Vegetarian Star

Kathy Freston has a two-part interview series with NPR on veganism, farming and healthier eating.

In part one of her chat with host Renee Montagne, Freston explains how she easily makes vegan versions of the favorite foods she grew up eating.

‘I grew up in Doraville, Georgia and I ate barbecued ribs and chicken fried steak, and all kinds of cheesy grits, you know, and I never even thought twice about it,’ Freston said. ‘I think that food ties us to our community and our traditions, and it’s the thing that makes us feel good and connected. So I wouldn’t want to eat in any way that made me feel like I was missing out on something.”

‘You know, it’s funny because I love the things that I grew up eating. And so, I’d stick with that stuff. For instance, at my house, once a week we have Mexican food. So instead of a chicken burrito, I will have a black bean burrito. And I still have it with guacamole and salsa and rice, and there’s nondairy sour cream that I can have if I want that. I have chili, so I make it with non-meat crumbles, the kind that you can get in your grocer’s freezer.”

And while whole grains like quinoa, beans, fruits and vegetables are the stereotypical healthier vegan dishes, Freston is not afraid of the numerous faux meat substitutes on the market and recommends anyone looking for the “meatier” experience to try them.

Hear the interview and read the transcript at NPR.

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