Interview: The Vegan lifestyle with Inga Ambrosia

Did you ever want to know more about the vegan lifestyle and what vegans eat? I did, so today we have the honor of chatting with Vegan and fellow blogger, Inga Ambrosia of Miami Vegan Blog.

BISJ: Thank you again Inga for taking the time to educate us all on the Vegan lifestyle. So to start out, what's the difference between a vegan and a vegetarian?

Inga: A vegetarian is someone who has adopted a meat-free diet.  There are different kinds of vegetarians including:  Ovo: eats eggs. Lacto: drinks milk and eats cheese. Facto: eats fish. These terms can be combined to describe vegetarians that eat two or more of these items. A strict vegetarian may not eat any of these products but may still wear animal clothing.

A vegan is a person that never eats meat, eggs, fish or dairy. They also don't wear any animal products like wool, silk or leather. Vegans also don't support companies that perform animal testing, such as beauty companies or pharmaceutical brands. Some vegans eat honey and sugar, but strict vegans don't. Vegan people are usually activists of some kind and are very concerned about the environment. Adaptt.org is an activist organization that provides a wealth of information about veganism.

BISJ: How long have you been vegan, and how did you come to adopt this way of eating?

Inga: I've been a vegan for 3 1/2 years, and a vegetarian for a little while before that. The change started when I came back from a long vacation and had a chicken Caesar salad which made me feel ill. I was instantly repulsed from eating the chicken. I tried eating the chicken Caesar salad again a month later and the reaction was worse. I looked on the Internet, and surprisingly found others who had a similar reaction. In most cases, these people become vegetarians overnight. I found the PETA website and looked at some of the videos and it hit me all at once, the cruelty, the suffering and my own apathy. Over the next 6 months, I slowly stopped eating all meats, cheese and dairy.

It wasn't until I found the vegan websites that I realized my calling in life. The spiritual, health and environmental aspects of veganism was more in line with my core beliefs. Moving from vegetarianism to veganism was very easy and permanent, and I made the change January 1st, 2004.

BISJ: What are some of your favorite dishes?

Inga: Some of my favorites include these tasty dishes: Vegan Brownies, Vegan Spinach Dip, Cherry Pie

BISJ: Do you ever miss meat or dairy?

Inga: No, not at all. In fact, I can't even eat seitan steak that looks like meat. However, I do like fake chicken, soy ground burger and tofu fish. Soy ice cream from Purely Decadent tastes so much like ice cream, I don't feel I'm missing anything. Silk Soy milk and Rice dream are so good that I think it tastes 10x better than real milk.

BISJ: In your opinion, do you think people become vegans more because of philosophical reasons or for health reasons? or both?

Inga: Most vegans are very passionate people. The people that choose veganism over vegetarianism, do so because of the spiritual aspects. Some people become vegans due to doctor's orders, but I find that that is not a good enough reason to become vegan. You may reverse back when your health improves. It's hard to become a vegan if you don't strongly believe and live the values. Shunning all animal products has to come from a deep concern for animal welfare, karma and knowledge of the cruel livestock trade. Eating cheese and drinking milk still contributes to the abuse of animals, and fish is still meat, despite what some people believe. There are so many other healthy, natural, organic plant-based foods we can eat. 

BISJ: For newbies wanting to move to a vegan diet what is some advice you'd give them?

Inga: For newbies, my advice is to surround yourself with other vegan people. You will experience resistance and judgement from your family and friends, like you wouldn't believe. Some people will have a hard time accepting and understanding your new lifestyle change, so you will have to educate them.

Talking to anyone and everyone about veganism, militant-style is a mistake. Living a healthy lifestyle and presenting yourself in a positive manner, is the best way to get people to inquire about veganism. If someone asks me about it, I'm glad to help, but I'm not a crusader. Eating natural foods brings about a clarity and conscious awareness that cannot be described. You just want others to feel it also.

A new vegan should participate in vegan organizations, activities and groups. You need support from like-minded people to help you sustain the lifestyle. I belong to several Meetup.com groups and know vegan activists promoting the cause. There is no greater connection than meeting other vegans who in general are compassionate, healthy, self-realized and spiritual. 

Some other quick tips, before going to the grocery store, check out vegan websites with lists of vegan-friendly foods. Read every label. There's nothing like realizing later you've eaten something containing animal products by mistake like casein and gelatin. Here's a list of common hidden animal ingredients.  Find vegan restaurants and support them. Read vegan blogs and magazines to stay informed of causes you can get involved in for animal rights. Get rid of your animal-skin clothes. Vegans and Vegetarians belong to a small community and we have to support each other as we grow.

BISJ: Thanks again Inga for your time. We really enjoyed learning more about living vegan!