Who am I?
Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it?
I'm so many things bundled into one woman.
Most importantly, I'm a mother. I have two boys and a daughter that keep me very busy.
However, obviously not busy enough since I'm also a financial planner. I'm very passionate about helping individuals and families find success in their financial lives. As a vegan, I know how important it can be to put your values front and center when making investment choices and planning your future. Interested in having a conversation? Feel free to reach out to me at VanCroFinancial.com
As if all of that wasn't enough, I'm the creator of Vegan Family Recipes. Which in October 2023 will have been around for 10 years! I've had lots of ups and downs with this website. First and foremost, I love creating recipes and food photographer. Cooking and photography are my best forms of stress relief.
Now what I'm not so great about, is social media. I will very honestly admit that I'm awful at keeping up with social media. It really just annoys me so I will go through phases where I ignore it to prevent myself from going insane. I've had numerous people tell me they can relate that social media is not healthy for them. So I won't apologize for not being consistent. :)
On top of all of that, I'm also an author! I have plans in the future to come out with another book but time will have to permit for that first. To find out more about my cookbook, check it out here!
How did I become Vegan?
My husband, Max, actually inspired my journey to becoming vegan. I was vegetarian from the time I was 15 and never considered being vegan. I always imagined it to be very difficult and limiting.
After my Husband read Thrive, he was convinced that being vegan would be life-changing. Knowing my husband, who let's put this nicely, isn't a great cook, I knew I was going to have to support this journey.
We decided that we would do a trial month. Before starting, I prepared by borrowing some vegan cookbooks from a friend and stocking up on numerous vitamins and minerals. I was convinced that the vegan diet would destroy my notoriously low iron levels, make me feel groggy, and would not provide my 2-month-old, exclusively breastfed baby with the nutrients he needed.
All I can say is that I was very wrong, and writing this I'm almost ashamed of how little faith and knowledge I had of veganism at the time.
After the first week, I had more energy than before and I saw no reason to go back to including dairy in my diet. I didn't even feel the need for the "cheat day" Max and I had decided on before starting.
After a few weeks, at my son's check-up, my pediatrician laughed and asked what I was feeding our son. He had gained over 3lbs in 4 weeks and was one "chunky monkey".
I never looked back since and that was 9 years ago.
How do I approach veganism with my family?
After our trial month, Max found it a bit more challenging and he continues to eat "non-vegan" foods several times a week.
We both don't feel that we should restrict our children's food choices but instead choose to educate them on their food. One of my favorite vegan children's books is That's why we don't eat animals.
This book is a lovey-dovey book on animals growing up happy on a farm but explains why don't choose to eat animals, use them for entertainment or clothing, etc.
My children occasionally do choose to have pepperoni on their pizza or will order a grilled cheese but they are fully aware that those products came from an animal.
As they get older, I make sure to keep them engaged in the kitchen. Letting them cook, bake, cut, slice, and peel all the different vegetables and fruits this earth offers. This in turn will hopefully turn them into more mindful eaters and give them the skill set to prepare delicious-tasting vegan meals.
I realize each and every family needs to make their own decisions on how to raise their children. This is only what has worked for us, and it isn't right or wrong. I'd love to hear in the comments below what your approach is!
If you want to get in touch with me, please use the contact form!
I try to keep up as much as I can with social media. I'm most active on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
