Proud to be a Skinny Bitch. "Rory and Kim created a new identity for the vegan girls out there. We didn't have to be "health-obsessed-crazy-vegans". We could now be skinny bitches." -Kathy
Rory Freedman is the co-author of the best-selling book Skinny Bitch. If you haven't read it cover to cover (preferably in one sitting, because you won't be able to put it down) I suggest you get your pretty paws on a copy ASAP. With a touch of tough-love, Skinny Bitch teaches you how to "stop eating crap and start looking fabulous". Rory and Kim (the dynamic co-author duo) started out their journey simply as two strong "Veggie Girl Power" women with a message, and suddenly everyone was listening.
Animal Advocate/Vegan Superstar. During the Skinny Bitch explosion, Rory quickly grew to become a veggie celeb A-lister, famous for her passionate love of animals and tell-it-like-it-is communication style - bold and honest, with a halo of obvious charm and grace. Rory is a dedicated and inspiring animal rights advocate who networks her bum off to get the word out on animal causes both big and small - from an abused shelter puppy to a Farm Sanctuary fundraising event. It's safe to say that Rory has the power of the people in her hands. Whenever I'm feeling a little "out of the veggie loop" I simply click on Rory's Facebook page and get scoop galore. Plus, her tireless efforts always inspire me.
Read Rory's kick-a** (sorry I had to, it was the Skinny Bitch in me) "Veggie Girl Power" interview...
My Skinny Bitch Story. I picked up my copy of Skinny Bitch back in 2005, by pure accident. I liked the title, brief description and the fun cover. As I began reading the book, I quickly realized that OMG, this book is promoting a vegan lifestyle-something I had only recently decided to embrace full-force. Though I was already a long-time vegetarian. My reaction: Wow. When I read this girl-power, butt-kicking, truth be told book - I was pretty much floored into vegan bliss. There I was, sun-tanning with my casual read book, and I could not put it down. I remember turning to a friend and saying, "Oh my God! You have to read this book!" (And I was only on page 15). By page 15, Rory and Kim had already laugh-out-loud brilliantly nailed smoking, drinking, coffee, soda and caffeine to the wall. Loved it. Skinny Bitch will change your relationship with food and your own body. Don't call this a 'diet book', it's a lifestyle reality check, with some serious "Veggie Girlfriend Power" built in. It felt as though Rory and Kim were laying in the sun with me, chattering away. I was all ears. I think I got a really bad sunburn that day...
Veg*n: a 4-letter word. I don't know how I got through my teenage veggie years before the Skinny Bitch empire changed the world. Before Skinny Bitch, most vegan girls out there were clumped into some sort of identity described as 'crazy, health-obsessed, granola-heads, Birkenstock-wearing, wheat grass chugging, tree-hugging, overkill-vegetarians'. It certainly wasn't 'cool' to be vegan. (Or at least in my experience.) Skinny Bitch changed that. Rory and Kim created a new identity for the vegan girls out there. We didn't have to be "health-obsessed-crazy-vegans". We could now be skinny bitches.
Read the Book. I've posted this before, but it's important to repeat. I often get asked: "I'm just starting to explore veganism and wellness in general, what books should I read?" My answer is always the same: You must read Marilu Henner's Total Health Makeover, Rory Freedman's Skinny Bitch and read Rebecca Wood's The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia ~ cover to cover. Then we can talk recipe books from there... See my entire list of books that I own and love here.
And now onto Rory's interview....
About The "Veggie Girl Power" Interview. This series celebrates female trailblazers who inspire us! Featured Ladies were chosen for their unstoppable "Veggie Girl Power", aka a female with experience, wisdom, creativity, skills, heart, worldliness, passion, grace, drive, dedication and personality! Each question is 'filed' under one of these VGP characteristics.
Each featured lady was chosen for her significant contribution towards making this world a more beautifully vegan-friendly place.
Q1. Name and 'title'.
Rory Freedman, Skinny Bitch.
(Kathy Adds...Best Selling Author, Animal Advocate, Vegan Superstar.)
Q2. DRIVE: Yawn, sunrise, what is the first food/drink you reach for to start your "Veggie Girl Power" day?
Rory: Water first. Gotta get that first glass in to set the tone for a day of hydrating. Then a smoothie with banana, berries, hempseed milk, and ground flax seeds.
Q3. HEART: As a "Veggie Girl Power" trailblazer you inspire so many girls/women, who or what was your inspiration at the start of your journey to today?
Rory: Compassion for animals and the desire to help them is what compelled me to write Skinny Bitch. I believed (and still do) that if people were aware of what they were contributing to every time they ate meat, they’d be motivated to change. And in changing their diet to one that is cruelty-free, they’d be ensuring their own health and vitality, as well as the planet’s.
Q4. EXPERIENCE: When people ask you why you 'went VEG' what is your usual answer?
Rory: I always called myself an “animal lover” but ate eat meat at every single meal. When I learned that animals were confined, tortured, and slaughtered, just because I liked how they tasted—I went vegetarian in that instant. There was no way any living, feeling being was going to be tortured and slaughtered because of me.
Q5. WORLDLINESS: Celebration dinner out, where do you go?
Rory: In LA, Madeline Bistro, for sure. In NY, Candle 79 or Blossom.
Q6. CREATIVITY: "You can judge a veggie girl by her beverage"...what are your favorite juice/smoothie recipes?
Rory: When I do juice fasts, I get creative. But my go-to-girl is cucumber, celery, parsley, apple, lime, and ginger.
Q7. DEDICATION: Are there any foods or food brands that you simply couldn't live without?
Rory: Daiya cheese is the latest and greatest. Allison’s Gourmet, Vegan Treats, and Sticky Fingers have all officially ruined my life. And as boring as it sounds, I’m a whole foods girl: fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, daily.
Q8. WISDOM: What is a favorite life tip or quote of wisdom that you have shared with the world?
Rory: Go vegan. Seriously. It will change your life in the most profound, indescribable, unexpected ways.
And listen for your inner passion. When you discover what it is, go for it unabashedly.
Q9. SKILLS: And equally important, what is one of your yummiest recipes you have shared with the world?
Rory: I will be the first to admit I am a shitty-ass cook, so thankfully, my publisher hired a recipe developer to help with Skinny Bitch in the Kitch. I’ve gotta say, the mac ‘n cheese recipe from Kitch is the best I’ve ever had.
Q10. PASSION: What is the one message that you try to project to your fans and those you inspire?
Rory: Relating to animals: spread the veg message as far and wide as you personally can. It’s up to each one of us to change the world.
Relating to us as individuals: You can do and be and have anything you want. So figure out what it is you were put on this earth to do and go for it.
Q11. PERSONALITY: Who would you award the "Veggie Girl Power" label to? And what have you learned from them?
Rory: Ingrid Newkirk. It was a PETA mag that changed my life in the blink of an eye and got me to go veg, so I owe that first immeasurable step to her and everyone at PETA. Additionally, I am continually inspired by Ingrid’s fearlessness and tirelessness in fighting for the rights of animals. When I’m passing someone who’s wearing fur or riding in a horse-drawn carriage and I don’t feel comfortable speaking up, I hear Ingrid’s voice in my head, “Never be silent. Say something. Anything.”
Q12. GRACE: How do you respond to negative comments from critics, in real life or on the web?
Rory: At the beginning of all this, every harsh word stung. But at this stage, if it’s a fair and accurate criticism, I own it, take it in, and make peace with it as quickly as possible. If it’s mindless shit-slinging that comes from someone who’s self-loathing, ignorant, or arrogant, I don’t let it land on me. So many people are hurting—they lash out at others to distract themselves from their own pain. It’s sad.
Bonus Question: Yes or no-do you think veg*n diets will ever be the majority and not the minority?
Rory: Yes! I am totally hopeful, and with good reason. Never before have there been so many books, films, and organizations dedicated to veganizing the planet. Vegetarianism is trending higher than ever before, and it shows in the number of food products on the market, news stories, and the flood of information that’s making its rounds. Whether it’s ethically-, health-, or environmentally motivated, more and more people are making the transition.
Did you know? Here's how you can connect with Rory online:
Facebook: Rory Freedman
Twitter: Rory Freedman
Website: Skinnybitch.net
Skinny Bitch Books: Skinny Bitch, Skinny Bitchin', Skinny Bitch in the Kitch and Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven. There is a line of Skinny Bitch Fitness DVD's too. More info: see the Skinny Bitch website.
Don't miss the last amazing lady in the VGP series...the awesome Sarma Melngailis of Pure Food and Wine and One Lucky Duck fame. That's Monday..
