NAME: Shea P.
AGE: 32
OCCUPATION: Property Manager
LOCATION: Miami, FL
WEBSITE: Curves and Confidence
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VEGETARIAN? AND WHAT INSPIRED YOUR JOURNEY?
I completely stopped eating meat in May of 2011. I decided to give up meat because I was having terrible stomach and acne problems. I wanted to completely reset my body and start fresh so I could get myself together. My best friend suggested that I read the book The Remedy by Super Nova Slom and from there I never looked back. I initially attempted Veganism for the first three months of my journey but that was too extreme for me and ultimately decided to incorporate fish into my diet.
HAS VEGETARIANISM ENHANCED YOUR HEALTH? WHY OR WHY NOT?
My acne cleared up, I no longer have stomach issues and I overall feel better about myself. I also lost 12lbs which was an added plus!
IN RETROSPECT, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MEAT? OR DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON AMERICA’S MEAT INDUSTRY?
I don’t have any issue with meat, I take issue with the way animals are raised and processed for consumption. After watching Fast Food Nation, Food Inc. and Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, I have come to realize that we really need to take a closer look at what we put into our bodies. I just feel like food isn’t food anymore, it is just has the appearance and taste of food but the content is questionable.
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?
Actually no … besides my best friend everyone else kind of grilled me about the situation like it was fad and I hadn’t done my research.
I was very surprised at how discouraging the majority of everyone was about my change in lifestyle. I was taken back by it at first but then I realized that a lot of people are afraid of change and different is perceived as weird.
I intend to use my blog as platform for healthy eating for women that may interested in vegetarianism but don’t know where to start.
HOW DOES CURVES AND CONFIDENCE TIE INTO YOUR NEW VEGETARIAN LIFESTYLE?
At first it didn’t tie in at all because this was a personal decision I made for my health. However, several of my readers have inquired about my recent weight loss and what I do to maintain my figure.
I usually answer the inquires behind the scenes but several people have been pushing me to incorporate my knowledge of healthy eating into my blog. I would love to use my blog as a way to show others that just because recipes lack meat doesn’t mean they lack taste.
I always say vegetarians eat good too!
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.
How much fish and seafood do you eat? I’ve heard multiple studies say that eating sea life regularly can cause a host of digestive problems.
@Curtis:
Two or three times a week and I haven’t had any digestive problems yet.
Great interview!
@Ashley:
Thank you!
Life style changes can be very challenging; and, it is great to have individuals to support and encourage you in your journey. Continue to inspire others through your actions, words, and fabulous style!
@VV:
Thank you so much!
VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,,( this is Kenya!)..Great Read!!
@ChefRedz:
Thanks Kenya!!!
Way to Go !!! As a reader of Curves and Confidence I must say I look forward to reading about your success.
Maybe you can do a Moving Monday, Fitness Friday or Tidy up Tuesday Fablous style and lifestyle changes.
@Moe:
Thank you and I am already working on a few things for you guys for the New Year I can’t wait to share!
This was a great read, as a person who reads your blog daily for fashion inspiration I would LOVE to have some soul and body inspiration too. I mean we only get this one body and I personally am always looking for ways to make it shine, and I can really tell the difference that this lifestyle change has made in you. Great Job !
@julee:
Julee I have lots of new things in store for you guys! I fell the the difference is coming across in my pictures also =)
I was very happy to read this piece and CONGRATULATIONS to you on taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle. I follow your blog and I definitely noticed the difference in you. I would love to read some stuff about your diet, recipes and just overall success on this journey. Keep doing your thing despite the naysayers! 😉
I was really interested in becoming a pescetarian until I started seeing how much of an issue mercury content is in alot of fish and if mercury isn’t an issue then price is.