Ahead of Veganuary 2024, we talked to one of our trainers, Lauren, about why she joined the plant-based revolution and how her Just Veganin YouTube channel celebrates the vegan food scene.
Thanks for your time today, Lauren. Could you start by telling us why you went vegan?
I was a meat eater, then pescatarian, then vegetarian. But, 13 years ago, I watched a documentary called ‘Earthlings’ and realised how brutal life is for animals. I thought, if I have a choice, I don’t want to take another creature’s life. So, I became vegan.
I strongly believe that if we each did one good thing – whether that’s supporting a particular charity or making a lifestyle change – the world would be a better place.
What do you like to eat?
I was never really into meat-based burgers but now I like trying different plant-based burgers (check out my recent review of Juicy Marbles fillet steak).
I also love Mexican food (I make fajitas with chickpeas, vegetables and a meat substitute), and stir fries made with tofu and noodles.
A few of my KBPT clients are vegetarian and I always recommend eating lots of whole foods, like chickpeas and lentils, and a rainbow of colours.
Is there anything you miss eating?
I really missed cheese at first but there are so many great vegan “cheese” brands now, like ‘Honestly Tasty’and ‘I AM NUT OK’.
Having put two and two together about animal cruelty, it doesn’t matter if I miss something.
Interestingly, I used to suffer from IBS and all my stomach issues stopped as soon as I gave up animal products.
How else have you incorporated veganism into your lifestyle?
I try to be vegan in every part of my life and there’s much more choice for vegans these days – from vegan shoes to vegan make-up.
My partner loves fashion and beauty and we were talking about vegan skincare products the other day. I’ve just discovered Arella Vegan Collagen, for example, which makes me feel really energised (I reviewed it here).
I’m aiming to trek to Everest Base Camp next year so I’m buying vegan hiking gear and a vegan (non-down) sleeping bag.
What tips would you give to someone who is thinking of going vegan?
You don’t have to be 100% vegan straight away. Maybe you could start small with meatless Monday or switch your lunch to something plant based?
Find your reason… the thing that really motivates you – it might be animal rights, your health or the environment
Educate yourself about the benefits of veganism – watch movies like The Game Changers, read books and check out the Veganuary and PETA websites
Don’t worry about lacking protein (this is the most common question I get asked about veganism!) – there’s plenty of protein in legumes, vegetables, tofu and other plant-based food
Be kind to yourself… becoming vegan is a journey
How did you get into vlogging and how’s it going?
As I’m a performer and vegan, setting up a vegan vlog made total sense! I wanted to show everyone how easy it is to be vegan, especially in London, so I launched my YouTube channel called Just Veganin about four years ago and I’m also on Instagram (@justveganin).
I’ve got around 28,000 subscribers on YouTube and, because it’s growing all the time, brands send me vegan products and I get invited to vegan restaurants. I spend a couple of hours a week making and editing my videos and I recently took courses in digital marketing and Adobe Photoshop to help me with the vlog.
Which vegan restaurants would you recommend in east London?
The vegan food scene in London has exploded recently. There are so many great places but Club Mexicanain Shoreditch, Sen Viet Vegan in Hoxton and Tofu Vegan in Spitalfields are amazing!
If you’d like to train with KBPT in 2024, contact kate@kbpersonaltraining.co.uk for a free consultation.
