Shweta became a vegan for animals after learning the cruelty that happens in the dairy industry. She started eliminating animal based products from her lifestyle one at a time and to bridge the gap between indian veganism she started sharing recipes on her instagram page @indivegankitchen.
Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to chat with Shweta.
Please tell us more about yourself
I am born and brought up in Harda, MP, India. After finishing my engineering bachelor’s degree in computer science I went to work with an MNC as a software developer.
Live kindly – Ahimsa
Shweta | Indian vegan kitchen
I feel better than my past self as I lead a sedentary life because of my work profile and the vegan diet works better.
Shweta | Indian vegan kitchen
I have always been a vegetarian. Turned vegan two years back, and was plant-based before it for 5 years. I was plant-based for my health the first few years and had occasional dairy items but when I came across the cruelty that happens in the dairy industry I decided to quit dairy completely. even eliminated honey, leather, and silk from my lifestyle.
The only challenge is the lack of variety. Indian diet has a lot of accidental food options in what we eat daily, so finding a vegan option is not difficult here. But if you expect the kind of variety that non-vegetarians have, it will be difficult.
I feel great about it and wish I had done it sooner.
Shweta | Indian vegan kitchen
The beginning was difficult as I had a deep-rooted love for dairy but as I started replacing everything with a vegan alternative things become easier. The family was also supportive during this phase. Even got married during this period and eliminated culture that were not animal friendly.
When we decided to get married he had no connection to veganism, has always been an animal lover though so when I spoke to him about this tradition I went prepared with my logic but I didn’t need any. He understood it right away and we kept the ghodi away from all the ceremonies. From that day to this day the understanding has only gotten better. Extremely grateful for it ❤️
The ghodi in baraat is under extreme stress. They are made to work for hours, they get dehydrated and are bewildered at all the noise around them.
Isn’t it really auspicious to start the new chapter of your life in this manner?
A coder creating vegan recipe
Shweta | Indian vegan kitchen
My first preference is always home-cooked food and my Instagram handle also shows recipes that are easy to make with minimal Indian ingredients. I love chickpeas, corn, tofu, soy milk, nut and seeds, salads, and fruits.
Protein is always the most asked concern that people have when it comes to a vegan diet so I am always on the lookout for healthy options that are high in protein.
I share how protein-rich tofu, lentils, peas etc. are and there are a lot of options for plant-based protein powder available these days for extra protein needs. If you are allergic to soy then pea is another great option for you.
Whether you want to do it for health, the environment or animals it is all for the good cause
Shweta | Indian vegan kitchen
There are multiple reasons why we should go for a meatless diet. For the animals – as they do feel pain and we shouldn’t do what we do to them for meat. For the environment also it’s better to reduce gas emission and deforestation. and last but not the least, various studies have shown how a plant-based diet is better for your overall health.
Go for it with an open mind, every step that you take have a huge impact. Start eliminating one meat product at a time and don’t give up. It’ll be a present for yourself and the animals.
I don’t want to judge any meat eater but if you think about it logically and see the benefits it has to offer, I am sure you would want to quit meat. Let’s make this world a kinder place, for both humans and animals.
Shweta | Indian vegan kitchen
Food & beverage
👩🏻💻 A coder creating vegan recipes 🌱
👩🏽🍳 Easy plant-based diet | cooking therapy
🍱 Meal | Snack | Drink Inspiration
🥗 Live kindly – Ahimsa
📍 Jaipur
all images courtesy of shweta | indian vegan kitchen