Finding My Vegan Feet

By Laura, Vegan Pledge Participant 2012

I’ve been interested in the vegan lifestyle for around 10 years, but I haven’t had the courage to properly test the vegan waters. For me, choosing a vegan diet has been mostly motivated by ethics. The way our society treats animals is just unbearable to me. I cannot keep willingly contributing to an industry that keeps animals as lifeless commodities that can be skinned, killed or milked at will, without any consideration for their well being. 

This year I decided that it would be time to walk the walk, and took the Vegan Pledge on the 19th of May. As with many people switching to veganism, my biggest hurdle has been giving up milk products. I have been a vegetarian for a very long time and used milk products as my primary source of protein. I suspect that I’ve developed a bit of an addiction to cheese. Three weeks into the pledge, I am doing just fine without any cheese. Yes, sometimes I have thought that some cheese on my pizza would be nice, but I don’t crave it the way I thought I would. As far as other milk products go, I couldn’t care less. In fact, I really enjoy making my own milk alternatives at home and using them in my cooking. 

The most amazing part of switching to a vegan diet has been noticing the changes in my body. I find I have a lot more energy, I feel much better after eating (never bloated or stuffed), my skin complexion has improved and my clothes are looser. I have also been positively surprised by how easy it is to find vegan food, and how understanding people are. Even when I go out with my non-vegan friends, I manage to find something to nibble on. I can’t say that the average restaurant has more than a very limited menu for vegans, but it’s good to have at least a couple of options for people who choose not to eat animal products. 

Another thing that I have learned to appreciate about my vegan diet is an increased awareness of what’s really in my food. Since there aren’t a lot of ready-made vegan meals out there, I have been cooking at home much more often. Most vegan food is incredibly easy to make and takes minutes to prepare. My favourite recipe finds so far have been Rhubarb and Peach Crumble with Banana Ice Cream and Vegetable Tagine. 

Now that the vegan pledge month is almost done, I am certain that I will stick to the vegan mindset. I might not be as firm about milk traces or an accidental vegetarian dish at a party where no other options are available, but I will keep cooking vegan at home and sharing the joy of good food with my friends. And to people who are doubting whether to try the vegan diet or not, I would definitely recommend it, even if you only have have one vegan day per week. It will make a huge difference to the world around us and to your own well being.  ..............................................................................
You can read more from Laura on her website: laurasbites.com.  

Vegan Pledge Trip to Hugletts Wood Farm Animal Sanctuary

By Kelly, Vegan Pledge organiser

On Saturday 9th June, I drove a 17 seater minibus full of Vegan Pledgers to vegan run Hugletts Wood Farm Animal Sanctuary in East Sussex. The sanctuary is home to more than 30 cows and other animals who were destined for slaughter in the meat, dairy and egg industries. We wanted to provide the opportunity for new vegans to meet animals whom the closest most people get to is their body parts on a plate. These animals are just like the dog or cat you may share your home with - they are all individuals with their own characters and emotions and most importantly, they all have the ability to suffer and feel pain, anger, happiness and sadness.

This is Reggie who is a 16 year old Jersey cow. If Wenda (the sanctuary owner) had not given her a lifelong home, she would have been killed by the dairy industry at just four or five years old. Reggie is currently grieving for the loss of her lifelong partner Gromit who sadly died earlier in the year after developing a brain tumour following the death of his mother whom he had never been parted from. Reggie and Gromit were inseparable and since Gromit's death, Reggie has refused to stand up. She is gradually showing signs of improving, but as anyone who has lost someone close to them will know, it takes time. We all gave Reggie lots of love whilst we were there.

Hugletts and another one of the sanctuary's old ex dairy cows - Luksa - features in Animal Aid's informative 4 minute film on the dairy industry, which you can view here: www.govegan.org.uk.

For the rest of this article, I'm just going to let the pictures speak for themselves!

Herbert and Alex

Burfi the bull who found sanctuary at Hugletts after he was no longer wanted as a breeding machine

 Basil gets all the attention

Emile (the head of the herd) and Golda

Golda hugging Herbert

Edmund blissing out

Jamie and Emily with Herbert

Chester and Edmund

Alex and Herbert

Mollie being brushed by Alex

Zachariah saying hello to one of the pledgers

Fawne and Alex getting to know Little Lester

Chester and Edmund enjoying their brushing session with two pledgers

Dominika and Alex with Mollie Munchkin

Shan giving Mollie a groom

"I like your non leather shoes!"

Basil with Wenda, who lovingly cares for every soul at Hugletts

A huge thank you to Wenda and Matt for allowing us to visit and introducing us to all of the lucky individuals who live at the sanctuary and to Vicky Alhadeff for taking the pictures.

Pictures from the first Vegan Pledge meeting

Thank you to everyone - pledgers and volunteers - who attended the first Vegan Pledge meeting on Sat 19th May. The day was enjoyed by all. The morning consisted of three rotational workshops centred around a cookery demo with Liz Hughes, group discussions with vegan mentors and the Vegan Society's film, Making the Connection. After a superb buffet lunch - including dishes made in the cookery session, salads and loads of yummy cakes - there was a talk from Dr Mike Hooper on vegan health followed by a talk from Johanna Best on vegan nutrition. Robb introduced us to the London vegan social scene and Alex Bourke from Vegetarian Guides finished the day with a slideshow of all the veggie and vegan cafes and restaurants in London. Below is just a small selection of some of the photos taken on the day. Hope to see you all for another great day at the second meeting on Sat 16th June.

Liz Hughes shows a pledger how to make vegan spinach filo parcels

Liz Hughes demonstrating a dish in the cookery workshop

Johanna Best and Dr Mike Hooper answer questions about vegan nutrition and health

Two happy pledgers!

Lunch time!

Pledgers enjoying a range of vegan food 

A pledger helps herself to a cupcake

Volunteers preparing a spread of vegan desserts

Volunteers show the selection of vegan milks on offer

The team that made it all happen.

THANK YOU

London Vegan Pledge 2012

Are you interested in trying a vegan diet with some help and support? If so, then sign up for the London Vegan Pledge. 

Once you have been registered you will be invited to two meetings at a venue in central London from 10am - 4pm, one at the start of your pledge month on Saturday 19th May 2012, and one at the end of your vegan month on Saturday 16th June 2012. 

These informative events include: speakers, films, delicious vegan food, cookery demos, free recipe booklets and basic health and nutrition advice. At the first meeting you will also meet your vegan buddy who will support you during your month. All of this is completely free!

Email us to find out more information or to register your interest in taking the Vegan Pledge.