NAME: Mykalee McGowan
AGE: 19
OCCUPATION: Print Journalism Student, Howard University
LOCATION: Washington DC
WEBSITE: Young Black Vegan

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VEGETARIAN? AND WHAT INSPIRED YOUR JOURNEY?

I have been a vegan for 2+ months now. After my freshman year, I felt so depressed, tired, and nauseated due to the excessively eating bad food from my college’s cafeteria. I also gained bad acne all over my body and thirty pounds. Over the summer I researched natural ways to feel healthier and cleaner overall and veganism popped up. As I looked into veganism more, I realized that it was the right choice for me.

HAS VEGETARIAN ENHANCED YOUR HEALTH? WHY OR WHY NOT?

So far, I lost 12 pounds on my journey and gained alot more benefits! I am lactose intolerant, and being a vegan has eliminated all my symptoms. I am more focused in my studies and more energetic to take fun Zumba classes. However, the biggest pro has to be my emotional and spiritual health.

IN RETROSPECT, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MEAT? OR DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON AMERICA’S MEAT INDUSTRY?

During my research, I found out that animals products have given me many of the symptoms I was suffering from because of the hormones, chemicals, and bacteria in the meat. In my opinion, the meat industry does not care about people’s nutrition as much as they care about their wallets.

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 do not know any any black women vegans personally. However, I got alot of support and information through books and the internet. The books I have read are By Any Greens Necessary by Tracye McQuirter and Heal Thyself by Queen Afua. I also went on alot of youtube videos, blogs, and online magazines such as Paparoxi, Hey Fran Hey, Nerissa Irving, GunjuMoji, Sheslocdup and of course Frugivore!

Like the women who I looked up to during my transition, I want to encourage and support others to a more natural and healthier lifestyle.

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

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4 Comments

  1. Ahhhhhhh, It’s here! I’m so happy! Since this was written around March, I have a few updates. It’s been 9 months now that I’ve been vegan. I have lost 20+ pounds and still going (health is wealth!). I want to thank Frugivore for the opportunity. I really appreciate it. Peace and Blessings 🙂

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