Early in 2012 I started reaching out to vegan friends on twitter to ask them to share their testimonials. My hope was that by getting vegans to share their stories we could educate and inspire others and give people first hand accounts to replace perceptions or stereotypes. I’m incredibly grateful to those that have participated. Their stories speak for themselves! If you enjoy the series please let us know!

Jamessina Hille

The body is the best damn machine one will ever encounter. It is also the only lasting thing with you for the time you are here on this earth. That is why I am vegan. To ensure that this physical self I use during my journey is the strongest, most thoughtful, most compassionate, most inspiring self it could possibly be.

I am the mother to two of the most incredible little people I have ever met. Two bright eyed, brilliant, funny people. They inspire me each and every day- instilling a burning desire to be a shining example.  It is my responsibility to raise them with a respect for all life – the lives of others as well as themselves – and this will be a foundation upon which they can make educated and thoughtful decisions later on.

I am married to a creative, handsome man whose positive and charming personality is infectious. On January 1, 2011, he made the decision to go vegan. This followed my decision two and a half years earlier. I had toyed with veganism back and forth, until learning I was pregnant with my second child and hearing Skinny Bitch on CD during a drive from Long Island to Boston. During that four-hour drive in 2008, my world shifted and I embarked on my vegan journey.

My choice to go vegan is a well-rounded one. I am not a ‘finger shaking vegan’, rather one who believes that inspiring others through your own actions is much more powerful and productive. Not any one of us will ever be the ‘perfect vegan’, especially not in the eyes of others. What really matters is if each of us acts on behalf of our best self, and my goal each and every day is to do just that.

Seven months ago, I joined a Crossfit box in Levittown, NY. I have tested my smaller frame to deadlifts, clean and jerks, pull-ups, chin-ups, box jumps or six rounds of grueling exercises, depending on the workout of the day. I have watched my body morph into a stronger and fitter version of myself, and I have changed my perception of the female body and its capabilities. I do Crossfit as the only vegan in my box, and you know what? Another crossfitter gave up sugar and dairy after a long, thoughtful discussion during warm-ups one autumn afternoon. He lost weight and feels incredible. Now he’s sharing recipes with me!

My vegan journey has been documented on Part Time Vegan. I started blogging after the birth of my second child to inspire others to incorporate vegan choices into their everyday lives. Not everyone is ready to jump in, but that toe in the water is sometimes just enough of a push.

Six years ago my last meal on earth would’ve been a steak from Peter Luger’s Steakhouse. Now, it’s my husband’s ‘street vendor enchiladas’ made with all veggies and red chiles. I am vegan, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Jamessina - Stronger Than Ever

Be sure to follow Jamessina on twitter @jamessina and let her know what you thought of her testimonial! And follow her blog, Part Time Vegan, as well!  

If you’re feeling inspired and want to submit your own vegan testimonial please read this post. You can also read the interview Kasey Minnis (@veggiemightee) did with me about this project on This Dish is Veg.