Steph Cripps is a PR from London who has recently made the choice to go vegan. We caught up with her to ask her about day-to-day living on a plant-based diet and most importantly- where to check if your booze if vegan!
Steph Cripps
Please tell us what motivated you to go vegan.
In January this year after 24 years of being a meat eater, I decided that I would become a vegetarian. I'd like to say that I spent hours reading about campaigns online, attending seminars and asking friends for their opinions, but all that happened was one day I woke up and thought 'I'm not sure that eating animals is OK.' From then, after researching the benefits of veganism for not just animals (dah!) but for the environment and ultimately for humanity, the decision to make the move over was easy. A friend and I said we'd try it just for a month and put only a small amount of pressure on ourselves. First, we'd change our diets, next we'd replace our beauty products - but only when our current ones ran out - and then finally any clothing.
What is your latest most exciting vegan food discovery?
I went out for dinner a couple of weeks ago to a really cute vegan place in Soho that has vegan mayo. I have never been more excited. Garlicy, basily, heavenly mayo. The none-vegans at dinner didn't even notice the difference, forgetting that mayonnaise is made from eggs.
What vegan products can't you live without?
Nothing I use is specifically vegan, I just adapted my diet and changed over to cruelty free products. Everything I use is really mainstream still!
What is your favourite place to source vegan info and stories?
I follow many vegan Twitter and Instagram accounts for recipe inspiration and I've also signed up to PETA's newsletter and The Vegan Society. For me, initially it was difficult to think of things to cook, but once you realise that you can just cook everything you've ever cooked, it's a lot easier. Like now, my chilli is packed with extra kidney beans and lots of sweet potato. It's also super interesting to read about other people's journeys; for example, I lost 9lb in the first 8 weeks, yet I was eating continuously. Conversely, my friend didn't lose any weight but she noticed her energy levels increase and her sleep pattern regulate.
What foods do you rely on to keep you fuelled when you're training at the gym?
I pack my diet full of protein; quinoa, chickpeas, edamame, tofu (you name it, I'll eat it) as well as snacking on nuts. I also carb up on gym days… It's just an excuse to eat tons of carbs.
What is your favourite vegan meal to cook at home?
I cook a pretty tasty Thai Red chickpea curry or I am a big fan or Veggie Fajitas with homemade guacamole and soya yoghurt.
How did your friends and family react when you decided to make the switch?
I was actually a little concerned about revealing my new diet for a couple of reasons; I was apprehensive about having to explain and defend my decision as well as being worried that people would think it was 'just a phase'. Whilst almost all of my friends and family didn't really understand, every single one took it seriously. My mum researched endlessly before I went home to visit so that she didn't have to ask me questions, my best friend would cook his dinner in a separate frying pan and everyone would check for vegan options on a menu before booking a table at a restaurant. It shows that even if people don't completely understand, they want to try because you care about it.
How do you find being vegan when you're at festivals?
I take my own food, there will always be vegan options but usually it's curry. Sometimes you just want a sandwich and a packet of crisps. With alcohol, there's a really good website called Barnivore which tells you if your booze is vegan within seconds!
What advice do you have for new vegans?
Don't put too much pressure on yourself because everyone has a different idea of what a vegan is. For example, up until recently I was still using a well-known beauty brand that is known for not being cruelty free - but I've used it since I was 14 and make up costs a lot of money. When it ran out, I replaced it with cruelty free. If someone knew that, would I be less of a vegan? It's so subjective. Little steps; do it at your pace. And when people roll their eyes at you, or tell you that you're silly remember why you're doing it.
What were the easiest and hardest parts of making the transition?
Easiest - food. Follow recipes, find your replacements and alternatives and you're away. Once you find a couple of vegan restaurants/cafes, you'll be sorted!
Hardest - products. It's difficult to get information on all of the elements of say washing powder, or toothpaste. Use vegan communities online, ask when you're in health food shops and speak to fellow vegans in restaurants.
Tagged in Vegan Cruelty Free