From Birmingham to Mauritius: Kris’ Journey to Veganism and a Sustainable Lifestyle

Kris is a 38-year-old vegan expat originally from Birmingham, UK, who has been residing in Mauritius for the last decade. Having traveled extensively throughout his life, Kris has developed a passion for exploring different cultures and lifestyles.

Kris is an easy-going individual who enjoys meeting new people, traveling, and experiencing different cultures.

Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to chat with him.

Kris told us that his journey towards veganism started when he became aware of the cruelty inflicted on animals in the meat industry. He decided to take on a 30-day vegan challenge, and after experiencing positive changes in his health and overall well-being, he knew that veganism was the right choice for him.

Tell us more about yourself, please

✨Time to break my fast 😋 who else fasts on a plant based diet? 🌿
Kris Mauritius

Hello! I’m a 38-year-old vegan expat from Birmingham, UK. I’ve been living in Mauritius for the past 10 years and have really grown to love the culture and lifestyle here. I’ve traveled to a lot of different countries throughout my life and have always been fascinated by different cultures and ways of life.

In terms of my health habits, I’m an intermittent faster. I typically fast for 23 hours a day, with a one-hour eating window. It works really well for me and helps me feel more focused and energized throughout the day.

Aside from my dietary and health habits, I’m a pretty easy-going person who loves to travel, meet new people, and experience new cultures. I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time in nature, and I’m always looking for ways to learn and grow as a person. I’m excited to share my experiences and insights with your readers.

I turned vegan because I simply couldn’t be part of the cruelty inflicted on animals just for a meal. I decided to take on a 30-day vegan challenge to see how it would make me feel, and after just one month, I felt amazing. I knew right then and there that I wanted to adopt this lifestyle permanently. I’m passionate about animal welfare and believe that choosing a vegan lifestyle is one of the most impactful things we can do to reduce animal suffering and promote a more sustainable future for our planet.

During my transition to a vegan lifestyle, I convinced my father to try a plant-based diet for three months to see if it could help with his borderline diabetes. To my surprise, he agreed, and even my mother decided to join in. After three months of sticking to a vegan diet, my father returned to the doctor and was completely taken off his diabetes medication due to the significant improvement in his health.

It was amazing to see the impact that a plant-based diet can have on someone’s health and it was really inspiring to see my family embrace this change and experience the benefits firsthand. Both of my parents have been vegan for over 5 years now, and it’s been really rewarding to share this lifestyle with them and see them thrive. It just goes to show that even small changes in our diet and lifestyle can make a big difference in our health and wellbeing.

As someone who follows a vegan lifestyle, I have faced several challenges in finding suitable food options when eating out. In the past, it was particularly difficult to find vegan-friendly restaurants and menus in Mauritius, which often meant having to stick to basic salads or sides.

When dining out with friends, it can also be tricky to navigate social situations where everyone wants to enjoy a meal together but there may not be suitable options available for me. To overcome these challenges, I usually do some research before going out to eat and try to find vegan-friendly restaurants in advance. I also make sure to ask the wait staff about any vegan options on the menu, or if any dishes can be easily modified to fit my dietary requirements.

When eating out with friends, I try to suggest restaurants that I know have vegan options or offer to bring a vegan dish to share with everyone. This way, I can still enjoy a meal with my friends while sticking to my dietary preferences. Overall, communication and planning ahead are key to finding suitable vegan options when eating out.

As a vegan, I feel great about my lifestyle and dietary choices. Adopting a plant-based diet has not only improved my health and well-being but also allowed me to align my values with my actions by reducing harm to animals and the environment. Being vegan has opened up a world of exciting new foods and flavors, and has also inspired me to be more creative in the kitchen. Overall, being vegan has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience that I am grateful for every day.

I believe that incorporating more plant-based foods into one’s diet can have many positive benefits. For someone who is not yet vegan or vegetarian, I would suggest trying meatless meals as a way to explore new flavors and textures, and to experience the many health benefits associated with a plant-based diet. There are countless delicious meatless options available, from fresh fruits and vegetables to vegan burgers and other meat substitutes. Trying just one or two meatless meals a week can be a great way to start and can have a positive impact on both personal health and the environment. I would encourage anyone who is curious about plant-based eating to give it a try and see for themselves how delicious and satisfying it can be.

As someone who has been vegan for over 9 years, I have encountered many misconceptions about veganism. One of the most common misconceptions is that a vegan diet lacks necessary nutrients, such as protein and iron. However, this is simply not true, as there are many plant-based sources of protein and iron, including beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Another misconception is that veganism is expensive, but in reality, a vegan diet can be very affordable, especially when focusing on whole foods.

To explain and educate about veganism, I often start by sharing information about the health benefits of a plant-based diet, including lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. I also like to discuss the environmental impact of animal agriculture and the ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of animals in the food industry. I find that by sharing this information in a non-judgmental and informative way, people are often more receptive to learning about veganism and may be more likely to consider making changes to their own diet and lifestyle. Additionally, I like to recommend vegan resources such as books, documentaries, and websites that provide more in-depth information about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

To someone who’s just beginning to go meatless, my advice would be to dive in and start exploring plant-based foods and recipes right away. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different flavors and textures. There are many delicious meatless alternatives available, such as tofu, tempeh, and plant-based burgers, that can provide similar flavors and nutritional benefits to meat.

Going meatless can be an exciting and rewarding journey, and it’s important to focus on the positive benefits of a plant-based diet, such as improved health and a reduced environmental impact. Surround yourself with a supportive community, whether it’s friends, family, or online groups, who can provide encouragement and helpful tips along the way. Additionally, there are many resources available to help people transition to a meatless diet, including recipe websites, cookbooks, and vegetarian or vegan organizations.

I just want to say thank you so much for taking the time to invite me to do an interview today about veganism and the benefits of adopting a meatless diet. I truly believe that this is a critical issue that we all need to pay attention to, not just for the sake of our own health and well-being, but for the health of our planet and all the creatures who call it home.

As I mentioned earlier, there are so many compelling reasons to make the switch to a meatless diet, from reducing our carbon footprint and conserving precious resources, to protecting animal welfare and promoting better health outcomes. While I understand that making the transition to a fully plant-based diet can be challenging, I want to encourage everyone to take the leap and dive straight into a meatless lifestyle.

By doing so, you’ll be making a significant contribution to a more sustainable and compassionate world, and you’ll be joining millions of people who have already discovered the many benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. So I hope that my answers to the interview questions today will inspired other people to take action and make a positive difference in their own life and in the world around us.