Hello! I’m Veronica. I’m the girl behind the stove and the camera of the Elegantly Vegan website. I rarely share any personal information, it’s all about the food, the city guides – and the vegan advice around here. So I thought I’d come out and say hi, share some of the most common personal questions that I get from and with you guys – we can get to know each other better.
Let’s get down to it then, shall we :)
How long have you been a vegan?
I first became vegetarian around 13. Then I gradually started to transcend into vegan food choices without even thinking about it when I moved to London. I reckon I’ve been a vegan for about 9-10 years now. Give or take, while writing this (2017).
Why did you become vegan?
Since I was already a vegetarian it was not such a drastic action for me to become a vegan. I’m a vegan today from a 360 perspective encompassing health, compassion, environment and my well-being.
It was actually my body calling the shots and guiding me into becoming a vegan. I was a huge cheese lover that started to feel unwell after eating cheese. Then I looked at my food choices and saw that I’ve unconsciously chosen hummus over tzatziki, opting for all vegan dishes while eating out etc. So I just did what felt right to me and my body and that was already reflected in my fridge and the choices I made. So for me, it was really easy actually. Since I lived in London at the time, where the vegan options were plenty.
What type of foods do you prefer?
I particularly enjoy Japanese, Thai, Korean and Singaporean cuisine. As well as Mediterranean food. I prefer lighter foods, food that will give me energy and presence and doesn’t make me tired, stuffed or weigh me down.
What is your food philosophy?
Food should look good, do good and taste good! And I stay away from food additives and chemicals I can’t pronounce. I also rarely eat white sugar and white bread etc. I’m really curious about gluten-free foods and I’d like to explore that some more in the future.
What is your favourite dish?
I love, love, love myself a huge plate of salad with a yummy dip. But it has to be a salad with loads of protein and fat. Preferably both hummus and avocado ;)
But depends on what day it is, I love vegan bibimbap, to a good fresh pasta dish. It’s hard to choose only one.
What do you eat for breakfast?
It depends really, for the last year I’ve eaten porridge every morning or chia pudding in the summer, with fresh berries.
What is your favourite dessert?
Raw chocolate mousse or raw coconut cheesecake. I love the lime and coconut cheesecake that Gracias Madre in San Fransisco has on their menu – yummie!
When and why did you create Elegantly Vegan?
It’s been in the works for a while. I started sharing recipes online on various websites. Back then I had various names and domains, in both English and Swedish experimenting with different solutions. Until I decided upon Elegantly Vegan as a name.
What is the philosophy behind Elegantly Vegan?
You can read the full manifesto here – this is what I believe in and want Elegantly Vegan to stand for.
What is the biggest challenge of being a vegan?
I don’t see it as a challenge. It comes naturally to me :)
How do you reply to people who judge you and comment on your lifestyle and dietary choice?
I tend not to engage. If people ask me curious questions because they want to know what I eat and about my lifestyle – that is fine. I’m happy to share. But if it’s pre judgemental stuff coming out of people’s mouths or they start going on about how they can never be a vegan (funny how that always happens without even me having to say a word…) I do not engage. I simply switch the subject and try to find a connection around something we may have in common so they can see me for who I am – a person – rather than pigeonhole me based on my food and lifestyle choices.
What do you think is the most common misunderstanding about vegans and veganism?
That our food tastes like nothing and that we are all bony and malnourished and that we only eat salad. Oh and that we would die on a deserted island when in fact we would thrive from all the available food while the meat eaters would have a bit more tricker time to getting food ;)
What is your opinion about part-time vegans and vegetarians?
I believe everyone does as best they can after their ability and I’m not interested to judge anyone :)
Have you always been interested in cooking?
I have as long as I can remember, I used to bake after school and I’ve always enjoyed the time in the kitchen with my mom when I was a kid. And it kind of just continued.
Where do you live? and have you always lived there?
While writing this reply, I live in Gothenburg in Sweden. I’ve not always lived here. I’ve moved around a lot in Sweden as well as abroad.
What else do you do, apart from Elegantly Vegan?
I work with digital strategy and marketing :) so this website is a passion project I have on the side of my day job :)
Have you written for any other vegan websites or magazines?
I have and I do. I love writing and sharing my recipes or experiences. In Sweden, it’s been Pinto magasin, in France Cherry Pepper magazine, Vegan Miam in the States, Happy Cow, and Indefinite Adventure to name a few. I’ ‘ll add them all in a new section on the site in the future.
What is the best meal you have ever had?
Hmm, I’ve had so many great meals it’s hard to pick just one! Really.
What is your favourite restaurant?
Depends on where in the world I am :) and what mood I’m in. If you are interested to know more about my travels and where to find both awesome food and experiences, check out the travel section.
Do you have more questions? Either browse the FAQ, read the manifesto or use the contact form or comment with a question below – and I will answer it if I haven’t already – I’d love to hear from you.
Much love and do get in touch!
Veronica