As the name of her blog suggests, Dr Rebecca is not just any doctor; she’s a vegan doctor—a vegan GP, to be precise. Yes, they do exist!
Dr. Rebecca’s journey began with a familiar frustration shared by many in the vegan community. Upon embracing veganism, she sought solace and guidance in online forums, only to witness a recurring theme: disappointment in medical consultations. Recognizing the gap between vegan lifestyles and traditional medicine, she embarked on a mission to bridge it.
Her unique perspective as both a healthcare provider and a vegan advocate positions her as a beacon of understanding and support. Unlike many, Dr. Rebecca’s transition to veganism wasn’t a drastic overhaul but rather a natural progression rooted in her upbringing and intermittent forays into vegetarianism. Yet, her decision to fully embrace veganism wasn’t without its challenges, particularly bidding farewell to dairy and eggs.
Please tell us more about yourself
I’m always happy to recommend a vegan diet to my patients
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
My name is Dr Rebecca Jones, and I’m also known as The Vegan Doctor. I’ve been a GP for nearly 9 years, and vegan for 7.
I’m from the UK, and I live in London now with my partner and two kids. I’ve been writing for around 10 years, initially it was about medical politics, but I started writing about vegan health when I transitioned and started learning more about the lifestyle. As well as my first undergraduate degree and my medical degree, I also have a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Nutrition.
Tell us what makes you turn vegetarian or vegan.How long have you been one?
My parents were at various stages of cutting out meat throughout my childhood, so I’ve been vegetarian for most of my life. My mum went vegan many years ago, but it took me a while to catch up! I transitioned for Veganuary 2017, and I’ve never looked back. I don’t really know what made it click for me, but I just remember in the winter of 2016 that I felt really guilty eating dairy. So I stopped.
Take home message – plants are full of protein!
Take home message – plants are full of protein!
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
Vegans really don’t need to worry about our protein intake. Protein can be found in so many plant foods 🥬🥑🥦🍄🟫🍞🥜🌰🌽
The most interesting thing for me has been how much The Vegan Doctor was needed at that time. I remember when I joined all the vegan groups on Facebook, people had so many questions, and they weren’t getting any support from medical professionals, who would sometimes be giving out misinformation. They were relying on other vegans, but sometimes, again, misinformation was being shared. Once I started blogging and sharing information about vegan health, mainstream newspapers, magazines, and big companies started reaching out to me.
I then started a Facebook group called Vegan Doctors of the UK, and we have near to 400 members now, which is just breathtaking for me, when I thought I was alone at the beginning. From that group, some amazing projects were born. Some members went on to create Plant Based Health Professionals UK.
For as long as I live, I’ll never again let dairy cross my lips
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
As I live in London, I am very fortunate and privileged to have access to great vegan food. I’m also really lucky with my friends and family; if they’re not already vegan, they’re either vegan-curious, or really respectful of my decision to be vegan. I don’t remember the last time I was out with friends and we didn’t all eat either vegan or vegetarian.
I have had one more recent challenge, however, and that is with taking part in the BDS movement. I didn’t realise how many of the products we rely on as a family are on the boycott list. I’ve had to change lots of things and rethink how we consume, again.
I’ll always be an ethical vegan, but I just love being able to tell my patients that not only is their diet safe, but it’s also very beneficial for their health.
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
Oh, I just love being vegan! Ask anybody who knows me! I feel so at peace knowing that my food hasn’t suffered, and knowing that I am making less of a negative impact on the climate than I might do if I was eating meat or dairy. I also adore discovering and creating new foods.
I’m so convinced that veganism is for everyone, that I have very few doubts about bringing up my children vegan. I know that when they’re older, they may choose a different path. But I hope they’ll appreciate that I’ve started them off on the least harmful, most healthy way of living possible.
How would you tell someone who’s not yet vegan to try meatless food?
I’m not alone. It seems that in recent years, the world’s scientific gaze is shifting towards veganism as the answer to the globe’s lifestyle related disease, world famine, and climate disaster
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
Firstly I’d point out that they have already tried vegan food! So much of what we eat is vegan, but people don’t realise. Then I’d suggest that they take it slowly, and don’t aim for perfection. Making small changes that build to an overall more peaceful, kind and healthier life are going to be better for you than trying to cut out everything you like, all at once!
Recommend some good places or food? can be home-cooked or eating places. Why are these your favourites? (with photos and captions of the dish names)
London has so many great places. A few of my favourites are Tofu Vegan for amazing Chinese food, Purezza for the best pizza, and Mildred’s for a slightly fancier meal. I also love Vegan Junk Food Cafe in Amsterdam.
I have to mention some of my own veganised dishes because they are also some of my favourite foods. I make a mean curry, and a lovely comforting puy lentil cottage pie. My family also loves my vegan bibimbap. These recipes will all be in my upcoming book, The Vegan Doctor’s Cookbook.
What are some misconceptions about a vegan?
My main message, as The Vegan Doctor, is that it’s a perfectly safe and even healthy lifestyle
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
Oh my goodness, there are so many. But that’s why I do what I do! At least I can help with some of the health related ones. I guess that’s the biggest one, that veganism isn’t healthy. What frustrates me about this myth isn’t just that it’s not true, but that it’s pretty much the polar opposite of the truth. The evidence shows that a well-balanced vegan diet is probably one of the most beneficial ways of eating in terms of human and planetary health.
My writing, blogging and social media presence are my ways of educating. That and leading by example. I believe that if omnivores around me see a healthy vegan doctor bringing up two healthy vegan children, that might persuade them to give it a go.
To someone who’s just beginning to go meatless, what is your advice?
As most vegans do, I believe that a plant-based diet is the answer to almost everything
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
Take it slowly and forgive yourself for mistakes and mishaps. Also reach out to all the wonderful resources that are out there. Facebook and Instagram have a wealth of information about veganism.
There are medical accounts like mine, and Plant Based Health Professionals UK, as well as the US accounts PCRM and Nutrition Facts.
For more general vegan information look to charities like Peta, Viva and Veganuary, and to see what a wonderful vegan life you can live, there are so many vegan influencers. Follow them all so you’re getting a big dose of vegan positivity when you’re scrolling.
And don’t forget your vitamin B12!
Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health
Vegan for 🐄🐖🦃 1st, everything else 2nd.
Follow for health, recipes & lifestyle. 🇵🇸
Also @the_vegan_parent Book coming soon
all images courtesy of Dr Rebecca Jones | Vegan GP | Supporting vegan health