Meet Bernadette, the sweetest Yogi around. When she's not on the mat, you'll find her indulging in treats at her favourite local vegan cafe - To Live For. She's especially passionate about supporting the community while her mission is to share everything she's learned and show you how to access the heightened awareness that is already within you. Bernadette's belief in the power of the plant-based diet to heal led her to become vegan initially for health. Her purpose then evolved to doing it for the animals, and then for the planet.
Her mantra: Where Movement Meets Mindfulness.
Let's get to know more about this Vegan Filipino Canadian Nutritionist, Yoga Therapist and Yoga Educator <3
Q: When did you first go Vegan?
A: In the Spring of 2019
Q: What happened, what was the reason you chose to go Vegan?
A: I was already a vegetarian - since 2011. I chose to be one for health.
In 2019 I was in school for Holistic Nutrition. You learn where your food comes from, what food for you, etc. Also, my closest classmate at that time was already vegan - definitely and advocate for the animals and the planet. With everything I learned, plus her influence, plus I was ready, I made the switch! Eggs and cheese were the remained animal products I consumed. The switch was not that hard by then.
In 2019 I was in school for Holistic Nutrition. You learn where your food comes from, what food for you, etc. Also, my closest classmate at that time was already vegan - definitely and advocate for the animals and the planet. With everything I learned, plus her influence, plus I was ready, I made the switch! Eggs and cheese were the remained animal products I consumed. The switch was not that hard by then.
Q: Did you go Vegan by yourself or did you know others?
Q: How did you feel when you made the decision to go Vegan?
A: I felt empowered. I knew it was time and it was the right decision. I was excited to learn more, especially among vegan dishes coz I love to cook! Being a nutritionist, it was really the perfect time! And I was also very excited to be an advocate! BUT I also felt lonely and frustrated. My husband and son aren’t. The Filipino community I am part of aren’t - I’m the only vegan. My relatives aren’t. My friends aren’t. So it was very challenging and sometimes I would cry coz I felt lonely and just really frustrated. I can now navigate better, I celebrate the wins. Our home is vegan - I cook so they eat what I make. They do eat animal products outside :( I wish I can force them but I can’t.
Q: What 3 words best describe how you felt?
A: Empowered. Aligned. Passionate.
Q: What was the hardest food for you to 'give up'?
A: Eggs and cheese!
What was or has been the most challenging part?
A: Moving here in Vancouver made it easier than being in the Philippines. Being vegetarian in the Philippines was already hard enough so I never thought I would be vegan. Moved here in 2016 and so surprised that there so many options. So the hardest was probably being the only one in gatherings especially in the Filipino community as well as seeing my family eat animal products still.
Q: What do you find the most challenging about being around non vegan people?
A: Them thinking that “I can’t eat” certain things or “I am not allowed” and not understanding that it’s a choice I made. When family chooses meat even when there is a plant-based option. When you show evidence of why going vegan is good for health, animals and the planet but still chooses cruelty. And when people think that I am “deprived” coz I have limited options as a vegan. When they say they love animals but…
A: Them thinking that “I can’t eat” certain things or “I am not allowed” and not understanding that it’s a choice I made. When family chooses meat even when there is a plant-based option. When you show evidence of why going vegan is good for health, animals and the planet but still chooses cruelty. And when people think that I am “deprived” coz I have limited options as a vegan. When they say they love animals but…
Q: What would you say has changed the most in terms of Veganism over the course of your journey?
A: The options we have - there’s a lot and more! The creativity in making dishes - humble plants become delicious mains like cauliflower and mushrooms… so many ready to eat/packaged products too! I love also that it has reached different industries like fashion - becoming more mainstream. I would like to say that because of social media, activists can be seen more, can educate more. So many avenues to advocate and get the message across.
Q: What's it like being Vegan in Vancouver?
A: It’s amazing to be vegan here! I am so lucky, blessed and privileged! There are so many options, most restaurants have plant-based options, and quite a few purely vegan cafes! We have To Live For! The community here is amazing, yay!
Q: What's your favourite food or what do you eat the most, at least 3+ times a week?
A: Tofu!!! Dishes with mushroom, banana, vegan treats including pastries 😁
A: Tofu!!! Dishes with mushroom, banana, vegan treats including pastries 😁
Q: What's the most vegan friend place you've ever visited?
A: Vietnam, Manhattan, Bali
A: Affordable vegan leather? Jackets/puffers - so many still opt for animal feather filled puffs
Q: Can you share 3-5 of your favourite Vegan Brands or Products?
A: Shoes - Voes & Co; Food - To Live For, Whisk/Level V, Meet, Kula
Q: What was the funniest thing that someone has said about being Vegan?
A: Not necessary funny - we just eat salads ;(
Q: As a Fierce female, what do you consider to be your #1 Super Power?
A: Being in touch with my emotions, self-awareness, my ability to be flexible and firm at the same time.
Q: What's your go to Vegan thing that you share?
A: If it’s nutrition - I recommend Fiber Fueled, Plant Proof and How Not To Die;
For fool proof easy recipes - Nora Cooks, It Doesn’t taste like chicken;
Treats - To Live For;
Activists - Ed Winters, Joey Carbstrong;
Ready to eat that I know omnivores will enjoy - Impossible, Beyond Meat, Gardein
A: If it’s nutrition - I recommend Fiber Fueled, Plant Proof and How Not To Die;
For fool proof easy recipes - Nora Cooks, It Doesn’t taste like chicken;
Treats - To Live For;
Activists - Ed Winters, Joey Carbstrong;
Ready to eat that I know omnivores will enjoy - Impossible, Beyond Meat, Gardein
A: For The Planet
Final Thoughts
Choosing to be vegan is most powerful thing I have done coz I know it’s not just for me. While it can be challenging, it is aligned to my values - as a Christian and as a yogi. Ahimsa - non harming, a principle, a teaching that seems so easy but can have a great impact to how we view the world and how we act in it.
Follow Bernadette at @byogawellness and join her on her upcoming Yoga Teacher Training in The Philippines!
https://byogawellness.com/about
https://byogawellness.com/about
