Veganism with Rosie!

First of all, how long have you been a vegan and what drew you to making the big switch?

 I have been vegan for around 10 months now. I was interested in veganism for a while before I made the transition. The thing which drew me towards it, was the environmental impacts, as well as the ethics behind it. I knew quite a lot already, as I had been vegetarian for 5 years, but then I watched Cowspiracy and realised how much I didn't want to contribute to that cruelty and climate change.

Have you faced any setbacks or experienced any negativity along the journey?

I haven't found any personal setbacks thus far; I can almost always find alternatives and vegan recipes. However, I have experienced quite a bit of negativity from other people. My family are really supportive of it, however, quite a lot of people can tease you and say stupid things, so I'd say this is one thing to prepare yourself for :))

What does your typical day look like in terms of mealtimes?

I usually have breakfast around 7.30- I like having more time to make yummy things on the weekend, so usually my weekday breakfasts are pretty weird haha. Lunch time is at 1;30 at school so I eat it then, and dinner around 7-ish. These tend to change in the holidays though :) I also have a few snacks and mini meals during the day

Would you say that changing your diet has had effects (both positive and negative) on your mental and physical wellbeing?

4)  I feel more positive since becoming vegan and it has really put things into perspective for me. I haven't really noticed many changes to my body as I didn't go vegan for that, but I do have more energy, feel less tired, and need less sleep.

What's your favourite thing about veganism?

5) My favourite thing about veganism would have to be knowing I am making a difference! I also love all the yummy vegan alternatives :))

Does your ethical attitude extend past the dinner table? Do you support cruelty free cosmetics and fair trade?

6) It definitely does! I've always considered myself an environmental and ethical person. I am very passionate about human rights and politics. I am extremely conscious about the environment, and plan to spend my life working for the world and its people. Although I don't wear makeup, I make sure all my items I use such as soap, toothpaste, etc, are cruelty-free, preferably vegan, zero waste, recyclable, etc. I support fair trade as well; I try not to buy unnecessary things, however, I ensure that anything I buy is either second-hand, or ethical and fair trade

Would you say that you have inspired anybody else to go vegan? How does this feel?

7) I don't think I've inspired anyone else to go full vegan, but 2 of my friends became vegetarian, which felt great! I think I've inspired some people around me to be more environmentally-friendly too, which makes me sosososososo happy!!! <3

There are lots of different 'fad' vegan diets out there. You are given the choice of either eating all carbs (like the potato diet) or all plants. What's the verdict?

8) I don't think I would ever choose, as I want to have enough nutrients and foods from all groups hahah

What's your go to vegan meal?

9) I have so many ahhh! But I especially love Asian food, so maybe something like a Thai Peanut or Pad Thai. I also love pasta and rice based dishes with lots of veggies! But I can't choose just one thing, but if I had to it would be some sort of Asian dish :)

And finally, what advice would you give to somebody who wants to make the switch to an all vegan diet?

10) Educate yourself! Watch documentaries, read up, etc. Prepare yourself for people asking lots of questions. Make sure you know all the things you need to eat. Make sure you will be getting enough calories. Talk to your parents and let them know about the lifestyle. Good luck! <3

Resources:

http://www.cowspiracy.com/facts/

http://bonnyrebecca.tumblr.com/whyvegan

http://www.nationearth.com/earthlings-1/

https://www.forksoverknives.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79GtQ58CEMc

And if you have netflix, check out Cowspiracy!

Thank you for interviewing me!! <3

http://rosiemaearoha.blogspot.co.uk/

And thank you very much for giving me this opportunity! Some fab answers here and I found it very interesting to read about your perspective!

Health and happiness,

Marti xx