Discover the Transformative Power of Plant-Based Living with Nicole R’Shae Holiday

What drives someone to adopt a plant-based living and sustain it for over 14 years? For Nicole R’Shae Holiday, the answer lies in her incredible journey of healing and transformation. An actor, podcaster, and content creator from Northern California, Nicole’s story is one of perseverance and passion.

After battling chronic pain and facing personal struggles, Nicole turned to a plant-based diet not just as a dietary choice but as a pathway to reclaim her health and happiness.

Over the years, she’s embraced this lifestyle wholeheartedly, even transitioning to a high raw vegan diet for the past four years.

In this interview, Nicole opens up about the challenges she faced, the stereotypes she’s encountered, and the small yet powerful steps she took to make this lifestyle her own.

From her favorite dishes to tips on starting slow, her insights are practical, refreshing, and relatable. Whether you’re curious about plant-based living or looking for inspiration to begin your journey, Nicole’s story offers valuable lessons and encouragement.

So, grab a cozy spot and join us as we dive into her world—one filled with vibrant foods, self-discovery, and a commitment to living life mindfully.

Plant-based Living: an Amazing Interview with Nicole R’Shae Holiday

Q: First of all, introduce yourself: tell us who you are, how old you are, where you are from, what you do in life, and how long you have been plant-based!

My name is Nicole R’Shae Holiday. I am from the Bay Area, California, AKA Northern California. I am an actor, podcaster, and content creator! I have been plant-based for 14 years, and for the last 4 years, I’ve been eating a high raw vegan diet.

Q: Why did you decide to embark on this dietary journey?

Fourteen years ago, I suffered a major flare-up from an injury I had in the early 2000s. I experienced extreme chronic pain from my hands and wrists all the way up to my neck and shoulders.

It even affected my face, causing sensations that felt like impending numbness. I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my wrist, myofascial pain syndrome, and cervical strain. The pain led to depression. Embracing a plant-based living helped me heal and regain control of my life.

Q: Do you feel better since becoming plant-based? What changes have you noticed?

I feel much better since going plant-based. It’s been a long time, so I’m accustomed to this way of eating.

When I first made the change, I immediately noticed improvements. The flare-up I was dealing with healed, and I felt clean, light, and overall good. I wasn’t weighed down by heavy foods that take days to digest.

Q: Is there any food that you have had more difficulty eliminating from your diet?

Not really. I miss cheese sometimes, but it wasn’t hard to give up. I feel much better without animal products.

Q: Are there still many stereotypes associated with this type of choice?

Yes, there are quite a few stereotypes. For example, people often think that we don’t get enough protein or proper nutrition.

However, you can absolutely get enough protein if you eat the right foods and ensure your diet is varied. It’s not about the diet itself but about your choices within it.

That said, it’s true that certain nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D are not naturally present in most plant-based foods, so supplementation may be necessary.

Personally, I add nutritional yeast to my salad dressings, which provides the full daily recommended value of B12.

While there might be other natural ways to get it, they often don’t supply sufficient amounts, so I recommend supplementing to meet your needs.

Some people blame the diet for deficiencies, but in reality, they’re often not eating enough or not eating the right balance of foods to meet their nutritional requirements.

Q: Where do you get inspiration for your dishes? And do you follow seasonality?

I find inspiration mostly from myself, to be honest! I’m not someone who follows elaborate recipes. I prefer to keep my meals very simple, which works best for me.

Occasionally, I’ll try out a recipe I’ve seen on YouTube, but overall, I stick to basic and straightforward dishes. It’s what suits my lifestyle and keeps things easy in the kitchen.

Q: What is your favorite dish? Would you be willing to provide us with the recipe?

There are many things I love to eat, but here’s something I recently made during a YouTube live: a raw vegan coconut wrap. It was delicious!

Recipe:

  • Coconut wraps (available on Amazon)
  • Avocado (smashed and spread on the wrap)
  • Arugula
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Green olives
  • Bitchin’ sauce (the sauce makes or breaks the wrap!)

Watch the live video

Q: For those wondering: How do you make sure to follow a balanced regime by eliminating some foods from your diet?

I focus on eating a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and smoothies. I don’t stress too much about specific nutrient tracking because this variety naturally balances my diet.

By including diverse plant-based foods, I’ve found that my nutritional needs are met without overcomplicating things.

Q: Besides diet, has this change impacted other aspects of your life?

Not significantly, aside from recycling more. I can’t think of other major impacts right now.

Q: Would you like to give some tips and advice to those who are thinking of embarking on this path?

Take your time and start slow. Transition gradually if you need to; there’s no rush unless you’re trying to heal something. If going cold turkey feels overwhelming, try the process of elimination.

Begin by cutting out meat, then after a few weeks, eliminate dairy, followed by eggs, and so on. Another approach is to start with just one vegan meal a day.

Once you feel comfortable, add a second vegan meal, and eventually transition to three. The key is to move at your own pace and choose a method that works best for you, ensuring the change is sustainable.

Thank You, Nicole!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nicole R’Shae Holiday for taking the time to share her inspiring journey with us.

Through her story, we learned about the profound impact of a plant-based living on physical health and emotional well-being, as well as her practical approach to creating simple yet nutritious meals.

Nicole’s tips for transitioning gradually into a plant-based living—whether through eliminating one food group at a time or starting with just one vegan meal per day—are invaluable for anyone looking to make sustainable changes.

She also debunked common stereotypes, showing that a well-planned plant-based diet can meet all nutritional needs with a little attention to variety and supplementation when necessary.

If you’re feeling inspired, don’t forget to follow Nicole on her social channels for more insights and ideas:

Nicole’s journey is a beautiful reminder that small, mindful steps can lead to transformative changes. Whether you’re just starting or are already on your plant-based path, there’s something to learn and enjoy from her experience.