It’s All Connected by Kiyomi Appleton Gaines
Top, right: Johnny Johnston and Caroline Williamson with their son, Emmett. 56
Vegan Chef Johnny Johnston
JOHNNY JOHNSTON FOUND that the road to recovery led him to the middle of Mississippi. After getting out of the military, he went through what he casually refers to as “a difficult time.” Until he mentions it, his jovial and warm personality gives no hint to past struggles. Yet, while trials and challenges may shape our stories, they need not continue to define them. Johnny began by looking for ways to support his own health and wellbeing and found a calling to do that in his community. Born and raised in Louisiana, he was always interested in food and learned to make classic recipes, like gumbo and jambalaya, at his father’s side. In high
Inside Northside
school, he took classes meant to lead him to a culinary career. Then, while stationed in Japan, Johnny learned about vegetarian and vegan cooking. But it was in Mississippi, known more for barbequed ribs and holiday tamales, that he began to explore what it could mean for food to be both sustaining and sustainable. “There was an opening at the vegan cafe in the natural health foods co-op—I lived there! I was in there five, six times a day, and people would joke about putting a cot in the back for me. I was always looking at different foods and learning about the products.” When there was an opportunity for him to join on as head chef, he jumped at it. “I got to follow my dream of being a vegan chef. Then it was sink or swim time!” Food is healing for Johnny, along with his regular yoga practice, which he describes as a huge part of his life, and the community he’s built around both. His priority is on being conscious and thoughtful about every aspect of life, from food and health to finances. “It’s all connected,” he says again and again in our conversation. “That may sound ‘crunchy,’” the former Marine confides with a laugh, “but I think it’s true. “Being in recovery drove me to health and wellness and taking care of my body; type 1 diabetes runs in my family. With fresh vegan food, your mind feels clearer, and that hooks you; it improves your quality of life. So many medication needs can be met simply by improving diet. When you look at symptoms of illness and disease, many can be changed with diet—what you’re putting into your body.” (Johnny is quick to add that medical interventions can be life-saving and necessary. Anyone looking to make
photo: SARA WILLIAMSON sarawilliamsonphoto.com
Health & Wellness
