Ashley is a yogini and traveller that is from Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, but her remote job allows her to spend months at a time in places like Costa Rica and Thailand. She shares tips about her lifestyle via her youtube channel, touching on topics such as travelling solo, natural beauty ideas, and how to navigate a vegan diet. Read on for her reasons for going vegan, some ways for you to do it too, and her top documentaries to get inspired.
What do you do (work/passion):
I work for a vegan subscription box company called Goddess Provisions. I run their customer service online, as well as taking care of their social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, online courses). I’m also about to begin my course to become a yoga instructor!
Where in the world are you right now?
I am currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand, getting ready to leave for Koh Phangan for my yoga teacher training.
Today I ate…
Fresh pineapple juice, PB&J, tons of fruit, a few bowls of delicious Thai soup, split Pad See Ew and Pad Thai, and a hazelnut Cliff Bar.
What inspired you to go vegan?
I stopped eating meat (except fish) for my health, then as I did more research, I completely cut out fish for environmental reasons. Finally, I went vegan for ethical reasons a couple months later. I just realized that we are causing so much harm, and to me, the meaning of living a healthy, ethical lifestyle includes being as compassionate to the creatures we share this planet with as possible.
Any tips for others who would like to go vegan?
Do your research and experiment! I found that when I took it slow, and started removing items one by one (instead of jumping right into it) and replacing those products with a vegan option, it was significantly easier to make the transition. I also recommend getting familiar with the reasons why people go vegan, as it will motivate you to stay on track. Definitely check out [the films] Dominion, The Cove, & Earthlings to see the ethical side of veganism, What the Health and Forks Over Knives for health, and Cowspiracy, Before the Flood or just any animal/nature related documentary for environmental reasons.
I feel the healthiest when…
I start my day with fresh fruit and yoga, along with a goodnight sleep, and putting in effort to do things that allow me to express my creativity.
Moderation with eating. Do you practice it?
Yes! Lately I’ve been learning to be more mindful when I eat. If I feel like I’m about to be full, I stop and pack my food up. I try not to overdo it because I know that I’m fortunate enough to have food regularly available to me. I feel I tend to overindulge just because we want to finish what’s on our plate, or I think I’ll never get a chance to eat this meal again, or I’m just plain bored etc., but now I focus on eating until I’m satisfied and saving the rest for when I’m hungry again.
Favourite snack:
Dried mangoes
Unique or funny food combos you like to eat:
Peanut butter and dates
Favourite places to eat:
Anywhere vegan— there’s this vegan spot in Chiang Mai that I’ve already visited multiple times this week called Goodsouls Kitchen. Their food is incredible
Go-to meal:
Currently, pad thai & fruit.
I’d like to do an eating tour of…
All the top veg restaurants around the world. Or of the most delicious exotic fruits.
Do you have any tips for being vegan while travelling?
Plan ahead, pack snacks + energy bars (things that don’t perish are very helpful), scout out grocery stores in your areas, Happy Cow app, and when booking long flights make sure you note that you’re vegan for the meals, or pack food with you.
Cooking or takeout?
I prefer cooking, but I haven’t had a kitchen for a while since I’m traveling, so takeout has been very helpful.
Fruit or veggies?
Fruit!
Salty or sweet?
Both! Depends on how I’m feeling.
How does food make you feel happy?
I love trying new foods, cooking, eating, experimenting with different flavours. I’ve become a lot more adventurous with recipes and the foods that I’ve tried since going vegan, and it makes me happy that there is still so much out there waiting to be tasted.
Best food advice:
Be open-minded. Don’t write certain foods off just because it’s new to you. Who knows, it may end up being your new favourite dish!
