Meet Huma, a Pakistani born in the UK who now resides in New Zealand with her family. Huma’s journey towards veganism began with a personal challenge to herself to see if she could go vegetarian while her father was on vacation.
After finding it surprisingly easy, she continued her vegetarian journey for a year before transitioning to veganism. Upon learning about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, including the positive impact on animal welfare, the environment, and personal health, Huma never looked back.
Read on to learn more about Huma’s experiences and insights as a committed vegan.
Please tell us more about yourself
I am a Pakistani, born in the UK. My family left the UK when I was younger to move to New Zealand and we have been here ever since.
I have been vegan since 2015 and before that I was vegetarian for a year. I went vegetarian when my dad went overseas for a holiday when I was at school. While he was away I wanted to see if I could eat vegetarian as a little challenge for myself.
I found it really easy and that was how my vegetarian journey started. After a year of being vegetarian, I looked into veganism. I realised that lots of my meals were already vegan without me having to go “out of my way” to make them vegan.
I looked into the benefits of veganism and saw how awful the meat/dairy industry is for animals, the environment and our health. It was a no brainer for me. I went vegan straight away and never looked back.
From limited options to endless possibilities…
Humz • Vegan • New Zealand🌿
During 2015, being a vegan and going out for dinner was a bit of a challenge. There were only two options at every restaurant which was lettuce or hot chips. As the years went on, more vegan friendly products started coming out like yogurt, cheese, mock meats and more. I have really seen the evolution of these products over time and how realistic and amazing they are becoming. The first vegan cheese I tried in 2016 was awful and now the options are endless and delicious! It is so much easier now to be plant-based. So many restaurants now have multiple vegan options if not a whole vegan menu which is fantastic!
How can one navigate the challenges of finding vegan and vegetarian food while eating out with friends or traveling
I don’t think there are many challenges anymore. It is really easy eating out with friends now as everyone knows what vegan means so I don’t need to spend time explaining to the waitress what I can and can’t eat. Lots of places have clearly labelled options on the menu saying vegan, vegetarian, gluten free etc which makes it nice and easy.
I believe that living a vegan lifestyle is a beautiful way to exist.
Humz • Vegan • New Zealand🌿
I think it is such a lovely way to live. While I am passionate about the subject, I try not to force my opinions onto others but rather lead by example. I like to cook delicious food for my friends and family and have them talk about how vegan food can be delicious and allow them to ask questions. I found that before I was vegetarian, it used to bother me when people tried to force their opinions of the topic onto me. If anything it pushed me further away. Now I just live my vegan lifestyle and try inspire peole organically just how easy it can be.
How would you tell someone who’s not yet vegan/vegetarian to try meatless food?
Don’t put a label on it. Just try a vegan meal once a week and see how you go. Veganism is about doing what YOU can. If you don’t think you can ever ditch meat completely, that is fine. Just cut your intake down. Maybe start with meat-free Mondays. Its about making it work for you. If you think going all in will be too hard then find a middle ground. Don’t put pressure on yourself, it is not supposed to be a punishment. 🙂
Which plant-based dishes do you suggest trying for someone who is new to vegan cuisine?
I love a laksa! So delicious and soul-warming.
Or anything with pasta in it.
What false beliefs are commonly held about vegans and vegetarians?
Let us not succumb to the misconceptions about vegans and vegetarians, but rather embrace the opportunity to educate and explain the virtues of this compassionate lifestyle
Humz • Vegan • New Zealand🌿
That they only eat boring food. That is why I created @peacefulplanteater on Instagram. Since going vegan, I have never eaten a boring meal! And nowadays with the adundance of vegan options, you can veganise any dish. Chicken currys, fish burgers, spaghetti bolognese, mince and cheese pies, the list is endless.
What guidance would you offer to an individual who is new to the concept of abstaining from meat?
Try different recipes, experiment, have fun with it. Remember meatless doesn’t mean you need to compromise on flavour.
There are plenty of resources out there now that are easily accessible and free. Make use of them. Educate yourself on the benefits of this lifestyle and keep it interesting. Try vegan restaurants, buy a vegan cookbook, and most importantly don’t put pressure on yourself if you eat something thats not vegan/vegetarian, whether its on purpose or if it was an accident.
Don’t judge. We are all out here trying to do our best.
Humz • Vegan • New Zealand🌿
👩🏾🍳Nutrition Therapist
🌿Sustainable, balanced, healthy, plant-based living
all images courtesy of Humz • Vegan • New Zealand🌿