Leo Flowers, who went from counseling married couples and inmates through a Master’s program to sassy stand-up comedian, delivers candid insights that make us ponder, “I should have thought of that!”

Flowers is blossoming not only in his career — having toured the U.S. for seven years — but in his personal journey. He frequents the gym, does yoga, and hikes, and has shifted to more healthful eating since becoming a vegan 1.5 years ago when he witnessed three family members dying of heart disease and diabetes. He also began studying Buddhism and its diet, and acknowledging the mistreatment of animals.  Flowers jokes that he was born vegan, because as a kid, he would steal his favorite fruit — blueberries and peaches — while friends stole candy. Now he’s a fan of lasagna, portobello mushroom sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese, all of which can be made vegan.

He lives in Los Angeles, where healthful restaurants abound, frequenting Sunpower Natural Café (for their kale shakes), Seed, Flore, A Taste of Life, and Sante La Brea. When traveling, Flowers Googles “vegan restaurants (city).” In major cities, he finds at least one restaurant that is vegan or has veggie options, and visits grocery stores for their salad bars, nuts, oatmeal, and fruit.

Always amazed at the number of vegans that approach him after his shows, Flowers says many others also have questions about veganism.  Predictably, not everyone has something positive to say.

“People who have negative reactions are trying to deal with their own issues. If you’re happy with your life, then how I live mine shouldn’t matter,” said Flowers.

In terms of romantic relationships, he finds it easier to date vegan women. Those who aren’t  become frustrated with not being able to share their food or having to adjust how they cook.

Let’s wish funnyman Flowers the best in his love and veggie exploits.  For more about Flowers, check out his blog.