The Happy Cowmunity boasts over 540 city ambassadors around the world! From Dubai to Sydney and everywhere in between, our stellar HappyCow ambassadors know the best vegan eats in town. This month, we’re spotlighting Tonya Kay from Los Angeles, California. The professional dancer, actress, and filmmaker travels extensively for work, so we sat down with her to glean all we can about how to travel and eat well as a vegan on the road.
28 Years Vegan
Kay recently celebrated her 28th veganversary, and she couldn’t be more excited to see what the next 28 years of plant-based eating will bring. The entertainer adopted the vegan diet while on tour with the legendary musician, Kenny Rogers. She had her foot in the door already—she’d been a vegetarian for 10 years and was acutely conscious of what was actually in food. One night, tired but unable to sleep, the tour bus pulled over and all she could find to eat was packaged, processed food. Sleep-deprived and hangry, she decided to go vegan on the spot “as an FU to The System for allowing entire stores to be filled with consciousness-altering and physically-altering control agents instead of real food.” Of course, she eventually got some sleep and food in her, but her resolve remained, and she’s been resolutely vegan ever since.
In a sense, Kay went vegan overnight, but it also took her 10 years to make the leap from vegetarian to vegan. To all the vegetarians out there, Kay offered up some grace: “I really do honor and reach a hand down to the vegetarians. Safe transitions can take a decade or a day depending on the individual.”
Veganism and Performance
“Work is a kinder place because of the spiritual growth veganism has nurtured in me,” Kay explained. First and foremost, it allowed her to get more in tune with her feelings—a connection that improves her performance on stage and her interactions with others on set. Kay particularly enjoys working with other vegans. Not only is there a common thread to bond over, she wholeheartedly believes that the more vegans, the better the afterparty! In regards to physical performance benefits, Kay remarked, “My professional dance career reflects more consistent energy, a youthful appearance into my mature dancing years, my muscles are strong, and it’s easy to stay lean.” Energy, power, and eternal youth? Who wouldn’t go vegan after hearing that!
Vegan Travel
Naturally, Kay highly recommends that the first thing to do when traveling as a vegan is to download the HappyCow app. “The HappyCow app has been with me every step of the way to make sure I am eating the best food and I’m meeting the coolest people,” she raved. And she’s been everywhere, not just in the United States, but Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. She also offered up a bit of cautionary advice, particularly for those who prefer to adhere to a whole food, plant-based diet: “Don’t plan on every little destination to have really anything for you, especially if you care about being healthy and feeling good. Prepare by bringing your snacks and food basics with you.” Whether you find an exceptional vegan spot in a tiny town or end up making a meal out of hummus, marinated tofu, and raw vegetables, Kay encourages everyone to meet as many people as they can. Afterall, veganism isn’t just about the food but the wonderful people who make up this movement. Oh, and bring your own reusable water bottle and cutlery, because the planet deserves respect, too!
