Originally from Poland, Kat has called the United Kingdom home for nearly 18 years, residing in Northampton before settling in the beautiful city of Bristol for over five years.
Kat’s deep affection for pets has been a constant in her life, rescuing stray dogs and cats from a young age. However, her perspective on farmed animals changed dramatically almost seven years ago after watching the documentary “Vegucated.” This experience led her to reevaluate her beliefs about the use of cows, pigs, and chickens for human consumption.
Kat’s eyes and heart opened, and she swiftly transitioned from consuming all animal products three times a day to becoming a passionate vegan. Her journey, initially fueled by love and compassion for animals, later extended to embrace the broader benefits of veganism, including environmental and health considerations. Nonetheless, her unwavering priority remains the welfare of animals, making them the driving force behind her dedication to veganism.
Kat’s story exemplifies the transformative power of empathy and the positive change that can result from a profound shift in perspective.
Please tell us more about yourself
My name is Kat (Katarzyna). I’m from Poland but I’ve lived in the UK for almost 18 years. Lived in Northampton and now I live in beautiful city called Bristol for over 5 years.
I’m a mortgage adviser and I work from home. I have a cat that I love with all my heart.
Since childhood I loved pets. I remember I was bringing home all stray dogs and cats. However I’ve never thought of farmed animals as pets. I’ve never had the connection.
Almost 7 years ago I watched a documentary called “Vegucated” I cried for 2 days. I was brainwashed to think that cows and pigs and chicken are here for us to eat…
I finally opened my eyes, made a connection and never looked back.
I never was a vegetarian first. From eating ALL animals products 3x a day I went full on vegan. At first only for Animals, for them. Then I started to learn about climate and health benefits too. However the priority were and are ANIMALS.
When I first turned vegan it was a struggle to eat out (especially in Northampton) but I got really creative in the kitchen. I was cooking more and enjoyed variety of plants and was mind blown what can be done with plants and legumes and tofu etc.
I like Indian cuisine and it’s really easy to eat vegan in Indian restaurants. I had roti instead of naan and variety of vegan dishes. Pizza places were good too if they made dough vegan. I could have a pizza without cheese with veggies on.
I think if your mindset is to eat vegan and you know you’re doing it for animals then it’s easy.
It’s really strange how creative you get in the kitchen and how much you learn about nutrition, protein etc.
Animals suffer, every minute, every second they are being murdered. It’s hard to feel the connection with them and yet feel frustration of not being able to help them. Being vegan is the least I can do.
To educate themself. To truly know what they put into their body. I know we think we know, but we really don’t.
To stop and think “would I eat my dog/cat? If not why do I eat other animals?” To watch videos about how cute pigs/cows/chickens can be. How they love life, how they play and are affectionate like our pets. Make a connection.
Then learn about health benefits and the planet and how meat destroys our planet.
I live in Bristol and it’s sooo good for vegans. We have koocha mezze restaurant that is fully vegan. Oowee burger place if I’m in a mood for a junky food. To be fair every place has a vegan option which I really feel lucky about.
I cook a lot too. I like to make sure that my meals are nutritionally balanced. I use protein like tofu, tempeh, seitan or/and legumes; fat like avocado, nuts, oils; carbs like pasta, potatoes, rice. Plus lots of veggies.
I like scrambled tofu for breakfast. My latest obsession is sushi salad. Rice cooked with nori sheet, diced cucumber, red bell pepper and avocado; grated smoked tofu and carrot. Mix in vegan mayo and plane vegan yoghurt a bit of soy sauce, salt and pepper for taste and top with sesame.
What are common misconceptions about vegans and vegetarians?
That we are lack in protein or vitamins etc.
I just say that every diet can be lacking in nutrients if not correctly balanced.
I do a blood test once a year and I recommend to meat eaters to do a blood test to see and to prove that they can lack in B12 or bit D or even basic nutrients.
Remember why you are doing this. Make sure you don’t just cut out meat but use substitutes like vegan protein etc.
Be gentle to yourself. Educate yourself on basics like how to compose a meal to get most of it. Play with foods. There are thousands of plants to play with. It’s exciting 🙂 enjoy it.
Vegan Girl
#Vegan for #animals
Bristol, UK📍
Travelling 🧳
Vegan +6 years
Made in Poland 🇵🇱
all images courtesy of Vegan Girl