Why I Went Vegan - Lucy Slater

As we continue to celebrate Veganuary this month, we caught up with Lucy Slater, Resourcing Lead in our Childcare business. Lucy who is also part of our Young Co-operators Network talks about her plant-based journey, what inspired her to make the change, and discuss some of the challenges she faced along the way...

Hi Lucy! Before we begin, tell us a bit about yourself!

I'm Lucy, I've worked for Midcounties for over a year now in the Resourcing team. I enjoy cooking and baking, running, going to the gym, reading and spending time with my friends. 🙂

 

So what inspired you to start your plant-based journey and how long have you been a vegan?

As being vegan gained popularity over the past 5 years, I always empathised with the cause. A friend of mine went plant-based and LOVED it, so I just decided to give it a go for a two week period. About 5 days in I decided I liked it and wasn't going back, and that'll be three years ago in May.

 

I bet you get asked this often...do you miss meat?

Yes, this is a really common question and I can honestly say for the most part NO. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've craved meat in the past three years and ALL of them have been for bacon when feeling a bit worse for wear the morning after the night before. Honestly, if a meal is nice, you don't even think about whether it's got meat in it.

 

What do you think is the most underrated/ misunderstood part of a healthy vegan diet?

P R O T E I N

When it comes to a healthy diet, protein is an absolute MUST. It helps us stay strong and build muscle, feel fuller for longer and is great for bone health. There's a general concern that on a plant-based diet you can't get enough protein, yet some absolute vegan staples like nuts, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, even the humble baked beans are fantastic sources of protein.

Other nutrients that we're led to believe you can't get from plants include calcium (found in leafy veg, plant milk & tofu, pulses & seeds) and vitamin B12. Although the vegan community recommend supplementing B12, there's nothing stopping you from getting some from cereals and marmite (sorry to those who hate it!).

Another misconception is that there's barely anything to eat! There are literally thousands of different vegetables available in this country yet most people stick to basing their meals around the same 4 or 5 meals?!

Also, it's a really new "fad" diet - there are lots of cultures that are already vegetarian/vegan for religious or cultural reasons and have been for thousands of years.

 

What differences have you noticed in yourself since becoming vegan?

Generally speaking, I find weight maintenance easier, but asides from this not much in all honesty. I know this seems boring, but considering lots of people might believe you'd suddenly have no energy and all your muscle would waste away, I see this as a good thing! 

 

Tell us something every person starting a plant-based journey should know?

Steer clear of the "fake" meats - you know, the plant-based red stuff that looks like a steak? I'm not saying this is "bad" by any means or to never eat it, but it can be expensive to eat every day of the week. Being plant-based can be really cheap if you make sure to eat lots of pulses, beans and legumes (high sources of protein and carbs with a small price tag). Also, buy your milk from the unchilled section, it will be cheaper.

 

Finally, have you got any beginner vegan food recommendations?

Asian food is your friend! Curries are such a go-to for me - Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese foods are all absolutely packed with flavour and have lots of vegan options. Mexican food is also great for vegans (beans GALORE). In addition, you can definitely still enjoy a Sunday roast (just have veggie sausages, mushroom wellington or a nut roast instead of the meat) and a BBQ in the summer with some plant-based sausages or burgers. If you need any more persuading, Bournville chocolate is great and Party Rings, Jammie Dodgers and Oreos are all vegan 😉

For reference, a great recipe book is BOSH! as well as the BBC Good Food which has some great recipes alongside the Veganuary website.

In short, try out a couple of plant-based meals a week to switch things up or order a plant-based option next time you’re out, you might be surprised!

If you enjoyed my Q&A or want to know more information let me know below. You can join our Young Co-operators Network Facebook Group here or if you have any questions, please email YCN@midcounties.coop.