Mommy of 4 becomes vegan master chef for family’s health
Heather Martin shares her recipes on her Chef Mommy YouTube channel about cooking vegan food for her husband Colin and four kids Colin, Jr., 11; Harper Lily, 9; Clark, 6; and Charleston, 5. Learning to cook vegan meals is something Martin had to learn due to her kids’ food allergies. She called her mom for back-up, and got in the kitchen and learned all she could about veganism. When you’re a mom you’ll do anything for your kids, and learning to cook vegan food was just one of those things Chef Mommy was more than willing to do.
Not only is Martin a master in the kitchen, she’s also a master of the stage. She’s 1/3 of Grammy-nominated gospel group Virtue. Martin has been singing with the group, who are her sisters, since 1999. Although Martin travels with Virtue at least twice a month, she still finds times to make her YouTube videos twice a week. She even has guests on some of her videos to share their recipes and their passion for vegan dishes.
Read more about Chef Mommy in Episode 17 of People You Should Know.
One of Chef Mommy's delicious and healthy dishes!
- Your four kids are allergic to nuts, milk, eggs, and fish. How did you find out?
When I had my first baby, he was four months old and broke out with a rash all over his body. It was eczema. Per the doctor’s request, I stopped nursing him at 9 months because he thought I could be eating something that the baby was allergic to. When he was old enough to have allergy testing, we found out that way. Then with each kid we did the same allergy testing and found out the same results.
- How did you tackle the undertaking of learning to cook vegan meals that your kids will enjoy and love?
I was having such a hard time with the first baby and the horrible eczema and food allergies, my mother came to live with us and she has been vegan for over 30 years. I really have learned and am still learning all I know from her; trial and error, and the Internet.
- What made you start the Chef Mommy YouTube channel?
My family is from New Orleans and in New Orleans we live to eat! LOL! So one day one of my sisters was in town and we ended up in the kitchen cooking because we love eating. We decided to go live on FB and had a lot of positive responses and interactions that day. I was sharing why we cook the way we do at home and then I realized that I should do this all the time. It seemed to really help so many people who were struggling with the same challenges of cooking for people with food allergies. I just wanted to encourage people that if I could do it, then you can too! You will learn how to cook around and substitute things to make your diet work. It also helps people who are looking to change their diet for food allergies or to just be healthier.
- How did you come up with the recipe for your fried chicken tofu?
It is actually my mother’s recipe. When she ate meat she used to have the reputation of frying the best chicken in the neighborhood, so we just transferred that to tofu.
- What is the best thing about living a vegan lifestyle?
I believe the best thing is the numerous health benefits. Being vegan helps lower your risk of diabetes, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and so many other diseases. Plus it’s not only good for you, but great for the planet.
- As 1/3 of the Grammy-nominated gospel group Virtue, how do you manage touring with the group (who happened to be your two sisters) and creating new recipes daily?
It can sometimes be challenging but God has given me a great support system of people who believe in me and love me. When I get overwhelmed or tempted to stop doing everything, He always gives me encouragement. Out of nowhere pops up a new recipe, a new song, and I am confident that I should keep going and work on the passions He’s given me.
- What’s the hardest thing about being a vegan in a society that caters to meat lovers more than vegetarians and vegans?
When I travel it is the hardest thing to find a balanced meal for the kids to eat. We end up eating a lot of french fries! I will say thankfully, we’ve seen some changes happening. People are becoming more aware and accommodating to vegan customers and it has opened up more places and things to eat that’s safe for the kids and healthier than just fries.
- Who are your chef mentors?
Honestly, my mother is at the top of the list. She is such a great cook, and behind the scenes she’s directing and taping all of my videos; but my goodness, there are so many favs! I love the Food Network! I watch a lot of cooking shows. I love Ina Garten, she is brilliant and her recipes always include so many fresh ingredients and spices. Right now I am in love with tons of vegan Instagram chefs like Lauren Toyota, The Mississippi Vegan, Sweet Potato Soul, and the Minimalist Baker, to name a few.
- What is your response to those who say being a vegan is too hard?
I say anything worth having or doing requires thought, planning, effort, and work, but the benefits are big! Don’t let that stop you from trying it. You can start small by choosing to eat less meat and animal products once a week. If you do that, I’m here for you, just follow me on my Instagram page and YouTube Channel for support and recipe ideas.
- What’s next for Chef Mommy? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
This is all happening like a whirlwind for me so I’ve just committed to stay the course and keep putting out quality content that is helpful for raising the awareness about food allergies and veganism. In the next five years I hope that Chef Mommy becomes a household brand that people can trust for great recipes, education, and real life experiences.
