January / February 2018
15
Now , let ’ s dig in to this interview !
DZ : Mayah , what is your professional background ?
MM : I am an Intellectual Property Specialist for a major law firm here in the City of Atlanta . I ’ ve been in this field for the past fifteen years . After undergrad , I went to Law School for one year and then moved to Los Angeles where I decided on this path for my professional career . I love the work . It brings out my own creativity helping so many others protect their passions and visions . It has also served me quite well as I have embarked upon the path of creating my own brand , Viva City Vegan Kitchen .
DZ : Were you trained formally in the culinary arts or has cooking always been a passion of yours ?
MM : I was trained at the Los Angeles Culinary Institute . Cooking has always been innate and my passion . However , I didn ’ t go to school to learn to cook as much as I did to learn cooking essentials , technique , dicing , and the ins and outs of the restaurant industry from a chef ’ s perspective .
DZ : How long have you been vegan ? MM :: Only for the past five years .
DZ : Was it an immediate change of lifestyle or gradual ?
MM : Definitely gradual . I have never been a fan of red meat , so that wasn ’ t my challenge . Weaning myself off of chicken , salmon and cheese was another story .
DZ : So , what actually influenced your decision to become vegan ?
MM : I researched the lifestyle and made slow changes for years before I actually took the plunge . I started my brand to help those who like me truly need the support of someone who can educate and assist them with meal planning and exploring the many options for vegan dishes . Contrary to popular belief , we don ’ t eat grass ( lol ). What really helped me to close the deal was when I met my husband . He had been strict vegan for twenty-five years and really opened my
eyes to the health benefits , the herbs , and great recipes .
DZ : What are some of the most tangible benefits of being vegan ?
MM : For me personally there have been quite a few . For one , my body changed physically in a matter of months . I was very pleased with the results . Working out helps , but I ’ ve worked out without my vegan diet and the results were very different . Also , I have suffered from allergies most of my life and when I moved to Atlanta they got worst , so much so that I had sinus surgery to help me cope . When I changed my diet , my allergies subsided . I really wish I had made the change prior to having surgery . I ’ m serious , when I removed fish and dairy from my diet , my body began to heal itself , naturally . Another great benefit for me is the clarity I have when I meditate and pray . I feel more centered and focused and overall healthy . Sharper if you will . I will never go back . Lol .
DZ : I have the benefit of knowing that growing up you were a chronic snacker . How do you control your urges to binge as a vegan ? Or do you still have them ?
MM : Oh , I am still a chronic snacker . Lol . You ’ d be surprised how many options there are in the market for healthy , vegan snacks that taste great too . There are strict raw vegans and then there are junk food vegans . I fall in the latter of e the two categories . I make amazing vegan fudge brownies . You would be pleasantly surprised by the taste .
DZ : Okay , honestly , do you feel deprived at major holiday feasts or at the family cookouts ?
MM : No , my love , not at all . Lol . I recreate vegan versions of dishes that are delicious . I still make sweet potato pies , collard greens . I use mushrooms for meat substitute and then you can use liquid smoke for flavor and a myriad of herbs to season the dishes . I am not lacking at all . Believe me . Anytime you move from a meat diet to a plant diet , you have to prepare yourself for the difference in taste , but , once you adjust , it becomes your norm . I think about all of the years I spent researching the topic and now I can ’ t imagine why I didn ’ t switch sooner .
DZ : Okay , if you say so . Lol . I believe you . Seriously , I have witnessed this first hand and it has gotten my attention . Is your entire household vegan ?
MM : Yes , we are .
DZ : What advice do you have for couples or families who are part vegan ? Especially when it comes to preparing family meals for meat eaters .
MM : Make what you would for your family , just healthier . Incorporate your vegan prepared veggies with their main course . They will be pleasantly surprised by the taste . It ’ s the lack of education