Embracing Ahimsa in a Meat-Loving World

Introduction

It was 1967. A young Victoria Moran had just graduated from high school in Kansas City when someone recommended she read “Yoga, Youth, and Reincarnation”, by Jess Stern.

Growing up Catholic in a spiritually eclectic household, she was no stranger to religion and spirituality, but yoga was something different – exotic, sometimes confused with “yogurt”, and deliciously unconventional.
Battling obesity and an eating disorder at the time, Stern’s book captivated Victoria, igniting her lifelong commitment to compassion and spiritual growth. But how did yoga guide a young girl, grappling with a binge eating disorder, towards the path of veganism?
A youthful Victoria Moran in her high school senior portrait

Early Career and Turning Point:

Victoria's path to veganism began in the heart of America, Kansas City, where the seeds of compassion were planted early in her life. Jess Stern’s book was only the first step towards her exploration with ancient yogic principles.

For a young Victoria struggling with her body image, finding a holistic system that brought the physical and spiritual together was soothing to the soul. Soon, the yogic ethos of Ahimsa (non-violence) compelled her to turn vegetarian – a bold choice in a largely meat-loving society.

She often shares a poignant tale recounted by the late Professor Rynn Berry about the profound practice of non violence by a true yogi. “If she is in the woods and sees a deer, and a hunter asks which way the deer went, the yogi, fully aware of the ethical stance against lying, chooses to lie anyway, because ahimsa, reverence for life, is the most important virtue.”

Victoria Moran in a meditative yoga pose, reflecting tranquility and balance in her vegan lifestyle
As Victoria’s yoga practice deepened, she realized that a true practice of non-violence extends to all living beings and embraced veganism in 1983 — a decision that dramatically improved her health and steered her towards a more proactive approach to advocacy.

Advocacy and Impact

In the early 70s, for a brief period, Victoria took to the streets, picketing and protesting for animal rights. However, life changed, and with the birth of her daughter, she shifted gears.

She found power in words-writing books, giving talks, and later, launching her podcast, ‘Main Street Vegan,’ which became a platform to reach people worldwide, sharing the vegan gospel in a way that was both inviting and enlightening.

As Victoria recounts, one of the most fulfilling chapters in her life has been founding the Main Street Vegan Academy. Today, the academy has certified hundreds of vegan lifestyle coaches, spreading compassion across the globe.

Raising a Vegan Daughter

When her daughter Adair came into this world, Victoria knew she had to raise her with the values closest to her heart. They were living in the Midwest during the 80s, a time and place where veganism was as rare as a unicorn. But she stood firm against criticism and skepticism.

“I didn’t just suggest our lifestyle,” Victoria once said in an interview. “I presented it with confidence. I provided literature to her pediatricians and our family, making it clear: we are vegan, and we are informed. This wasn’t just a diet—it was our life.”

Victoria’s daughter Adair with a porcine friend at Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary in New Jersey

Her determination paid off, not only in her daughter’s healthy, accomplished life as a lifelong vegan but also in the acceptance and respect she has earned over the decades.

Recent Achievements and Endeavors

In January 2025, Victoria will release her 14th book, “Age Like a Yogi” that promises to integrate the wisdom of yoga with the principles of a vegan lifestyle, offering insights on aging gracefully.

VegNews magazine listed her among the Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors, and she was on Oprah twice talking about the benefits of vegan living.

Victoria Moran with a radiant smile, getting ready to change the world

Additionally, Victoria’s Main Street Vegan Academy continues to thrive as a premier training ground for vegan advocates and coaches. The academy’s curriculum has evolved to include the latest nutritional science and effective advocacy strategies, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to lead the global shift towards a compassionate, vegan lifestyle.

Conclusion: Spirituality and Veganism

Victoria’s vegan journey is not just about the avoidance of animal products; it’s about embracing a life of kindness, health, and spiritual integrity.

At 74, she lives in alignment with the spiritual teachings of ahimsa, knowing that her choices help reduce suffering and bring peace, not just to her own life but to the world.

Resources:

  • Check out her book “Main Street Vegan” to know how to eat and live compassionately in the world.
  • Explore Victoria’s podcast that covers various aspects of veganism, including interviews with other vegan activists, health experts, and spiritual teachers.
  • Want to know more about the yogic principle of Ahimsa? Read this article.

Together! Lets show the world the power of a plant-based lifestyle

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