I just think it’s good to know about the realities of farming and have an open dialog on this subject

Gemma has been vegan for nearly 3 years and made the transition after watching Cowspiracy. Gemma has always loved cooking, but now particularly enjoys the challenge of cooking vegan food for her husband and two children. She showcases her food on her Instagram account @gem_eats_vegan an account she’s run for almost a year now. Meatless Movement recently had a chat with her.

Please tell us more about yourself

Everything vegan, everything delicious
Gem eats vegan

My name is Gemma and I live in Cardiff, Wales. I’m originally from Gloucestershire but settled in Cardiff cos we love the vibe and buzz.

Me and the hubs have been married for nearly 9 years and have two kids aged 3 and 5. I’m an accountant by trade but I LOVE cooking and really enjoy running my Instagram account.

I have been vegan for nearly 4 years now and never looked back. After going veggie I realised it just wasn’t enough, I couldn’t not be vegan knowing what I’d found out about dairy and eggs.

What’s the difference between a dog and a cow, a pig, a chicken? I was 1 month pregnant when I went vegan and I did find it tough at first, but it felt like the right thing for me and for my baby.

Chips are a vegans best friend!!
Gem eats vegan

Mayonnaise was the last thing I “gave up” when I went vegan. I basically waited until Hellman’s brought out their vegan version and then we were set!!! You can often find one in my handbag when I go out – I just flipping love mayo!!!

I have zero real life vegan pals so sometimes eating out can be a little tricky. However there are just SO many options now, even if you go to a predominantly meat based restaurant they’ll usually be something I can have!

Side dishes are also a pretty good road to go down if you really can’t find anything.

So many misconceptions!!
Gem eats vegan

Them: “Where do you get your protein from?”
Me: “erm…where do rhinos get their protein from babe?”

Everything you are eating from meat has been consumed by the animal already. Why don’t you just cut out the middle man?! I think we are just very much set in our ways about how nutrition is advised and there is definitely room for an overhaul here. Just imagine if medicine was approached with a preventative mindset rather than just a cure?

Being vegan defo makes me feel like I’m doing the best for animals, the planet and myself. It’s just makes me feel at peace with myself for sure.
Gem eats vegan

I rarely talk to people about being vegan, which is why I wanted to set up my Instagram account. It gives me a chance to chat about being vegan in a safe space! However, I do know a lot of people who are trying to cut down on their meat intake and I love it when they ask me for recipe ideas – I have so many!!

Be kind to yourself. Don’t worry if you mess up to start with, just take it slowly and explore different recipes. Read up on nutrition to make sure you’re getting everything you need. Then watch Cowspiracy, Seaspiracy and Forks over Knives to keep yourself on the straight and narrow 😂 If that doesn’t do it then try Dominion, now that’s a tough watch 😥

When I reach one person it really does feel amazing! A very good friend of mine has just switched to oat milk in her coffee and I truly do feel like a proud mother!

I just love making something out of nothing!
Gem eats vegan

I think my favourite home cooked meal is probably pasta. I love to make a homemade pesto and mix it in with some roasted veggies or veggie sausages.

My favourite vegan website is https://www.rabbitandwolves.com. Lauren’s food is just incredible and it has inspired me so much.

Education a definitely the key. I didn’t learn about where my food came from until I was 35 so i certainly have compassion for people who perhaps aren’t at the same stage. It can almost be a “taboo” subject and i certainly find some people can be extremely defensive about their food choices.

I’m not trying to shame anyone, I just think it’s good to know about the realities of farming and have an open dialog on this subject. As RuPaul says “everybody say LOVE”