Singer and passionate vegan activist, Mya, has appeared in a recent video discussing veganism for Black news and opinion magazine, The Root.
In the video, titled “Mya’s Secret to Looking Like Mya: Veggies”, the singer discusses what it means to be vegan and weighs up the pros and cons of the lifestyle for viewers.
“Some of the pros of veganism? Let’s start with clarity in the mental space, even spiritual connection with the rest of the world, environmentalism, it takes about 25,000 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef,” Mya explains. “There [are] all these things attached to veganism.”
However, the artist doesn’t hesitate to emphasize that the switch is not easy – at first. “You walk into a world of cluelessness with no actual advice, no handbook,” she says. However, this is where her free online guide comes in.
“It’s a lifestyle, it’s not just about diet, it’s about your home décor, your fashion, what you are driving, what you are wearing, all kinds of things,” Mya explains for The Root.
It’s this big learning curve that intimidates many people and discourages them from giving veganism a go, Mya maintains.
The initial period is difficult, but there is hope, the singer reassures viewers.
“The first three days are absolutely hell!” Mya laughs. “When you’re used to eating the pizza, and the wings, and the pasta, and the cheese! I’m a cheese lover, I used to be.”
“[But] everything that you already are used to and love, there is a vegan version. Or you can veganize your meals, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Mya credits her vegan lifestyle for many things, including her youthful appearance. The 38-year-old Grammy nominated singer, posted in November of last year: “I would definitely recommend [a vegan diet] in every possible way, if you want to see a huge difference in your life, give vegan a try, it’ll grow on you.” She hashtagged the post #fountainofyouth.
