Paws for thought: Destination Vegan? My journey to veganism.

Destination Vegan?

The journey; My journey . . .

 

For a few brave people – switching to a vegan diet and lifestyle is something that they throw themselves into pretty much overnight.  And if you are an ‘all or nothing’ character this may well be the best way for you.

For me, however, it was a little different. When I look back now, I see a gradual awakening that saw me progressing through a 5 year evolution from confirmed carnivore to veggie to vegan - where I am, very happily, now.

Pretty much over those 5 years I progressed through the stages of being an ‘ethical’, ‘organic’, ‘welfare-conscious’, ‘meat-free Monday’ consumer.

I read labels incessantly and knew that processed foods were laden with a whole host of alien ingredients that I simply didn’t want to consume. I cooked most meals from scratch and became increasingly aware of the widespread use of drugs and pesticides in food production and manufacture.

But I was still a consumer of meat, fish and dairy none-the-less. So just what was it that made me first decide to give up meat and fish for good?

Two things:

  1.  My best friend of 33 years being diagnosed with cancer.

  2.  Caring for some ex-battery hens.

Two starkly contrasting things; but, as I was to find out later – possibly inextricably linked…

Sally (pictured here on the left with me) had been my best friend since the age of 7. She was the type of friend who knows you better than you know yourself. We shared everything and she was a complete and utter joy to be around – one of life’s true beautiful angels.

When she got the diagnosis we both frantically researched, looking for answers as to why this had happened and how she could be helped, perhaps through a change in diet? She went organic, gave up her beloved Chardonnay, started on fennel juicing and having read the China Study, quit beef and dairy foods too.

But try as we might, and despite a double mastectomy and 2 rounds of intensive chemo she succumbed to secondary cancer of the liver and lungs and died within 6 weeks of being given that terminal diagnosis.

Nothing could have prepared me for the complete devastation I felt at losing her – particularly so young and in her prime. Even writing this now, two and a half years on, it’s almost unbearable to think of and I need to stop and wipe tears away. I miss her every day and always will.

In the months that followed I became obsessed with finding answers as to why this had happened to her. I resumed my MSc studies (formerly Health Science and latterly Weight Management) and read / surfed avidly. And, as is the way when you start internet research, I followed a trail that got deeper and deeper until it ultimately led me to uncover some very shocking truths about the way in which animals are farmed for food.

Of course I knew animals died in order to provide us with food – how can you not? But like so many of us, I believed it was a health necessity and a natural part of our culture to eat meat. I’d been victim to those oh-so-clever marketing tactics and I’d conveniently (blissfully) been ignorant to the way in which animals are treated as commodities.

What I found, sure as hell, ‘woke’ me up. This is not the place for the graphic details. But you should, in all conscience, take a deep breath and do some simple online searches. It is the stuff of nightmares, but if you consume the ‘products’, then you should know and understand what happens to create them. One word always echoed in my head: ‘sentient.’

sentient

Pronunciation: /ˈsɛnʃ(ə)nt/

adjective

• able to perceive or feel things:she had been instructed from birth in the equality of all sentient life forms

And, as if to bring that word to life, at the same time I adopted 4 ex-battery hens through the British Hen Welfare Trust. (It was at the time when the campaigning to improve welfare standards for chickens was running and it seemed like a lovely thing to do.)

It turned out to be an act with far reaching consequences because each and every day as I watched these poor de-beaked, de-feathered ‘egg machines’ blossom into the hens that they were meant to be, I saw personalities emerging, and witnessed intelligence, logic, emotion – the full range infact. And by January 2012 I’d seen and experienced enough. I became vegetarian and began to change all my household and toiletry / beauty products from not only organic and eco friendly, but to containing no animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals. I vowed never to buy any leather products, feather filled products, wool, silk or fur ever again, and to shun the use of animals in ‘entertainment’ settings.

I now knew that as well as for reasons of health, I no longer wanted to eat meat or fish and use animal based products, because I could no longer contribute to industries that were based on pain, suffering, exploitation and ultimately, murder.

I knew instantly I’d done the right thing. I worried that the change might be tough – but I worked my way through the plethora of meat substitutes on the market, tried hundreds of exciting new recipes I wouldn’t have dreamt of before and continued to research into it all.

But a year down the line into my new and ‘improved’ lifestyle (which still included eggs and dairy), I wasn’t feeling well at all (either physically or mentally). I had gained a lot of weight, was suffering with constant back problems, joint pain and swelling and migraines. I was bitterly disappointed that my diet didn’t seem to be that healthy for me and I was also still losing sleep over something that just wasn’t ‘right’. 

I couldn’t put my finger on it and at the time I attributed it to my ongoing bereavement depression over losing Sally.

But then another pivotal thing happened…

I watched 2 YouTube videos:

One called ‘A calf and a half’ about milk production at one of Cadbury’s dairy farms.

And the other a lecture by an animal rights activist called Gary Yourofsky.

That same afternoon I attempted to watch Earthlings, got 22 minutes in – to the point where a stray dog is thrown into a garbage truck (alive) and I pretty much had a breakdown. I cried for hours.

That was it for me.

No more dairy, no more eggs, no more ignorance.

I knew that for so many reasons I needed to follow a vegan diet AND a vegan lifestyle. This wasn’t a choice as such – it was an absolute compulsion, and as I’ve heard it described by others since – a ‘moral obligation and an imperative’.

Hand on heart, the day I became Vegan, I felt an actual sense of relief and everything in my life fell into place. I saw the world, I see the world, with very different eyes.

Some of that relief I believe, comes from an innate ‘knowing’ (that I’m sure all humans have, deep down), that using and eating other species, is, quite simply, morally wrong.

It is wrong because it isn’t necessary for our survival, in fact in most ways, as I’d also discovered, it’s detrimental to our survival. It’s scientifically proven that consumption of animal products contributes to modern diseases such as T2 Diabetes, Heart disease, Obesity and Cancers. Its decimating our wildlife and destroying our beautiful planet. But above all, it inflicts unimaginable suffering and pain on our fellow species - who can think, feel and hurt, just as humans do. 
*ALL species have the absolute right to live a peaceful existence on this planet.

Becoming vegan made me feel like shouting a million clichés – 'the penny had dropped', 'the cloud had lifted', 'I’d seen the light' etc. and this is something that you hear repeatedly when others share their story of why and how, they too, became vegan.

The destination…

Well what can I say?

Quite simply. I have yet to find ANY negatives.

I thought I’d miss milk, but there are multiple alternatives that suit all different culinary needs.

I thought I’d miss cheese, but knowing how milk is produced meant that nothing could ever taste as good as the alternative - compassion – felt (and the faux products are improving all the time).

I thought it would be hard to find things to eat, but it turns out that with a different mindset to cooking my food repertoire is now a million times more exciting (read my blog and you’ll see!)

I thought it would be hard to find non-animal derived products – but man is as clever as he is stupid and we’ve invented / manufactured all kinds of goods that don’t rely on animals to make them.

I thought I’d be joining a cult of 'hippy weirdoes' (apologies dear hippy friends) and labeled as a freak – but instead I found an incredible new family of consciously compassionate people only too willing to help me on my vegan journey.

And I’ve even been able to educate and inform friends, family, and people I meet about what it means to be a modern vegan in today’s society and the multiple benefits of its actions. If it’s a label then it’s one I’m very proud to wear.

But what of my health?

I’ve lost 12kg without dieting. My BP & cholesterol are below average readings and couldn’t be better. Genetically, I have inherited sickle cell trait (characterised by anemia - iron deficiency) and yet my iron levels and B12 levels are up since becoming vegan (much to my GPs amazement, because this is sometimes an area for concern with vegans). My joint pain, foot pain, back pain, hand pain, migraines and general malaise have all disappeared. I no longer have PMT that makes me want to kill others and then myself.

My skin has improved (no more hand dermatitis or facial spots), my hair is glossier (rarely do I need to wash it, apart from to remove environmental pollution), I need far less sleep, have far more energy, better cardio fitness and mentally – well I’m ready to take on the world!

I am left feeling incredible - physically and in my heart, conscience and soul.

Yes, I wish I’d done it years ago and in a way I wish I’d done it more quickly too.

But, I also know that, for me, this gradual evolution has taken me to a point where, no matter what, I will categorically never revert to my former way of living.

But like I’ve said at the beginning of this piece, if you have a mind to, then going from 'carnivore' to vegan overnight CAN be done. And I personally would advocate not going through a vegetarian transition phase – because, in my opinion, there is a tendency to then over-consume dairy products – which are amongst the worst possible for human health.

Just jump right in to veganism and ask the questions later! You won’t be disappointed, because I can assure you that the positive physical and emotional impact will be immediate. 

It will be the best, and most important life change you ever make – for YOU as a human, for THEM - the other animals and for US as custodians of a planet that’s gradually being destroyed for our blood lust.

So if you’re already vegan you may identify with some aspects of my story here and I’d love to hear how it was for you. Please either comment or get in touch.

If you’re not vegan – then you have the potential to be, because you’re reading this and that shows both curiosity and compassion. I'll gladly help you should you decide you'd like to try this kinder life. Again, please get in touch.

Try the vegan experience for World Vegan Month. 

One month. 

See how you feel.

I’ve added lots of info to this site to help you on YOUR journey.

Find:

More great recipes that you ever imagined here.

Vegan product ideas here.

Research on ‘why’ vegan here.

Helpful films here.

Interesting books to read here.

Events to attend here. 

Where to eat, where to stay.

and the fun stuff here!

Travel with us. 

It may be a slightly trickier journey at first – 

but the destination is completely amazing.

Chantal x

Dedicated to the best friend a girl could ever have – thank you for choosing me, my beautiful Sally B.

Paws for thought - Mission (Im)Possible?

No! Don't do it! It's dairy - and we've all fallen into that trap.....

I've had a rant on Twitter again.

Well, OK it was more of a mild musing because I've gone all compassionate these days - but it was over the use of the phrase 'Vegan Challenge' to describe an initiative encouraging people to try being vegan for either a week or a month.

My issue was with the word 'challenge'.

And it divided opinion.

I'm of the mind that 'challenge' makes veganism sound difficult and, maybe I've been lucky, but I just haven't found it to be that difficult. Yes, it's taken a little research and planning and some extra daily decision making, but, in general it's actually been quite fun to learn! 

So it concerns me that the word challenge could be putting people off, and will in fact discourage them from even contemplating trying veganism. This stems from my feelings that the majority of us are inherently quite lazy by nature. Something that even hints of being difficult in any way isn't going to appeal to most people and therefore we are missing an opportunity to promote veganism as the wonderful life that it can be. We've lost before we've started.

Several followers agreed with me.

In the other camp however, there were several who felt that the word 'challenge' would inspire people to 'give it a go' because they would want to rise to the challenge and prove that they could do something different and something outside of the norm. They would want to prove they could succeed with something that others might perceive as difficult - a competitive instinct if you like.

I understand the reverse psychology and wonder whether I can get to know exactly what people do indeed really think about it (leading up to the mission now...) What I do know is that some quick research has shown me that vegan organisations NEVER seem to publish the actual physical number of people who sign up to the 'vegan pledge' (The Vegan Society recently reported a 40% increase in take-up for 2012 - but this is meaningless without the actual figure - it could have been 40% up on the previous years figure of 20 people...). Now if those numbers were high, I'd imagine that they would be shouting them from the rooftops and there would be a lot more vegans in the UK, the world and the universe. But I have a sneaky suspicion that we're pretty thin on the ground (last UK Twitter survey got to just 6000 approx!)

So I'm scratching my little vegan head thinking - WHY? why aren't there more of us when a plant-based lifestyle is the healthiest, most ethically sound, environmentally friendly decision there is?

What's putting people off from taking that 'challenge'?

One obvious answer is the answer that relates to me in the bad-old-meaty days - simply - brainwashing (for want of a better word). The food industry in its entirety has done the most FAB-U-LOUS job at convincing us meat, fish and dairy is healthy (nay, vital) to our very existence. It has cleverly kept its abhorrent farming processes hidden, whilst artificially keeping product prices low (without your taxes funding a complex subsidy system these food costs would be 3 x higher!) so that we consume more and more in a frenzy of buttered-up meaty lust.

It seems the vegan community just hasn't been able to compete with this high level wizardry.

* * *  So - to the Mission [cue the music]. * * *

I want to find out just what non-vegans think about vegans and veganism in general and I'd like to understand what deters them from giving it a try.

A. IF YOU ARE VEGAN: Please can you have a chat with someone (anyone) and politely ask them the following questions; note their responses; let me know.

 

1.    What do you think of when you hear the word 'vegan' ? i.e. what does it mean to you?

2.    What type of people do you think are vegans?

3. Who do you know that is vegan? (can be in your circles or in the public eye etc)

4.    Have you ever considered being vegan?

5.    What do you think has stopped you from trying a vegan lifestyle?

6.    What would tempt you to try a vegan lifestyle?

[if the answer to 4. is that you have already tried being vegan, but you are no longer vegan - please say why you gave up and what would tempt you to try again.]

B. IF YOU ARE NON-VEGAN: Please can you reply to me directly answering the above questions and perhaps, if you have the chance, kindly ask other non vegans what they think too - and let me know.

** Please send your feedback to me via either the comments section below (clicking on the title of this post will bring up the comments box if it's not visible), the 'contact me' form field on the rhs, via twitter or via email if you're a regular communicator. **

I'd love to make some sense of the potential stereotyping  and lack of understanding that perhaps exists out there about vegans and veganism, and then perhaps we can have a chance of breaking some of those barriers down.

Thank you friends. Owing to my humanitarian concerns, this blog will not self destruct in 20 seconds - instead it will send you a virtual hug and offer you a recipe for lentil soup.
I await your response...

C (aka Chantal)

Or is it?... to be continued...

RESULTS

Here are just some of the answers collected from my family and friends - still waiting on a lot to come back! But interestingly, with those who did reply, it has opened up a means of communication about the whole subject of veganism and they now have a far better understanding of where David and I are coming from! Perhaps it's something to try with your friends and family too?

What do you think of when you hear the word 'vegan' ? i.e. what does it mean to you?

13yr old girl: Vegetables

Mum in 40s: Eccentric hippy drewid type.

Single lady in 40s: Initial reaction is to their diet: No meat & no dairy.

New Dad 40: I don’t know much about it but is very different from vegetarian in that you don’t eat meat, fish or dairy products, even down to wearing leather shoes or clothing.

Lady 50’s: vegan means to me extreme vegetarianism and a miserable existence, I have lived with two men who have been allergic to dairy produce and it's hard work eating out or all inclusive on  holiday.

Chinese lady, late 20s: First time I saw the word "Vegan", I thought it was refer to vegetarians. But after reading some of the blogs and articles, I realize that being a "Vegan" is more than vegetarian. Vegan take into consideration the food, but also the daily consumption products, they are much more environmental friendly. Basically Vegan don't use animal related products, they go for plant based products. My concern is with extreme cases that human beings stop eating animals, will we be weak and bite by animals at the end of the days?? ^^

What type of people do you think are vegans?

Healthy

As above - Eccentric hippy drewid type.

 (a) people with allergies to dairy food etc (b) People who decide that a vegan diet is healthy (c) People whose ethics determine what they can eat / wear.

I think most peoples conception of vegans are Greenpeace and save the earth fanatics.

Animal loving people, however this should not be forced onto the animal ie feeding them with veg.

Vegetarians, those who use Green Products (like BIO), people don't wear animal-related clothes/shoes. People who against animal violence.

Who do you know that is vegan? (can be in your circles or in the public eye etc)

Uncle and auntie

Brother and sister in law

You and David. Others maybe, but I'm not a foodie and don't talk about food with anyone really. The closest I get is when a friend's vegetarian option at a society Christmas party looks like it's unfit for consumption which is worthy of comment!

You

J, you and D. J is a skeleton, wrinkly and not a good advert for healthy living.

You and D :)

Have you ever considered being vegan?

 No

No

No, I like meat & I'm a fussy eater already!

I personally wouldn’t consider it!

No never unless someone told me I would die otherwise.

I would like to try, but it needs some time to get rid of meat, especially eggs. My mother is now trying to go vegetarian first, because she has lot of concern on the product quality in China. She prefers to eat more vegetables and she's very concerned about what raw material is used in the products that she purchased.

What do you think has stopped you from trying a vegan lifestyle?

I like meat and I love cheese and chocolate.

Nothing I just never wanted a vegan lifestyle.

Removing animal products from my lifestyle would be time consuming and expensive. I don't feel strongly enough about it to try it.

It's fussiness.

What would tempt you to try a vegan lifestyle?

Trying new foods

Nothing, it’s too restrictive. I could probably live without meat but not all the other stuff.

Nothing - Voila! I'm a bad person! I also drive a 4x4 and fly around the world with little regard to my carbon footprint. I do however... no, I can't think of anything environmentally friendly that I do... oh wait, I DO RECYCLE!

I’m interested in what you would eat but that's it.

I think it's worthwhile to try for the sake of my health for sure, but it is also meaningful to improve the ecosystem of human beings & the nature.

Other comments:

I believe you can live a healthy lifestyle as a vegan but would need a very good knowledge of nutrition as we are carnivorous and need good protein and carbohydrates - which can be got from soya, pulses, root vegetables etc.

If you choose this as a way of life I do believe you can be as happy and healthy as any with nutrition you choose, and if it works for you then it’s all good!