David: I have been veggie for almost 18 years, since I was twelve years old, and I have also been eating a vegan diet for the last three years.

Saradha: Why are you a vegetarian/vegan?

David: When I first became vegetarian, it was simply for ethical purposes: I didn’t wish to have violence associated with my meals. I watched several videos of slaughterhouses and factory farms and decided that I wanted no part of that business or way of life. Later on though, my vegetarian practices also became a good way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and in reducing my “global footprint”, as the meat industry uses up so many resources and creates vast amounts of waste.

Saradha: What challenges did you find in going or being a vegetarian/vegan? How did you overcome them?

David: The hardest part was really getting to a diet that would be healthy and enjoyable for me. When I was young, I had to learn how to cook my meals because there wasn’t always an option for me at the dinner table. Growing up in an Italian household, I wound up eating a lot of pasta and cheese dishes, and that wasn’t the healthiest food to eat. So, over time I evolved into healthier eating habits, with more green veggies, fresh fruits, and whole grains. I also started eating more raw foods as well, especially sprouts and fresh juices. Many people complain about the vegetarian diet having limited choices, but I have found a huge variety of ways to prepare meals with simple whole foods in a nutritious, delicious way.

Saradha: What's your favorite vegetarian/vegan dish?

David: My main standby comfort food is a salad with as many veggies as I can pack on it. If I want hot food, its green kale and cannellini bean soup with lots of garlic.

Saradha: Do you exercise or do certain activities for fitness?

David: Absolutely. My main exercise comes from hiking, which is my favorite pastime, or swimming in the ocean. I love yoga, although it’s been difficult for me to get into a regular schedule with it. My current goal is to find a good yoga class.

Saradha: As a vegetarian/vegan, what kind of snacks or desserts do you like to eat?

David: I try to keep my salt/sugar intake down to a minimum, but I love regular popcorn popped fresh on the stove, or some garlic hummus and pita (love garlic). For sweet stuff I go straight for some dark chocolate (Dolfin from Belgium is the best!). The Down To Earth vegan chocolate pudding is also excellent.   

Saradha: Do you have any advice for people who want to or are trying to become vegetarian/vegans?

David: I would say first that you need to do it safely and try to read as much as you can about it. Take a B vitamin, as vegetarians have a harder time getting those. Watch out for too much processed food: even if it says organic, it’s not necessarily good for you. Also a good cookbook is essential for beginning vegetarians. I recommend my old favorite, The Moosewood Cookbook by Molly Katzen. Another key element of being a healthy vegetarian is investing in a juicer. Those things work wonders, and once you get started juicing vegetables, you won’t ever want to stop!

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