In July 2015 I watched a short Facebook video that showed the reactions of people watching a video on inhumane slaughterhouses. Without actually seeing the video itself it was enough to make me question my eating habits and the impact I have on the planet.
Soon thereafter super preachy vegan Jen was born. Just kidding. Kind of…
Since then I’ve watched a number of documentaries and read countless articles which have confirmed that I made the right decision. It was an easy decision but harder to implement. I didn’t stop eating animal products because I didn’t like the taste of them, I loved the taste, especially cheese. I’ve been known to eat a whole wheel of brie in one sitting. Hmmm brie. It is to me what donuts are to Homer Simpson. But I asked myself truly could I enjoy something now knowing where it has come from, and the answer was no. So I cut it out, all of it.
Soon thereafter super preachy vegan Jen was born. Just kidding. Kind of…
Since then I’ve watched a number of documentaries and read countless articles which have confirmed that I made the right decision. It was an easy decision but harder to implement. I didn’t stop eating animal products because I didn’t like the taste of them, I loved the taste, especially cheese. I’ve been known to eat a whole wheel of brie in one sitting. Hmmm brie. It is to me what donuts are to Homer Simpson. But I asked myself truly could I enjoy something now knowing where it has come from, and the answer was no. So I cut it out, all of it.
Over the course of one month I went from full cheese fiend & carnivore to vegan
If you’re interested in finding out more about vegan diets I’d urge you to check out the following:
- Earthlings (warning very graphic and harrowing but very informative)
- Cowspiracy
- Before the Flood
- Forks over Knives
Also being vegan helps to significantly reduce your carbon footprint as I believe (as per Cowspiracy and Before the Flood) that cows contribute significantly to the global climate change issue.
For great vegan recipes check out:
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/channel/vegan-recipe/
http://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/
- Earthlings (warning very graphic and harrowing but very informative)
- Cowspiracy
- Before the Flood
- Forks over Knives
Also being vegan helps to significantly reduce your carbon footprint as I believe (as per Cowspiracy and Before the Flood) that cows contribute significantly to the global climate change issue.
For great vegan recipes check out:
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/channel/vegan-recipe/
http://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/
And two amazing things happened…
1. I felt great! Pre vegan days I’d be living with gastroparesis for over a decade. I was on strong antacids for the reflux and struggled daily with nausea. Since changing to a vegan diet I no longer take any tablets and my nausea has gone (accept when I push myself to vomiting on a race!). I have so much more energy and all of my bloating has gone. My PMS and severe cramps are significantly reduced and my skin is much better than it used to be. #winning
2. My cooking game is on steroids! No longer can I rely on the fatty delights of meat to flavour a meal. I need to think about herbs and flavour combinations. I actually think about creating a balanced meal. I research nutrition and recipe ideas so that I’m continually sourcing fresh and delicious new meals. Thank you Instagram for the daily inspiration from the awesome #instavegan community. I’ve seriously never eaten so many tasty meals on a daily basis.
3. OK I’m going to add a third as an extra bonus! I have accrued endless brownie points from the Mrs because she loves my new passion for cooking and all the tasty meals I make for her. And who doesn’t like brownie points!!
I’ll post some recipes (probably) but mostly I make stuff up or borrow from others then add random things as and when I feel the urge. It’s so much fun! And so tasty.
Here's some photos of some stuff I've cooked...
1. I felt great! Pre vegan days I’d be living with gastroparesis for over a decade. I was on strong antacids for the reflux and struggled daily with nausea. Since changing to a vegan diet I no longer take any tablets and my nausea has gone (accept when I push myself to vomiting on a race!). I have so much more energy and all of my bloating has gone. My PMS and severe cramps are significantly reduced and my skin is much better than it used to be. #winning
2. My cooking game is on steroids! No longer can I rely on the fatty delights of meat to flavour a meal. I need to think about herbs and flavour combinations. I actually think about creating a balanced meal. I research nutrition and recipe ideas so that I’m continually sourcing fresh and delicious new meals. Thank you Instagram for the daily inspiration from the awesome #instavegan community. I’ve seriously never eaten so many tasty meals on a daily basis.
3. OK I’m going to add a third as an extra bonus! I have accrued endless brownie points from the Mrs because she loves my new passion for cooking and all the tasty meals I make for her. And who doesn’t like brownie points!!
I’ll post some recipes (probably) but mostly I make stuff up or borrow from others then add random things as and when I feel the urge. It’s so much fun! And so tasty.
Here's some photos of some stuff I've cooked...