Name: Monique Hutcherson
Age: 24
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Occupation: Engineering Consultant
Website: Sofull Sista

How long have you been pescatarian? And what inspired your journey?

I have been a pescatarian for a little over a year. I was inspired to live a healthy lifestyle through dialogue surrounding ethical, humane ways to process food. Additionally, eating meat opened the door to a lot of unhealthy eating habits for me – cutting it out was my way of getting that under control.

Has pescatarianism enhanced your health? Why or why not?

Definitely! I am in the best shape of my life, I have a lot more energy, I’m never tired after I finish eating, and I know my eating habits help the environment. I’m also expecting – due July 29 – and contrary to what many thought, I haven’t changed my diet (going back to meat), I have just adjusted the things I do eat to compensate for my new addition.

In retrospect, how do you feel about meat? Or do you have any thoughts on America’s meat industry?

I think meat is wonderful, if animals are fed a proper diet, raised, and killed humanely. If eating quality meat wasn’t so expensive, I’d probably eat it today, but sparingly – every couple of months. In my opinion, America’s meat industry, generally speaking, shows a lack of respect for God’s original design. It’s also a source of many of our countries prevalent health issues like diabetes, obesity and allergies to name a few.

Was there a community of black women that helped you along your meatless journey? And if not, what are you doing to change this for others?

No, but I always share my healthy eating story with others. I also document a variety of tasty vegetarian and pescatarian meals on my blog, Sofull Sista.

Are you a vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian? Email arielle@frugivoremag.com if you’d like to be featured in the Black Female Vegetarian Series. Check back every Tuesday and Friday for a new profile! Click to read past profiles here.