From Nourish to Flourish: A Local Look at Veganism
From power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z to celebrities like Natalie Portman, Venus Williams, Jessica Chastain, and Joaquin Phoenix, we’ve all heard about and witnessed the many benefits of a vegan diet. Not only popularized by celebrities, many grocery stores and restaurants are offering plant-based options, and it seems to be sticking. Almost mainstream, I caught up with recent convert couple, Drs. Jack and Clare Carney, to see what it’s like to walk away from gumbo and brisket.
By Hayley Hill Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, 251.689.7427
I can easily laugh about my attempt to become a vegan. I lasted 2 days. Obviously, I did it on a whim and did not put in the effort before going all in. Once faced with no extra time for shopping and chopping, I was a quick quitter. But having been a vegetarian for 6 six years long ago, I understand the value. And while I’ll hold off until I have a private chef to revisit this endeavor, I applaud all those trying, and I’m interested in their journeys.
For starters, a vegan diet includes only plant foods—fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds. People who follow a vegan diet don’t eat any animal foods, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Only about 4% of Americans follow a vegan diet. Some do it to improve their health as research shows a plant-based diet can lower the risk of certain diseases. Others stay away from meat because they don’t want to harm animals or because they want to protect the environment.
Regardless, going vegan presents a few challenges, too. Luckily, we all have access to endless social media vegan posts and the world wide web that can help guide us. However, hearing about it from a local family piqued my interest as living in the South can present unique challenges as the almighty chicken finger and BBQ reign supreme and are part of our identity.
With very full plates, Mobile based Drs. Jack and Clare Carney are not only married, but they also have two teenage sons they introduced to veganism a few months back. Never fearing change, they also merged medical practices not long ago as well. Jack, a Ph.D. Psychologist, provides psychological evaluations and consultations, forensic services related to child custody, parenting capacity, disability, pre-employment, personal injury, and criminal evaluations. Clare is a top-notch general practitioner that provides healthcare with a focus on whole being wellness and preventative measures such as weight loss and a slew of aesthetic services to help patients look and feel their best.
Wondering if Clare’s discipline can be attributed to her experience in the military or if they have superpowers, I’m thrilled to share my question-and-answer session with this dynamic duo.
Q: Hayley: Let’s start simple. How did you both start your vegan journey?
A: Dr. Clare Carney: It started with Jack, actually. He lost a bet and had to go vegan for a month. I joined in solidarity, and here we are, exploring plant-based cooking. Also, as a healthcare provider I’m very aware that a vegan diet offers several benefits from losing excess weight and lowering the risk of diabetes to improving kidney function and lowering blood sugar levels, among others.
Q. Hayley: Who did he lose the bet to?
A. Dr. Clare Carney: Me! He swore he could spot, or rather taste, vegan food, and said he would never do it. I tricked him with a vegan dish, and he even went back for seconds. I knew I had won!
Dr. Jack Carney: I can neither confirm nor deny her assertions. She was cooking eggs, or I thought she was cooking eggs! It turns out they were “JUST Eggs,” a plant-based alternative to conventionally produced egg products.
Q. Hayley: Moving on, Jack, any memorable moments in your vegan journey that stick out to you?
A. Dr. Jack Carney: Oh, there’s a story I love to share. It’s about the time Clare fooled me and the boys with spaghetti and meatballs as they are a sacred meal in our house, given my partial Sicilian Heritage. So, when Clare served it up one night, we all dived in without a second thought. It wasn’t until we were almost finished that Clare revealed she’d used Impossible brand meatballs. And you know what? We hadn’t noticed. We were asking for seconds.
Dr. Clare Carney: It was the perfect crime. And let’s not forget the LeGrange vegan butter on the bread. It’s amazing how little swaps can make a big difference, not just for our health but for the planet too.
Dr. Jack Carney: True, and speaking of making a difference, Clare made this edamame salad packed with protein. We ate that salad for a week, it was like Jesus had blessed it and it would not stop multiplying. I swear. But I’ve never felt stronger in the gym and my run times have even improved.
Q. Hayley: That’s incredible. It sounds like these plant-based swaps are really paying off for you both.
A. Dr. Jack Carney: Absolutely. Who knew that sneaky spaghetti night and her Just Eggs in the morning would lead to such a revelation? And that salad, it’s become a staple for us and is proof that with the right ingredients, you can power through anything.
Dr. Clare Carney: It’s all about getting creative and not being afraid to experiment. Plus, seeing Jack and the boys enjoy these meals without missing a beat is the best reward. The family cholesterol profile is balanced and there is emotional harmony at the kitchen table.
Q. Hayley: So, what’s been your biggest challenge in cooking vegan?
A. Dr. Jack Carney: Cheese, without a doubt. I grew up thinking cheese was its own food group. Finding a good vegan cheese that melts and stretches like the real deal has been our holy grail. We’ve been surprised with the variety out there, like the brands Miyoko’s and Violife.
Q. Hayley: What’s one of the unexpected joys of vegan cooking for you both?
A. Dr. Clare Carney: The creativity for me. You really start to appreciate the flavors and textures of vegetables and grains. Plus, making a vegan version of traditional dishes feels like winning a culinary gold medal.
Dr. Jack Carney: And the desserts! Clare makes this vegan chocolate cake that’s so good, it’s caused arguments at family gatherings over the last slice.
Q. Hayley: I love that! It sounds like you both have really embraced the fun and challenges of vegan cooking. Any tips for those thinking about making the switch?
A. Dr. Clare Carney: Start slow. Don’t try to veganize your entire kitchen in one day. Find a few recipes you like and build from there. And invest in a good blender. You’ll thank us later. And don’t be too hard on yourself. There will be mishaps, like when Jack has tried to cook — we don’t talk about that. It’s all part of the journey. Stir-fries are our go-to. You can throw in whatever veggies you have, some tofu or tempeh, a good sauce, and you’re set.
Dr. Jack Carney: And tacos. Anything can go in a taco. We have them often, and it’s always a mix-and-match affair. Clare’s mango salsa is a game changer.
Q. Hayley: It’s clear you both have found some amazing ways to incorporate protein into your vegan diet. Clare, your unique background as both a chemist and an internist must give you a special edge in the kitchen, especially when it comes to making healthy foods taste incredible. How does that play into your cooking?
A. Dr. Clare Carney: Having a foot in both worlds allows me to approach cooking with a bit of a scientific lens. I love diving into the chemistry of flavors and nutrition, ensuring that what we eat is not just good for our bodies but also delights our taste buds. I’ve recently become a bit of a TikTok recipe detective and a fan of the cookbook Meals that Heal. I love finding recipes that might not initially be vegan or even all that healthy and then tweaking them. It’s like translating them into a language of wellness without losing the plot of flavor.
Dr. Jack Carney: She’s being modest.
Q. Hayley: Truth time, do you cheat? And, what are some of the top considerations you advise people to address regarding a vegan diet?
A. Dr. Clare Carney: We are not perfect, and we do cheat on occasion, but life is about finding balance and a healthy medium. Jack is still hanging onto cow’s milk. But, keep in mind, embracing a vegan lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. However, it’s essential to recognize the intricate balance required in a vegan diet to avoid potential deficiencies in micro- and macronutrients. Be sure to consult your personal doctor before undergoing dietary change. It’s crucial to ensure that nutritional needs are met without compromising health.
A. Dr. Jack Carney: It’s all about flexibility especially when it comes to eating out. Many restaurants publish their menus online so you can scout ahead and even Door Dash allows you the option of deleting unwanted ingredients. We love the local Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern restaurants as they offer many vegan options that are full of flavor. Delivered pre-prepped vegan meal options can be a lifesaver, too. And yes, I’m good with a cheat meal on occasion!
Q. Hayley: Any final thoughts?
A. Dr. Clare Carney: It’s been a pleasure to share our kitchen experiments and successes and the true key to being able to comply with a vegan diet is to choose foods high in protein and to meal prep.
Dr. Jack Carney: It’s important to remember that cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. And with a little science and a lot of love, anything is possible. I’m down ten pounds, have more muscle and I get to enjoy eating more rather than being restrictive. It’s a win-win!
