VeGAL – Vegan Girl Athletes Unite!

by Danielle Bussone

What is a VeGal and Why Would Anyone Want To Be One?

“VeGAL,” according to founder Andrea Medalie, “captures the essence of the female as it pertains to health, nutrition, fitness, beauty. As women, we have our own set of unique issues. VeGAL deals with issues and concerns unique to women. It is a delicate balance at best. When you factor in our plant-based diets, our health issues and nutritional needs along with our strong beliefs pertaining to animal rights and the environment, it becomes very complex. We need to have a resource in which women can come together, unite and offer each other support, information and inspiration.”

VeGAL embodies women of all ages, all disciplines, all levels, and all sizes who want to maintain a healthy vegan lifestyle and remain active.

Andrea Medalie – Original VeGAL

VeGAL is the brain child of Andrea Medalie, a marathon runner and an official marathon pacer for Marathon Pacing, Inc. To date, Andrea has run 31 full marathons; that’s 26.2 miles of road beneath her feet with each marathon!  A pacer is a runner who carries a flag and runs a consistent pace so that runners entered into the marathon who wish to finish at the pace she has set, need only follow Andrea to achieve their goal.  “It so incredible to watch someone complete their first marathon.”

Andrea Medalie: Marathon Pacer

Andrea didn’t begin as an athlete. Throughout her life she struggled with weight loss, eating disorders and body image issues. She was unhappy and saw food as her enemy. She battled anorexia and bulimia for several years. “A lot of vegan women athletes come from eating disorders,” says Andrea. “It’s not uncommon.” Andrea has been a solid vegan for five years. Before that she was vegetarian leaning towards veganism (which she refers to as “vegan inspired”) for twenty years.

“I never liked animal protein. I looked at food as the enemy rather than as fuel and a source of nutrition.” says Andrea, “I have come to embrace veganism. I came from a bad place over the years I was eating disturbed. I struggled with body image, extreme weight fluctuation, pregnancy, nursing, and hormonal issues.  I’ve arrived at a place of peace where I can uphold a plant-based, nutritious lifestyle confidently and consistently as it fuels my daily needs.

Also, what really makes it worthwhile, is it is cruelty free and environmentally friendly. In so many ways, it all reinforces my determination to pursue this cause, all of the good things that come out of it. When you embrace a plant-based diet you have such a good relationship with food. I believe becoming vegan saved my life.  I was in a downward spiral over an unhealthy relationship with food until I learned to embrace what the plant world had to offer.  In essence, I’ve found love;  love of others, love of myself, love of animals and love of food.”

VeGAL T-Shirts – VeGAL is offering a Valentine’s Day 10% promotional discount for VOAA followers through Feb 15!
All profits go to support Farm Sanctuary!!

Andrea has created a runner’s t-shirt which proudly displays her logo. All the proceeds from the sale of this shirt go to support Farm Sanctuary, the first animal rescue operation devoted to the rescue of farm animals. The t-shirt, which comes in short-sleeved and long-sleeved versions, is made from recycled materials and designed to wick moisture away from the body. Each t-shirt produced prevents ten water bottles from going into landfills!

Andrea has followed Farm Sanctuary for years and was inspired by them to learn more about factory farming and the issues of cruelty to animals slaughtered for food. She has taught these lessons to her children, who are not vegan. “Farm Sanctuary has raised awareness in my life as to what is really going on in these factory farms. I’m not in the business of convincing people to be like me, but I try to educate people and I try personally not to consume anything from the companies supporting these practices.”

Gene Bauer, President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary

Andrea Medalie also ran a marathon to raise money for Tri-County Humane Society. They are the only no-kill shelter in the South Florida area. They are a very small, local shelter.  “My heart is really with animal welfare and animal rescue. I want to do more in terms of animal rescue and I wanted to start by paying my respects to an organization which has done a lot to raise awareness to consumers out there.”

 VeGAL is offering a Valentine’s Day 10% promotional discount for VOAA followers through Feb 15! Click on VeGAL Runners T and use discount code: lovevegal2014.

Co-founder and editor of Veggin’ Out and About!, Danielle writes restaurant reviews, profiles and interviews of people making a difference in the plant-based community. She is currently writing a cookbook for vegans called, “Time For Change: Whole Foods For Whole Health.” Danielle’s region is SW Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina and anywhere she happens to stop for sustenance along the road. Contact Danielle  directly to share your restaurant finds, to make comments or just to say hello.