Do you remember the way you felt on your very first day of being vegan? I think back to the new and unfamiliar spring in my step, the exciting realisation that I would actively be making a difference to the world, and the relief of finally shedding the guilt for my old eating habits that I had carried around for so long. I found a new lease of life at the end of what had been a particularly challenging year — in many ways, veganism saved me.
One of the beautiful things about the movement was the sense of community I found almost immediately; groups on various social media platforms that were dedicated entirely to veganism began to welcome me with open arms. I was invited into spaces where like-minded people shared recipes, answered questions and gave recommendations on brands, restaurants and holiday destinations. Each dilemma I faced, whether it be omnivorous family members sharing their unfounded views, or whether or not I should purchase a vegan product from a non-vegan company, was met with guidance, support and similar stories. We were all in it together, fighting the same fight, enjoying a new way of life and all of the wonderful things that came with it. And, for a while, the wonderful things felt like they would never end. The new diet put a stop to the nausea I felt each morning and the lethargy I felt every afternoon. My skin cleared up, my hair felt healthier, I felt well-rested after every single night’s sleep and I was looking at food in a completely different way. I began to take a greater interest in trying new recipes, learning about what was in the food we eat, and the processes that take place before that food lands in our supermarkets. But learning about veganism wasn’t the only thing I needed to do — in order to help others understand the benefits of ditching animal products, I had to learn about what really happens in the animal industry.