We’re thrilled to reconnect with Pauline from Switzerland, whose passion for veganism and sharing diverse recipes has been an inspiration to many. In our first interview, Pauline shared her heartfelt commitment to animal welfare and her initial motivations for embracing a vegan lifestyle.
Read all about her first interview:
Now, in this eagerly awaited second interview, Pauline opens up about the evolution of her approach to food. She reflects on her journey towards a healthier lifestyle, highlighting the shift in her mindset from simply supporting vegan products to prioritizing mindful choices and balanced nutrition.
Let’s delve into Pauline’s insightful reflections and discover how her journey has unfolded since our last conversation
Reflecting on Your Continued Journey
As I evolve in my vegan journey it becomes important for me to choose healthier options, more whole foods and less processed vegan alternatives 🌱
Pauline | vegan recipes
Since our last conversation, my approach to food has switched to a healthier way of living. In the past, I would buy every new vegan item in store just to “support vegan businesses” and show interest for vegan products to big corporations. Today I’m a lot more mindful about what I put in my body. I realized that vegan doesn’t necessarly mean healthy so I reduced my consumption of processed products. I also (almost) cut out sugar. Of course, I still think balance is key and I don’t mind eating dessert or vegan meat/cheese alternatives occasionally.
A success story that recently happened to me is one of me best friends deciding to go vegan (she will recognize herself if she reads this!). I am happy and proud of her, and I love helping her navigating this vegan journey.
Navigating Nutrition and Health:
Lentils are a super good alternative to meat in a bolognese sauce, they’re rich in protein, iron and fibers 🌱
Pauline | vegan recipes
Personally I always make sure my meals are balanced with : a source of protein, carbs and healthy fats. Then I also eat a lot of fruit and veggies on a daily basis.
Some of my favorite protein sources at the moment are : chickpeas, tofu, lentils or tempeh. I also started eating nuts as a snack instead of sugary things. They are full of protein, fibers and good fats!
I discovered that with this lifestyle I can maintain a healthy weight without even trying to. My relationship with food is a lot healthier than in the past and I no longer have binge eating moments!
Inspiring Others Through Challenges:
We are lucky enough to live in a time when it’s easier than ever to be vegan, you can get plenty of options in supermarkets and restaurants
Pauline | vegan recipes
I can say the main challenge I’m facing from the beginning of my vegan journey is : dealing with idiots 😂
It always amazes me how stupid the questions can be every time veganism is mentioned in a conversation. Nevertheless, I learnt to stay calm and not get overwhelmed by conversations or debates with non-vegan people, and I now don’t really care what they can think or say about it.
As long as you know why you’re doing it and you’re convinced with your choice, nothing can stop you.
Ethical and Environmental Impact:
If you agree that veganism is the best option for the environment and animals, act on it, period
Pauline | vegan recipes
Environment is not the main reason why I went vegan, I would say it’s more of a (very nice) side effect. So I can’t say I’m particularly careful about this aspect, but I try to do my part by buying local foods and fruits and veggies that are in season.
Diverse Culinary Adventures:
It’s looking forward to having that meal because you love it. It’s replacing your old habits with healthier ones that will benefit you more
Pauline | vegan recipes
I love being creative in the kitchen and something you will never see me doing is using a recipe, unless it’s for something very specific like a dessert for example.
What inspires me is daily life, what I have at home and what I can do with it. For example, last week I had a bunch of ripe bananas that I had to use or they would go bad. I decided to make pancakes and they turnt out delicious, with almost like a banana bread flavor.
I think it’s very important to not be afraid of trying new things, even without recipes, trusting yourself and experimenting in the kitchen. That’s how you learn how to cook and stay motivated.
Empowering Lifestyle Choices:
Because eating healthy shouldn’t mean compromising your happiness 💕
Pauline | vegan recipes
Beyond food, the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle extends to fashion, beauty, and more. Are there any cruelty-free brands or sustainable practices you’ve embraced and would recommend?
At the moment I’m loving Nyx and Essence, because they’re both vegan, quality beauty brands and cheap at the same time !
Advocacy and Education:
🌱Who said vegan food is boring?
Pauline | vegan recipes
It’s the opposite, it pushes you to discover new flavors and ways of cooking!
I am not the type of vegan that would shout it from the rooftops. I answer questions that people ask, but I would never try to convince them or start a debate. I realized that veganism is a topic that really divides people and it’s very hard (on both sides) to change opinions. So I keep my energy to myself, and of course I’m always present when people are genuinely interested or need advice.
Balancing Passion and Compassion:
One of my favorite things about being a vegan is that I feel comfortable eating anything. It healed my relationship with food and I’m forever grateful for it! ✨
Pauline | vegan recipes
I’m lucky enough to have open-minded and non judgmental friends, so this has never been an issue. When it comes to eating out, most restaurants here in Switzerland do have at least a vegan option. If there’s none, I never hesitate to ask the waiter if they can come up with something for me, and it’s usually not a problem.
A Vision for the Future:
Having a healthy lifestyle is finding a way of eating that is sustainable on the long term
I’m really liking creating content on my IG @veganyummyideas so my goal and vision for the future is to keep growing the account and hopefully help a larger amount of people to go vegan or just include more plant-based meals in their daily life.
My goal is not to show exact recipes or complicated meals. It’s more about showing people what I eat on a daily basis so they can see how simple it is, and get inspired by it. I also wanna push my followers to play in the kitchen and not take it so seriously. All my recipes can be modified depending on what you have at home. I just want you to have fun with it!
Pauline | vegan recipes
🌱 healthy • balanced • intuitive eating
📍Switzerland 🇨🇭
💌 collabs: veganyummyideas@gmail.com
all images courtesy of Pauline | vegan recipes