Interested in learning more about vegan culture? No need to look further, this Latina food blogger and activist tells us all about her #VeganAF life! Miami native Aileen Ayala is the creator of Latina N Vegan and gives us a glimpse into what inspired her to start this health journey.
Her Campus (HC): What is Latina N Vegan?
Aileen Ayala (AA): Latina N Vegan is a vegan Instagram page that is managed by a Latina in Miami. On the page, I share information related to all things veganism, sustainability, second-hand shopping, zero waste habits, vegan food finds, restaurant reviews and so much more. I try to implement my cultures as much as I can into it and show that you can still eat your country’s foods by veganizing them.
HC: What made you go vegan?
AA: What made me initially become vegan was my health. I have a chronic illness known as Lupus. When I got diagnosed, the doctors had no explanation for me getting this disease that kills so many people yearly. I knew I was too young to feel the way I did. After I got tired of the symptoms, I started researching how to heal myself because the doctors could not give me any explanations. Luckily, I ran into a book called Goodbye Lupus by Brooke Goldner M.D. and long story short, it changed my life. However, what kept me vegan were the animals and sustainability from becoming vegan. After learning about the animal agriculture industry, I could not go back. Learning about the health benefits was the cherry on top for me.
AA: The message I hope to relay to others is that becoming vegan is so much more than you think. It is the best decision that I’ve ever made for the animals, the environment and my health. Once you educate yourself, you get introduced to a new world that people are not taught about. Also, the food is amazing! You expand your taste buds and get introduced to so many new flavors. You will not get bored but you will make “plain” or “bad” food if you’re not the best at trying new things in the kitchen. Most importantly, food is everything. The saying goes “you are who you surround yourself with.” My motto is “you are what you eat” and “comiendo con sabor sin causar dolor,” which in English is “eating tasty food without causing pain.” It rhymes in Spanish, not so much in English.
HC: Do you have plans to expand your platform and bring awareness to veganism?
AA: Yes, I do have plans to continue expanding my platform. I have already helped many people change their habits; I have even helped them transition into veganism. I truly think this is part of my calling. I enjoy every day of it. I enjoy speaking to so many people, getting to know them and answering their questions. It’s something I really love doing!
AA: What I hope people take away from Latina N Vegan is that you do not have to let go of your culture and the yummy foods. You can veganize them; you just need some creativity. I hope I give them some insight that leads to them seeing animal agriculture differently along with the feeling that they can reach out to me if they have any doubts. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel judged or uncomfortable reaching out to me. I am there to help shift perspectives, not to judge.
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