Cleveland's Vegan Vicki Reclaims Her Health on Plant-Based Diet

Sonia Steele, better known as Vegan Vicki, began her journey toward veganism in 2008 after a life-altering health scare. The 51-year-old Cleveland native has made a name for herself within the vegan culinary scene, earning numerous accolades, including taking first place in the Vegan Women Summit’s 2023 Top Chef Competition. Here, Steele shares her experience transitioning to a vegan lifestyle and encourages others to do the same:

What started as a regular hospital visit for my vertigo changed my life forever. During testing, doctors found a mass on my lung. A wedge biopsy was scheduled, but I woke up in the ICU four hours later with my lower left lung removed and a cancer diagnosis. With no family history or smoking exposure, I researched possible causes and was struck by links to carcinogens in processed meats and the carnivore diet. That Thanksgiving in 2008, I decided to become a vegetarian. Soon after, I started noticing the difference. I was losing weight, my blood pressure dropped and I was no longer borderline diabetic. After seeing how much better I felt, I wanted to stay on a healthy course. I made the decision to go fully vegan a year later, and I haven’t looked back since.

The transition wasn’t easy. Veganism wasn’t nearly as mainstream back then as it is today. I had to get creative in the kitchen, turning vegetables, beans, legumes and grains into flavorful meals that could stand on their own.

I’ve always loved to cook. It’s something that started when I was young, spending summers with my grandparents on their farm in Alabama. But it wasn’t until after my transition to veganism that I considered turning that love into a career. That’s when I really started experimenting with vegan versions of the soul food I grew up with, dishes that felt familiar and comforting. Creating my own vegan meals helped me stay on track and supported my shift to a healthier lifestyle.

Over time, I became known for bringing vegan soul food to Cleveland. At my first major event, the Cleveland VegFest, I served all the classic favorites like vegan brisket, mac and cheese and greens. The incredible response made me realize I had something special, and word of mouth soon spread my name throughout the city.

Before long, I was cooking for high-profile clients, including some Cleveland Browns players and Lamar Odom. I’ve had the chance to travel and share my food in ways I never imagined. Even now, it still feels surreal when someone reaches out and says they heard about me. It’s incredibly rewarding to share not just my food, but also my story.

As I got deeper into the vegan community, I started uncovering the broader impact of the lifestyle. I joined groups and communities that focused on environmental and animal welfare issues. I began to understand how meat production affects the planet, including its high water usage, contribution to pollution and the widespread harm it causes to animals. Those realizations expanded my motivation.

I often hear the same misconceptions about veganism: that it's expensive, that vegans don't get enough nutrients and that the food doesn't taste good without processed products. 

I always say I’m the MacGyver of vegan cooking. I can make a delicious, gourmet meal on a dime. You don’t need fancy ingredients or expensive substitutes to eat well. With a little creativity and the right know-how, vegan food can be flavorful, affordable and nourishing.

When I share my food with others, I want them to feel the peace in my food. When I’m cooking, that’s like my sanctuary. It’s all I’m focusing on, and I’m making it with love. It’s a passion for me. 

My biggest piece of advice is to add before you subtract. Slow down and start by adding more plant-based foods to your meals.

The goal is to gradually shift your mindset and eating habits in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Over time, you won’t miss the meat, as you’ll be enjoying the variety and flavor of plant-based foods. And while processed vegan products can be helpful during the transition, they aren’t the only option. There are plenty of ways to embrace this lifestyle without relying on them.

Got an appetite for Cleveland’s vegan food? Feast on our full guide here.

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