by Kriss Young
Native Foods Cafe Contributing Blogger
After learning about the cruelties of the dairy industry and factory farming, I adopted a vegan lifestyle in January 2011. Being vegan is easy, especially in Southern California.However, it takes some research to learn how to do it in a way that is healthy and sensible. That’s why I created a blog dedicated to veganism in Orange County, covering everything from veg-friendly restaurants to nutrition facts, great beauty products and more!
Native Foods Cafe uses this photo courtesy of OC Vegan Adventures
Vegan Eating
For the first few months that I was vegan, I would hardly eat out because I didn’t knowwhere to go or how to order. Luckily, that allowed me to try a lot of healthy recipes at home, including "cheesy" black bean enchiladas, veggie pesto sandwiches and roasted tomato soup. Eventually I learned that there many local places to eat out, including 100% vegan establishments like Native Foods Cafe, Freesoulcaffé and the Seabirds Food Truck. Surprisingly, there are popular chain restaurants that accommodate the vegan diet as well.
Native Foods Cafe uses this photo courtesy of OC Vegan Adventures.
Shopping
Did you know that Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Whole Foods and Mother’s Market each carry an abundance of vegan products, including frozen chicken-free nuggets, all-natural shampoo, bee-free lip balm and more? I didn’t think that finding these kinds of items would be so easy. I also didn’t know that Target has all-natural hygiene and beauty products, or that Sephora carries Urban Decay, a popular brand of cruelty-free cosmetics. Check my blog for a list of my favorite products and where to get them.
Native Foods Cafe uses this photo courtesy of OC Vegan Adventures
About Being Vegan
Since I am not a vegan-veteran, I feel like I still have a lot to learn. I'm slowly scratchingthe surface on important subjects like taking supplemental vitamins, eating "perfect proteins", supporting local animal-oriented charities and more. I am excited to share everything I learn on my blog, as I continue to grow as a person and become increasingly familiar with the different aspects of veganism. For more information about being vegan in Orange County, including animal-oriented volunteer opportunities, local events, resources and facts, please visit my full blog at www.ocveganadventures.com. I’m working hard to update it and add new information everyday. Thanks for reading and allowing me to share my journey with you!
*Kriss was one of the winners of our "Blogging with Chef Tanya" Facebook Contest! We loved her Vegan Adventures in OC blog as it guides you through all the basics of the vegan lifestyle, in Orange County!
Comments