthier and Amazing than the previous half.
Gigi, the best is yet to come! By changing your behavior your life is bound to change too.
A few months ago I experience a very strange feeling in my body. I felt like my body wanted to shut down, it was at this time I was very worried. I tried to reason to myself that this was probably my making changes and it was early onset of menopause(I am 43 yrs old). I was often experiencing tingling sensations in my body which often left me feeling anxious and scared that I might die. I visited a herbalist who put me a detox and colon cleanse and I started feeling much better. I am on the road to becoming a black-vegetarian because I want to live healthy and be around for a long time for my family. Also, I want to learn so that I can educate other black people about living healthy and to make food their medicine and medicine their food.
I am truly looking forward to being a part of food for the soul.
Roseanne, Thank you for sharing your journey. I congratulate you on your decision to take charge of your health and make a difference for your family and beyond. Welcome to the food revolution!
A few years back I realized that most illnesses are caused by the foods we put into our body. I no longer wanted to be a slave to western medicine so I let my food be my medicine. I eat to live!
Xina Jenkins I applaud your decision to take back your health. Sadly so many are not willing to take that step. Live on!
Jermaine, I congratulate you on becoming vegetarian and adopting other healthy lifestyle practices. You have started young and this should help you stay healthy for many years to come.
Protein is something people always ask about. Truth is you don’t really need to worry about it. Here is what Dr. Opare has to say about protein and vegans. https://foodforthesoul.me/where-do-vegans-get-their-protein/
I decided to become a vegetetarian around Nov.2012 because I wanted to be healthy. During the dieting came with unintentional weight, l mean back when I was meat eater I weight about between 142 or 145 pounds, I was skinny, but I didn’t really notice the physical changes until family member started looking at oddly, once when I was jugging to the bus stop to pick up niece my pants started slipping and I had a belt. When I practicing my routine yoga poses particularly the cat cow pose I seen my stomach hanging, whenever inhale I see my ribcage easily. But during this I learn I found a interest in physical fitness being on the diet incited to want to become a practitioner of , yoga, Pilate’s, and tai chi. I only wish I would have started when I was younger I actually started at twenty that’s young enough. Now I am twenty one and this Nov. Marks I been a vegetarian for two years, great aachievement for myself. I am involve with a local vegeterian group, just trying to be sociable. For thoses who wants to be a vegetarian the key is to make you get enough protein and be committed.