Name: Monique Code
Age: 41
Occupation: Dancer
Location: Dallas, Texas
Website: Facebook Profile
How long have you been vegan? And what inspired your journey?
I have been a vegetarian for nine years, and vegan for eight. While preparing for a special performance for the 25th anniversary of Dance Africa at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, we were given nutrition tips from our dance director before the show. He suggested that we cut back on our meat intake to have enough energy for the performance, but I decided to cut out meat altogether. I had so much energy on that stage; I could have done the show twice! I loved the lighter feeling! Later, I cut out dairy, as it’s one of the main triggers fibroids in women. It definitely was a smart move.
Has veganism enhanced your health? Why or why not?
Veganism definitely has enhanced my health, as my body doesn’t have to deal with food that takes five days to release. I just feel better, and love what veganism has done for me.
In retrospect, how do you feel about meat? Or do you have any thoughts on America’s meat industry?
I’m not a fan of meat at all. Eating flesh is not cool anymore. If someone decides to eat meat, that’s fine. This is my choice to have a meatless lifestyle, even if it doesn’t work for everyone. I actually enjoy being vegan, as I know that I’m improving my health one day at a time.
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?
I really didn’t have any black women to inspire me to go this way. I did it on my own. I would love to mentor a Sister who was serious about going meatless and help her get healthy.
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.
Wow! Go Monique! I danced with her back in 2009 at BAM DanceAfrica. She has amazing energy. Love her!