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pumpkin lasagna

Lindsay is Vegan | Hooked on Plants Interview + Lasagna Recipe!

July 18, 2019 By julia

Lindsay O’Donnell has been meat-free for almost 20 years and has been promoting a cruelty-free lifestyle for just as long through volunteering with organizations like Peta, Earth Save, and Sea Shepherd. She ran a cooking blog, hosted vegan supper clubs, and now keeps people informed on food issues through  her Instagram page Lindsay is Vegan!

Today she runs the food marketing company Piquant Marketing and works to raise awareness on food issues and promote veganism. Let’s hear more from her!

How long have you been vegan, and what was the pivotal moment for making the change?

This might sound weird, but there are a few things in my life that I just always knew. Like I always knew I’d be a vegetarian and a vegan. I remember my mom having a friend who was vegetarian and I remember her skin just GLOWED. I remember just knowing that I would eventually be a vegetarian too. It’s funny because my kid isn’t vegan but she says the same thing to me- that she will be when she grows up.

But the catalyst to really make changes was when I really became an activist in my teens. I volunteered with Peta, Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd, The SPCA, EarthSave and eventually co-founded an ocean education non-profit too. I felt like I was asking a big change of the world and I couldn’t expect it without walking the walk myself. 

How long did it take for you to transition?

A long time! I get people that messaging me all the time and they’re apologizing because they’re cutting out meat but haven’t cut out cheese or whatever. I cut out red meat at 16, chicken a year later and seafood later. I went vegan at 26, making the transition 10 whole years!

The key is finding replacements instead of cutting stuff out (think abundance and fun, instead of restriction). When I first went vegan I just drank coke and ate bananas so obviously I failed (and was an idiot). If you’re making changes, celebrate that and now that we’re all on a food journey …and if you’re doing the first step of trying to be better with your food choices you are already making a difference.

If there was just one thing you wish everyone in the entire world know regarding veganism, what would it be?

God, it’s so hard to talk about being vegan without sounding smug. For example, I can’t really think of a good reason to still eat meat (unless you’re in a remote village and it’s your primary food source).

Ok, here’s the thing. Being vegan makes me feel AMAZING. My body bounces back faster than when I ate meat, I feel lighter, and I’m happier. Being vegan has given me so much joy. I wish people know how wonderful and beautiful it is. People think it’s about restrictions and deprivation but for me it’s been the best thing I could have ever done for my mental and physical health. I really think that if you haven’t even tried veganism…you don’t know what you’re missing.

You are SO inspiring over on instagram, and give out so many amazing facts. What are your favourite resources for finding vegan news/animal rights news/mind blowing research?

I really appreciate that! It’s funny, when I first when vegetarian it felt like it was a much more confrontational time. It’s hard to explain but people challenged you constantly on your food choices. Like I needed to have my reasons and facts for everything. Going vegetarian, and then vegan in the 90’s was like going to debate class. 

So, I just signed up for every newsletter I could think of. That way I was constantly getting nuggets of information without being overwhelmed. I still get about 50 newsletters a day…which is now overwhelming! Now there’s documentaries and social media but I still mostly read books and get newsletters. My favourite newsletters are from Peta, Greenpeace, Rainforest Action Network, and Daily Kos. 

Some websites that really helped me in the beginning were GEFreeBC, PETA, Farm Sanctuary, WWF, Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd, EarthSave, and One Green Planet. 

These are older books but still so worth reading are The Jungle, Fast Food Nation, Greenpeace (love this one for business too!), and I’m currently reading Farmaggeden. 

What are your best tips for dealing with social settings for new vegans? 

1: I constantly feel like I’m not making any difference in the world and feel sort of burnt out by it. Things take time. I once worked with a woman who said she would never give up meat or cheese and loved meat too much. Many years later she emailed me to say she went vegan, is now a big activist online, and said she always remembered some of the things I talked about with her! Seeds take a while to grow but know that by living by example you’re creating change.

2: Sometimes people are just trying to get a rise out of you. It’s about them, not you.

3: You convert more people by making them feel encouraged or empowered than by making them feel guilty or marginalized. 

Where do you see our world in 2050 in regards to the plant-based movement? 

This one is so hard because it blows my mind how main-stream veganism is. I sound so old, but I really can’t believe it. I’m reading statistics that says all meat will be plant-based by 2040 which…I don’t know if I believe?

I’m super curious to see what happens when lab meat starts becoming affordable. Many people are vegan for mainly ethical reasons, so if you only eat lab meat…are you still vegan or will that be something new? Like culture-vegans? I don’t know, it will be interesting.

I feel like consumers are generally going to have higher ethical and health standards but I can see the vegan community become fractured over things like lab meat but I also think that’s a wonderful problem to have.

I can see eating meat becoming like smoking…like there are many people that do it but it’s not seen as healthy or productive and it’s taxed heavily.

What was your main inspiration behind starting Piquant Marketing? 

I feel like I kind of fell into the food business! I had actually always wanted to work at Lululemon and interviewed there a few times but…was never successful. I then saw a posting for a marketing job at Whole Foods Market and it clicked. It was like…this is where I need to be. These are my people! People who were passionate about farmers, food, the environment, and animal welfare.

I worked there for 4 years before being a part of a big layoff of their marketing division. I sort of bounced around and realized I needed to stay in food. It’s where I had made relationships and was spending all my spare time. 

I basically wanted to do what I did at Whole Foods Market! So we started doing branding, social media, event planning, community partnerships, content marketing, and business planning for food brands. Then, last year I decided it was time to use the tools I had to make a difference and make a statement so we created core values for the clients we work with which included no meat products. Overall we have almost completely vegan clients mostly because that’s who is attracted to work with us.

Now we’re about to turn 3 years old and it’s totally wild.

For those rainy summer days, when you want to feel cozy fall feelings!

Filed Under: Dinner, Hooked On People Interviews, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: canada vegan, hooked on people interview, hooked on plants interview, lasagna, lindsay is vegan, piquant marketing, plant-based tips, pumpkin lasagna, sea shepherd, vegan inspiration, vegan interview, vegan resources, vegan talk, veganism

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Hi, I'm Julia! I like to simplify plant-based eating and make yummy recipes. I'm a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, certified plant-based chef, Olympian, and I make cereal (Jules Fuel). Enjoy! Read more

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🌱 Olympian | Chill Vegan | RHN & Chef
🏠 Whistler Realtor @jules.eliz.murray @living.in.whistler
☀️ Retreats

Pro tip: Stay consistent. You’ve got this 🐾 Pro tip: Stay consistent. You’ve got this 🐾

P.S. Wondering what all the cuteness is about?

Only for the bestest dog food ever: @virchewdogs
🇨🇦 Woman-founded
🚚 Delivered to our door
🌱 Plant-powered
🧴 Perfect for sensitive skin (just ask Zak)

Use code hookedonplants for a discount — link in bio or just message us ‘DOG FOOD’ & we’ll send more info. 

~ With love, Zak & Tez 🐶💛
Whistler people! Name where this is from & I’ll Whistler people! Name where this is from & I’ll give you extra high fives today 🏆 
The OG rainbow collard wrap 🤤 

PS: if I were to create a Whistler Vegan Guide, drop in the comments what can’t be missed ??!!

#whistlerveganguide #whistlervegan #veganwhistler #plantbasedfinds #plantbasedwhistler #vegantravel
15 Minute Protein-Packed Vegan Pesto ChickUn Fettu 15 Minute Protein-Packed Vegan Pesto ChickUn Fettuccine 

1) Soak soy curls in water for 10 mins, then strain and pan-fry in olive oil & @bragg liquid aminos
2) In a pan, sauté 1 onion, lots of crushed garlic, 8-10 sliced mushrooms 
3) Add vegan pesto (used @love.legrand), nutritional yeast, and the pan fried soy curls to that pan. 
4) Boil pasta of choice (drop your fave pasta below… macaroni? Penne? Fettuccini?
5) Strain then pour pasta into the pan of goodness & mixy mixy
*** optional: add mushroom benefits with 1 tbsp each of @staywyldorganics Immunity Blend powder, and extra protein with @complement unflavoured protein powder. Use ‘hookedonplants’ for a discount - links in bio. 

 
🤤 Devour. 

Anything can be veganized. 👌 

📌 Save this for your next 15 minute dinner recipe idea.

#vegandinner #veganpasta #pestopasta #15minuterecipe #easyrecipe #easyveganrecipe
Ok, I’m biased… but this mama has to be the mo Ok, I’m biased… but this mama has to be the most inspiring plant-based athlete out there.

@stephaniejdsloan always supporting, motivating, moving, adventuring (in braids), and top-cheffing it up with the goodness of whole plant foods.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mama’s out there. 💕 

#momsrule  #nomeatathlete
#plantbasedathlete #veganmom #mothersday
This isn’t just any tofu scramble… it’s next This isn’t just any tofu scramble… it’s next-level creamy and eggy thanks to 2 secret weapons:

🥄 Hummus for texture 
🧂 Black salt (kala namak) for that eggy flava flave

Serve it up with avo, tomato, and a drizzle of hot sauce for the ultimate #MothersDayBrunch moment 🥑🔥

🌱 Tofu Scramble Recipe - from the #hookedonplantsarchives 

Ingredients:
	•	½ large yellow onion, diced
	•	2 cloves garlic
	•	6 white mushrooms, sliced
	•	1 red pepper, diced
	•	1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
	•	½ tsp turmeric
	•	1 tsp cumin
	•	½ tsp black salt (kala namak)
	•	¼–½ cup nutritional yeast
	•	½ cup hummus (use your fave — or try my Roasted Garlic one!)
	•	1 block medium or soft tofu (~350g)

Directions:
	1.	Sauté onion in a hot pan (no oil needed). Let it brown, then splash with water to deglaze as needed.
	2.	Add mushrooms, garlic, and red pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
	3.	Stir in spices + ¼ cup water.
	4.	Add hummus and mix until incorporated.
	5.	Crumble tofu into the pan with your hands (tiny crumbles = perfect texture).
	6.	Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until golden and hot.

Top with avo, tomato slices, hot sauce… or wrap it up in a tortilla 🌯

💌 Save this for your next brunch or breakfast for dinner (the best) and tag @hookedonplants if you make it!

#TofuScramble #VeganBrunch #EasyVeganMeals #HookedOnPlants #MothersDay #HummusHack #TofuScramble #BreakfastforDinner #PlantBasedProtein #VeganComfortFood #WeekendEats
… vegan for a decade and she’s still kickin’ … vegan for a decade and she’s still kickin’ 👌 

Plants have all the protein 🌱 💥 Who here is early in their plant-based journey? Need some tips? 

🐾 PS: These rescue dogs are thriving on plants too. Check the link in bio for info 🐾 

#vegan #veganolympian #plantbased #plantbasedtips #vegannutrition @virchewdogs
@alohaanimalsanctuary needs support right now. ➡ @alohaanimalsanctuary needs support right now.
➡️The GoFundMe page is linked in @alohaanimalsanctuary bio.

A few years ago, I had the beautiful experience of volunteering with Aloha Animal Sanctuary, and supporting their team with @complement products to help the volunteers and founders thrive—so they could give their best selves to the animals.

It’s a dream of mine to spend more time physically supporting farm sanctuaries. 
And to have my own one day… 💫 
… to rescue animals like the lucky ones you see here, living out their best lives.
Just putting that out there 🌱✨

💪🏽 The work, love and energy the founders have poured into Aloha is incredibly inspiring, but it comes with its challenges… Funding expenses being the main one. 

If you’ve got even $5 to spare, it could make a huge difference in helping save Aloha.

Since I don’t have my own sanctuary (yet!), the least I can do is share, volunteer, and spread the word.

& look back on the cute animal pics from my few days there. 

🐾 Hug a dog today. 
🐾Reconnect with the magic animals bring into this world.
🐾Donate if you can. 
🐾Visit a sanctuary. 
🐾Support the people doing this heart-led work.

🩵🐖🐓🐐
Need a serotonin boost? Hug a dog today. 10/10 re Need a serotonin boost? Hug a dog today. 
10/10 recommend.

PS: dogs can thrive on plant-based diet and it may actually extend their life 🎉 If you have sensitive pups, or don’t feel like feeding other animals to your family animals or want to try a more sustainable dog food for 🌍 try feeding them a vegan option. Check out the studies on @virchewdogs site, and try their starter pack (link in bio). Developed with vegetarians. Feel free to use ‘hookedonplants’ for a discount. 

Zak & Tez just love it. 
Tez actually vibrates with excitement every time. 😆 

#vegandogs #plantbaseddogs #dogfood #vegandogfood#adoptdontshop #rescuedogs #rescuedogsrule
🥞💛 Vegan 3 Ingredient Blender Pancakes—so 🥞💛 Vegan 3 Ingredient Blender Pancakes—so easy, super delish, and protein-packed.✨ 
Just blend, pour, flip, and devour.

3 main ingredients plus a few powders / spices 👌 

👨‍🍳 Ingredients:
✔️ 3 ripe bananas 🍌
✔️ 3 cups oats (GF if needed)
✔️ 1-1.5 cups plant milk (oat, almond, soy… whatever floats your nut milk boat)
✔️ 1 tsp baking powder
✔️ 1 tsp baking soda 
✔️ 1/2 tsp cinnamon
✔️ 1 tsp vanilla extract
✔️ Pinch of salt
Optional:
@complement Daily Greens
@complement Chocolate Protein 
@staywyldorganics Mushroom powders 🍄‍🟫 
Vegan chocolate chips?!

Use ‘hookedonplants’ for a discount on all. 

… beer powder makes these babies nice & pink…! 

🔥 Directions:
1.  Add oats, powders to the blender, and blend to a flour
2. Add milk and bananas, blend until smooth (add a little extra milk if needed & use a tamper to help blend. 
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium and lightly grease with coconut oil or vegan butter.
4. Pour the batter into the pan (small pancakes work best), cook for ~3 mins until bubbles form.
5. Flip, cook another 2 mins, then stack ‘em high!
✔️ TOP IT with maple syrup, nut butter, warm berries, coconut chips, chocolate drizzle… whatever makes your heart happy! 🍓

Save this for your next cozy brunch and tag me if you try it. 
Who’s flippin’ pancakes this weekend?! 💛

👌Freeze & pop in the toaster for a quick Breaki. 
** Can also be used in the waffle iron 🧇 

Are you in team waffle or team pancake?? 
👇Do tell. 

#HookedOnPlantsArchives 
#VeganPancakes #BananaOatPancakes #HealthyBreakfast #PlantBasedEats #WeekendBrunch #EasyVeganRecipes
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