Rachel is a devoted vegan mother of two boys residing on the picturesque coast of South Wales, UK. Her remarkable journey towards embracing a plant-based lifestyle began 27 years ago when she embarked on a school project centered around animal welfare. Through her research, Rachel sought information from various animal welfare charities, unknowingly setting herself on a transformative path.
When the enlightening yet graphic leaflets arrived, Rachel’s worldview shifted dramatically. Confronted with the harsh realities of the meat and fish industry, she made a firm commitment to never consume animal flesh again. This decision proved challenging, as she lived with two meat-eating parents who held different beliefs. Nevertheless, Rachel remained resolute in her conviction to live in alignment with her values.
It was ten years ago that Rachel successfully transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, following several attempts. The pivotal moment came when she watched the eye-opening documentary, Earthlings. This thought-provoking film shed light on the inherent cruelty embedded within industries that exploit animals. Rachel’s experience watching Earthlings was transformative, leaving an indelible mark on her conscience and strengthening her resolve to lead a compassionate, cruelty-free existence.
Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to chat with her.
As a vegan mum, Rachel wholeheartedly advocates for animal welfare, nurturing a compassionate household for her two sons. She educates them about the importance of kindness towards all living beings, instilling values of empathy and respect from an early age. Rachel’s journey serves as a shining example of how personal experiences and knowledge can shape one’s choices, leading to a purpose-driven life that aligns with one’s values.
With her unwavering commitment to veganism and her profound understanding of the animal rights movement, Rachel is a guiding light within her community. She shares her knowledge, experiences, and delectable plant-based recipes, empowering others to embrace cruelty-free living and make informed choices.
Rachel’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and the profound impact one individual can make. By living authentically and advocating for animal welfare, she is fostering a kinder, more compassionate world for future generations.
Tell us more about yourself, please
My name is Rachel, and I’m a vegan mum of two boys living on the coast of South Wales, UK.
What made me turn Vegetarian/Vegan?
I first turned vegetarian 27 years ago when I embarked on a school project that required research on animal welfare. In my quest for information, I sent away for information packs from various animal welfare charities. When the informative and graphic leaflets arrived, it was a turning point for me. Witnessing the harsh realities of the meat and fish industry, I made a vow to never consume meat or fish again, despite the challenge of living with two meat-eating parents who didn’t share my beliefs.
Ten years ago, after several attempts, I finally transitioned to a vegan lifestyle. The catalyst for this transformation was watching the documentary Earthlings. It had a profound impact on me, opening my eyes to the cruelty inherent in many industries that exploit animals. The film served as a game changer, solidifying my commitment to living a cruelty-free life.
I firmly believe that anyone who can watch Earthlings all the way through would be compelled to take active steps towards embracing a compassionate and cruelty-free existence. It awakened a deep empathy within me and reinforced my determination to make ethical choices in all aspects of my life.
Challenges?
Before retiring from Latin American Dancing after the birth of my first son, I embarked on several years of touring across Canada, America, and South America. Living life on the road presented numerous challenges, particularly when it came to finding suitable food options without access to cooking facilities. In contrast to the progress we see today, especially in the UK, back then, grab-and-go vegan food options were virtually non-existent, and many restaurants didn’t offer a single plant-based choice.
I have a vivid memory of spending two months in Fort Lauderdale, rehearsing for long hours and dancing intensively for 15 hours a day. Given the limited options near the studio, my sustenance largely consisted of fruit platters from Wendy’s, as it was literally the only available option in close proximity. It was a challenging time, and I longed for the convenience and variety of vegan options that are more prevalent today.
Nowadays, as I continue to travel extensively with my family, we have noticed some improvements in the availability of vegan options. However, during our two-month road trip around Europe in our campervan last summer, we still encountered limited choices when dining out. Fortunately, we were well-prepared with the facilities in our van, allowing us to prepare nutritious meals ourselves. It made a significant difference to our travels, ensuring that we could maintain our lifestyle and provide our family with nourishing food even on the go.
How do I feel about being vegan?
Being vegan brings me a profound sense of peace. I strongly believe in the concept that what you put out into the world is what you receive back, and I couldn’t live with myself knowing that my choices were contributing to endless death and suffering.
Embracing a vegan lifestyle aligns my actions with my values of compassion, empathy, and respect for all living beings. It allows me to make a positive impact on the world, both for animals and the environment.
I believe that every individual has the power to create change through their actions, and by embracing a vegan lifestyle, I feel that I am actively contributing to a more compassionate and harmonious world.
How would I tell someone who is not vegan to try a vegan lifestyle?
I strongly believe that the best way to encourage people to try a vegan diet is by sharing a love of food. Throughout my journey, I have invited many friends and family members who are not meat eaters over for dinner, and I always make an effort to recreate classic dishes with a vegan twist. I’ve found that once people have the opportunity to taste how delicious vegan food can be without relying on animal products, it becomes much more enticing and encouraging for them to explore further.
Food has a remarkable way of bringing people together and breaking down barriers. By showcasing the incredible variety and flavors that can be achieved with plant-based ingredients, we can shift the perception that a vegan diet is restrictive or bland. Whether it’s a mouthwatering vegan lasagna, a flavorful curry, or a decadent dairy-free dessert, sharing these delicious creations can spark curiosity and inspire others to give veganism a try.
In addition to the culinary aspect, I firmly believe that knowledge about the meat and dairy industry is essential. It’s easy to turn a blind eye to unsettling or disturbing information because it challenges our comfort zones. However, if we genuinely seek to educate ourselves on important topics like animal cruelty and the environmental impact of the meat and dairy industry, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and learn.
Understanding the realities behind the food we consume can be a powerful motivator for change. When we educate ourselves about the suffering endured by animals and the detrimental effects of animal agriculture on the planet, we gain the knowledge and the power to make informed choices. This knowledge empowers us to align our actions with our values and become catalysts for positive change.
Good food places? Eating out and eating in.
When it comes to dining out, I don’t do it often, but when I do, I have some favorite places in our capital city, Cardiff. One of them is Wahacas, a fantastic restaurant that offers a wide array of delicious vegan options. I also enjoy dining at Mowgli’s and The Alchemist, both of which provide endless choices for vegan meals. It’s always a delight to discover restaurants that cater to plant-based diets and offer a diverse and satisfying menu.
However, my true passion lies in cooking at home for my family. I raise my two boys on a vegan diet, and I thoroughly enjoy trying out new recipes. There’s something special about preparing meals from scratch and nourishing my loved ones with wholesome, plant-based dishes. It allows me to showcase the incredible variety and flavors that can be achieved without relying on animal products.
To make cooking at home more convenient and inspiring, I often turn to a company called Riverford. They deliver boxes of organic and seasonal fruits and vegetables straight to my door. Alongside these fresh produce, Riverford also offers incredible plant-based recipe boxes. These boxes provide all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions needed to create delicious vegan meals. It’s a wonderful way to explore new culinary creations while supporting sustainable and organic farming practices.
On occasions when I’m looking for a quick and convenient meal, I rely on companies like Planty. They offer grab-and-go frozen meals that are vegan-friendly, ensuring that I have a convenient option without compromising on taste or quality. Another great company I enjoy is Simply Cook. They provide letter-box sized boxes containing a variety of rubs, pastes, and spice pots, along with recipe cards. This allows me to keep the ingredients in my cupboard and buy the necessary items on the day I plan to make the dish, minimising waste and ensuring freshness.
Misconceptions and how I think I can educate?
There are several misconceptions surrounding being vegan or vegetarian that I believe need to be addressed and corrected. One common misconception is the belief that a plant-based diet lacks sufficient protein. To educate others, I would emphasize the wide variety of protein-rich plant-based foods available, such as legumes, tofu, tempeh, and nuts, which can easily meet our daily protein needs. Another misconception is the idea that vegan or vegetarian diets are nutritionally deficient. To counter this, I would explain the importance of proper planning and a varied diet, highlighting that essential nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from plant-based alternatives and fortified foods.
Additionally, some individuals perceive vegan or vegetarian food as being bland and lacking variety. To educate them, I would showcase the exciting flavors, textures, and culinary creativity that can be found in plant-based cooking. By sharing delicious recipes, hosting gatherings to taste and explore different dishes, and emphasising the abundance of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, herbs, and spices available, I can demonstrate that vegan and vegetarian meals can be both satisfying and diverse.
Tips for anyone thinking of trying a vegan diet?
If someone is considering going meatless, my advice would be to start by taking a handful of their favorite recipes or meals and finding ways to make them vegan. By adapting familiar dishes, they can create go-to meals that they’ll enjoy on a regular basis. This approach helps in transitioning to a meatless diet without feeling overwhelmed or deprived of familiar flavors.
Another helpful tip is to embrace batch cooking and freezing. Prepare larger quantities of vegan meals and portion them out for future convenience. Having pre-made meals in the freezer ensures that there’s always a nutritious and delicious option available, even on busy days when cooking from scratch isn’t feasible.
I would also recommend two personal favorite cookbooks: “Dirty Vegan” by Matthew Pritchard and “Plant Over Process” by Earthy Andy. These cookbooks offer a wealth of inspiring and flavorful plant-based recipes that can help expand one’s culinary repertoire and showcase the diverse and delicious possibilities of meatless cooking.
Closing remarks
I encourage anyone who is considering a meatless diet to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore new flavors and culinary possibilities. By taking small steps, such as adapting favorite recipes, batch cooking, and seeking inspiration from vegan cookbooks, it becomes easier to transition to a meatless lifestyle and discover the joy of plant-based eating.
Remember, each choice we make has the potential to make a difference, and by choosing to live in alignment with our values, we can contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable future for all beings. Together, we have the power to create positive change and inspire others to embrace a vegan lifestyle.
I share some vegan novelty bakes and recipes on my website www.motherofgrom.com and on my Instagram @motherofgrom
Rachel Morgan-Williams 🌞
🏴❤️
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www.motherofgrom.com/post/explore-our-captivating-capital-city-with-tootbus-cardiff
all images courtesy of Rachel Morgan-Williams