Jess’ journey into the world of plant-based living commenced at the age of 15 when a profound encounter with the realities of the meat industry led her to embrace vegetarianism.
As the years rolled on, Jess’s path took a turn in her 30s when she stumbled upon the unsettling truths hidden within the dairy and egg industries. In response, she made a swift and resolute transition to veganism overnight.
Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to chat with her.
For Jess, this shift wasn’t just a change in diet; it was a profound alignment with her values, making it the most fulfilling decision of her life.
Please tell us more about yourself
It’s never been easier to go vegan, and all the foods you have now you can still enjoy, they’re just made from plants!
Jess Burns
Hi I’m Jess, I’m 36 and I was born in Camden, London but I’ve lived in Yorkshire for most of my life.
I first went vegetarian at the age of 15, it was something I’d thought about doing and then I saw under cover footage from a chicken farm that supplied KFC and it was so upsetting I decided to give up meat for good. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I discovered how horrendous the dairy and egg industries are, as soon as I knew the truth I went vegan over night and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Nothing better than spending a weekend surrounded by thousands of like minded people who just want a kinder world for animals 💚☮️
Jess Burns
I’ve taken part in animal rights protests since going vegan, I started my Instagram page to help others with vegan food, lifestyle and travel tips to help others on their journey.
What obstacles arise when seeking vegan or vegetarian food, especially when dining out with friends? How can these challenges be effectively addressed and overcome?
The difference from when I first went vegan over 6 years ago to now is huge, there are way more vegan options available but there are still sometimes occasional issues when eating out and a lack of choice, if any choice at all! I’m definitely one for researching before I go to a new area and finding where may be best to eat, and if I find myself in a place that has no vegan options then I think it’s important to speak to the staff/management/owners to ask if it’s something they would consider offering in the future.
How do you feel about being a vegan/vegetarian?
Being vegan is very important to me, it goes way beyond just avoiding eating animal products, it’s definitely a way of life rather than a diet. I’m really proud to be vegan knowing that I’m doing my part in not contributing to the suffering of animals.
How might you encourage someone who hasn’t embraced a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle to give meatless options a try?
The best way for me is just telling people that you can still enjoy eating all the same food that you eat now, it’s just made from plants rather than parts of animals, you really don’t miss out on anything by being vegan!
There were plenty of fully vegan places and a lot of non vegan restaurants had vegan options too
Jess Burns
There are so many amazing vegan places to eat all over the country, my list would be way too long! So some of my favourite meals to cook at home are chilli, satay tofu, firecracker tofu, macaroni cheeze.
What are a few misunderstandings surrounding vegans or vegetarians, and how do you go about clarifying or educating others about these beliefs?
Better for the animals, better for the planet, better for you 🌱
Jess Burns
I think that we’re all very judgemental and “force our views on others” but the reality is it can be really difficult living in a non vegan world, and we all just want a better world for animals. For me it’s important to have these conversations without lecturing people, it’s about promoting veganism as a lifestyle.
For someone embarking on a journey towards a meatless lifestyle, what guidance would you offer?
Don’t overwhelm yourself, start with a meal you eat often and learn ways to veganise. For example, spaghetti bolognese, as a meat eater you’d always use beef mince whereas a vegan you could try using a plant based mince alternative, lentils, blitzed up mushrooms, crumbled tofu. It actually makes cooking fun and interesting again! So don’t think about what you can’t have and start thinking about all the amazing things you can have!
Engaging narratives about the experience of being a vegan
I actually got to meet one of my vegan hero’s Ed Winters (Earthling Ed) after an animal rights March in London. It was so nice to meet him in person and tell him that watching his videos played a big part in me going vegan. He was lovely too!
If anyone is looking for vegan food inspiration please do give my page @lovefromavegan a follow!
Jess Burns
🐷 Vegan for the animals
🌱 Easy, every day vegan food
all images courtesy of Jess Burns