Awesome Black Vegan – Viola Muwanga

Viola Muwanga

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Uganda, but was raised in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. I live in Port Elizabeth at the moment.

When did you become vegan and why?
I became vegan around May 2014. I had become very sick. I was under weight, weighing 45kg, anemic, severe pms, skin issues. I was tired all the time, very exhausted. I used to take the day off from work just to sleep. I got tired of going to the doctor all the time and getting sick, so I decided to read about healthier alternatives. I read a lot about other people’s experiences, about eliminating meat and dairy and how their issues disappeared. So I took a 2month break from meat and dairy, and it worked. A few weeks later I read that it’s called being vegan. I’ve never looked back.

How has life changed since you became vegan?
I’m more positive about life. I feel more peaceful.
Skin is clearer, no headaches, cramps, I’ve put on healthy weight (this shocked me). I now notice different fruits and veggies that I never knew existed. I get excited about creating tasty dishes. I never used to cook. Now I make beautiful dishes from scratch. Simplicity, yet nutritious.My mother now also loves the juices and smoothies I make for her. She now eats more fruits every day just by watching my results.

What challenges do you face as a vegan and how do you overcome them?
Constantly being told I need meat to have a balanced diet, or that it’s for white people. I usually just tell my story, my experience. I got healthier once I became vegan. Being vegan is very much African. The African continent has so much variety of plants, fruits, vegetables,herbs. Our ancestors consumed these types of foods and they were very healthy, strong and more in tune with their environment. How are we doing today?

What do you enjoy most about being vegan?
I love the colours, the different flavours of fruits and veggies, the different dishes. Most of all, just the way I feel being vegan, feeling alive and peaceful. Also not getting sick all the time. I enjoy talking about herbs, fruits, veggies, my experience, ageing, health all because of being vegan.

What do you see in the future for veganism in Africa?
I see us going back to our roots and learning and preserving our indigenous foods. It will definitely grow. We have so much variety of plants on the continent. Our solution for a healthy body and mind lies with our roots. Veganism is about life and we should be thinking about future generations, how it will affect them.

What’s your favourite meal/food?
I absolutely love my smoothies. Adding different fruits, so many minerals, nutrients, in one smoothie, one meal.Quick and easy on the go. I also enjoy making cucumber noodles with spicy avocado sauce. I eat a lot of raw meals.

Where can people reach you on the networks?
Instagram: @viola_muwanga

Anything else you would like to say?
Start incorporating more fruits and veggies daily. And see the results for yourself. Eat a fruit a day if you haven’t been doing so. I get asked about my age a lot. Go vegan 😉 Anti-ageing secrets.