One of the most common hurdles faced by newbies to the vegan lifestyle is giving up dairy. Who moved my cheese can take on a whole new meaning when that midnight raid on the fridge encounters the vegan alternative for your grilled sandwich.
As Dubai marks its first Vegan Community Day on May 5, organisers Ananda Shakespeare and Will Rankin are looking to change the perception of going vegan while offering a support system of sorts for those who are looking to make the change to a “cruelty-free life”.
Rankin, who has been vegan for the past year following an “increased knowledge and a desire for immortality”, explains: “[The community day stems from] a simple desire to hang out with like-minded people, or those receptive to new ideas, and to find sources of veganised products and services.
“There’s no real mission to convert people, just a desire to eat good food with good people in good places, without worrying about damaging animals, the planet or ourselves.”
Shakespeare, who’s been vegan for more than 20 years, adds: “It’s a social event and also a bit like a support group. A forum to swap ideas, tips, get to know other vegans. It’s also invaluable for people that have vegans in their family and want to find out more.”
The first of “many such events” will be hosted at Rove Healthcare City on May 5, kicking off at 11am with a yoga session by the pool to channel your inner zen, before indulging in an all-vegan buffet for Dh99 — think baked butternut pumpkin salad and scrambled tofu on toast.
“Veganism is often misunderstood. The food you can eat is only limited by your imagination,” explains Rankin. “You can eat anything and everything as long as it hasn’t been killed or is involved in animal cruelty.
“For a night out at the cinema, popcorn is vegan. After a night out on the town, a manakeesh, falafel or bag of chips is vegan. Sugar is bad for us all, and best avoided, but most naturally occurring sweet things are vegan — but we don’t do honey. Honey is for bees, just as milk is to help calves grow into cows!”
Shakespeare also refutes the common perception that a transition to a vegan lifestyle is difficult. “It wasn’t difficult for me at all. I remember ordering pizza with no cheese at university, but I didn’t miss dairy,” she states. “I did live in Finland when I was 20 and Belgium at 21 and it was harder in these countries and when travelling, but you can normally seek out a vegetarian restaurant in most cities or manage somehow.”
Both agree that they feel healthier and fitter since they’ve made the switch.
“Although I shifted from vegetarianism, a vegan diet is a low fat, nutrient-rich diet. There’s more protein in broccoli than beef, and Omega 3-6-9 come from oceanic plant life that fish consume, not fish. I’m fitter and thinner, too. With a little knowledge, you can get all the vitamins and minerals you need — including B12 and Vitamin D,” says Rankin.
The duo also bust the myth that a vegan lifestyle extracts a heavy toll on the monthly grocery bill.
“Only if you choose to buy fake meat products and imported fake ‘vegan’ cheese,” says Rankin. “Our weekly grocery bill is genuinely around Dh100 [for two]. That includes vegetables, fruits and grains. I make my own non-dairy milk from really cheap oats — you blend water and oats and then strain the mixture. We are being conned by [the] cost of the growing tide of non-dairy milks.
“Most vegans are big foodies, and often competent home cooks. You start to learn about all sorts of different things, like ways of cooking seitan, tofu and creating amazing dishes with really simple ingredients. Remember garlic, chili and salt are vegan.”
Shakespeare shares a few handy tips: “Specialty products can be expensive, but look for monthly discounts and deals, shop smartly; buy from markets and come and share your cost cutting tips with us.”
Celebrity vegans
Ellen Pompeo
The Grey’s Anatomy star (and highest-paid actress on TV today) is a recent convert to the vegan way after a visit to a doctor.
In an interview with People magazine last month, Pompeo stated that her yearly appointment with Dr Kristi Funk introduced her to the good doc’s book, Breasts: The Owner’s Manual in Hollywood. “Since then my whole family has gone completely vegan,” the actress was quote as saying.
Pompeo added that even her three children are now vegan and they “all feel better.”
Kate Mara
In a recent interview with Shape magazine, the House of Cards actress says she decided to go vegan after reading a book called The Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Snyder. She was quoted as saying: “It’s about how our bodies are not meant to digest animal products and what we should be eating instead. It made a lot of sense to me.”
“I’ve been a vegan for five years. I found it hard to give up cheese at first because I love it so much. But I haven’t missed meat at all,” she added.
Beyonce Knowles
Forty-four days before that Coachella performance, Queen Bey announced she was going vegan. Her Instagram bio also included a link to her new vegan meal planner.
In a separate post, power couple Knowles and husband Jay Z stated: “We want to challenge you as we challenge ourselves to move towards a more plant-based lifestyle and acknowledge you for standing up for your health and the health of the planet.”
Kangana Ranaut
The Bollywood star reportedly gave up eating meat after joining films.
In an interview with Times of India in 2014, Ranaut said: “Spiritually, being a non-vegetarian was blocking me. It was hard to leave and I won’t say that I don’t crave it, but you can do it with your will power.” Ranaut has since turned vegan, saying that dairy gave her acidity. Today, her diet includes a lot of fruits and nuts.
Check it out!
Vegan Community Day will be held on May 5 at Rove Healthcare City from 11am. The event is free to attend. The brunch is priced at Dh99.
