SEPTEMBER 2017| issue 30| £3.

99

ISLAND
INVADERS
Non-native species which
call the UK home

Back To
School
Lunches
BRING Y A N

Quick and easy treats

VEG

Summer in
R
A a
OU

STOCKHOLM
LUCY
TH
LET - game
E
SPECIAL
WATSON
Made in Chelsea star talks to Vegan Life p94. Tofu Ranchero

WIN
a 5 night stay for two at
Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi
worth £2,300!
 Welcome
No matter how old I get, September makes me want to TEAM
visit a stationery shop to buy a new notebook, an Oxford
mathematics tin and sharpen all of my pencils. I always loved
school and September marks the beginning of another year
of learning; there is nothing better, in my opinion, than a shiny
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rubber. It’s been years since I was at school but I still love Prime Impact Events & Media
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So, in this month’s issue, we are having a back to school special where we look into chick [email protected]|veganlifemag.com
hatching programmes, animal-friendly entertainment for children and some incredible
Managing Editor
packed lunch ideas that will have the other parents begging you for the recipes. Emily Saunders
[email protected]
I am also excited to share a collection of interviews with vegan athletes who are
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power balls which are, frankly, awesome.
Publishing Director
After such incredible feedback following our adoption special last month, we are tackling Keith Coomber
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another controversial topic and are exploring invasive species – non-native plants and
animals which now call the UK their home – and the prejudice that some invasives are Managing Director
Julie Saunders
encountering for merely following their natural instincts. We also take an in depth look [email protected]
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56 50 76

85

32 18

94
4
102 71
 RECIPES 100 Something to stout about

contents
26 Maz Valcorza's signature dish Oliver Coningham reports on stouts suitable
Choc-raspberry cheeze cake for vegans

48 It's game-time
Recipes to fuel you through your workout
RESOURCES
6 Vegan diary
54 Dieting down Unmissable events
Vegan recipes perfect for shedding a few
8 Vegan news
pounds
All the latest stories
60 Sweet nutters
13 Vegan camp-out 2017
Enjoy this coffee time treat
The Vegan Camp-Out festival was a roaring
62 From the heartland success and we spoke to Jordan Martin, one
Adventurous recipes to transport you around of the founders of the festival, about the best
the world from the comfort of your kitchen bits

69 My gosh! 14 Vegan planet

A new take on a classic Vegan news from around the world

70 Baking away 16 Subscribe

Bake to impress with these show-stoppers Subscribe to Vegan Life magazine

73 Don't mind if I Avoca-do! 110 Vegan pages

Try this tasty sharing bread
114 Our picks
94 The American way Our favourite pictures from our readers
Try these US-inspired tofu recipes
COMPETITIONS
VEGAN INSPIRATION 99 Beach Rotana
ON THE COVER 22 Animal in focus - Water vole Win a 5 night stay for two at Beach Rotana,
18 Lucy Watson We take a closer look at these rare mammals Abu Dhabi worth £2,300!
Lucy Watson spoke to Vegan Life about
her personal journey to veganism, her 24 Meet the chef 113 Simple bakes
new cookbook and her views on animal Maz Valcorza Win a Case of Simple Bakes – Delicious
companionship Vegan Snacks!
28 Pakistan's silent workforce
32 Bring your A-game Kim Willis explains how animal welfare
Meet the people changing the face of experts at the Brooke are improving the lives
veganism of donkeys in Pakistan
56 Island invaders
We look into some of the species which now
66 Breaking the mould 17 SUBSCRIPTION
OFFER
Vegan Life speaks to Dina Aherne, animal
call the UK their home rights campaigner, and artivist Tyrina Davis
Subscribe today for just £39.00
84 Back to school lunches and receive a FREE Weleda
Quick and easy treats LIFESTYLE, HEALTH AND Evening Primrose Age Revitalising
106 Summer in Stockholm NUTRITION Concentrate worth £35.95
Mallory Imler Powell thinks that the Capital 52 Parents tale - Kinder surprise
of Scandinavia offers more than meatballs Overcoming the difficulties for vegan
and smoked salmon families on holiday

61 Vegan spotlight
SPECIAL FEATURES Our round-up of the best new vegan products
76 Vegan teacher
Should teachers teach topics which are 68 The accidental vegan
against their ethical beliefs? A selection of products that are vegan by
chance
82 Laying it on the line
Educational chick hatching programmes are 74 Eating out
teaching children the wrong message Kin Café, Fitzrovia
90 The 'leftover' leather lie 78 Cruelty-free fun
We expose the barbaric industry which is Katie Chabriere explains why animal-friendly
stealing animal skin in the name of fashion entertainment is the way forward
102 Animals through the lens 109 You're not vegan, are you?
Photographer, Director and Writer Maria Comedian Jake Yapp shares his holiday
Slough talks to Vegan Life about her hope survival kit with us
that her imagery will change hearts and *available for UK delivery only*
minds
5
 Septe
mber
Septe
mber

diary
september 2017

2 16
SEPTEMBER 2 SEPTEMBER 16
THE OFFICIAL ANIMAL RIGHTS MARCH LONDON VIVA! VEGAN FESTIVAL 2017
This march was a huge success in 2016, with more than 2,500 This huge vegan festival in Wembley, London will play host
people descending on London to march for animal rights. This to 200 stalls across two floors at The Drum in Brent Civic
year’s march, beginning at the Achilles Statue in Hyde Park, Centre. There will also be a vegan café on the first floor,
promises to be bigger and better than last time. If you want with talks and cookery demos on the second floor. Tickets
to show your support for the abolition of the oppression of £5, under 16s free, advance VIP tickets with goody bag £15.

5 16
animals, be sure to attend! Achilles Statue, Hyde Park, 1pm- viva.org.uk
4pm. theofficialanimalrightsmarch.com

SEPTEMBER 5 SEPTEMBER 16
ANIMAL LAW, ETHICS AND LEGAL INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE
EDUCATION CONFERENCE, LIVERPOOL PRESERVATION OF THE OZONE LAYER
A conference aiming to examine and explore animal welfare Coming into its 23rd year, the UN-declared International
laws, how ethics affect these laws, the impact of Brexit and Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was created
more, this event near the centre of Liverpool will certainly be to invite member states to promote eco-friendly activities,
interesting. Featuring guest speakers Mike Radford (OBE for such as walking or cycling instead of using a car. The ozone
services to animal welfare law) and Chris Butler Stroud (CEO layer is a fragile shield of gas which protects our planet
Whale and Dolphin Conservation), there will be plenty of

23
from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.
chance for education, or simply expanding your horizons!

7
Redmonds Building, Liverpool, all day. Tickets £45 per person,
or £20 per student. awselva.org.uk
SEPTEMBER 23-24
SEPTEMBER 7-10 DUBLIN VEGFEST
INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS Taking place on the campus of Griffith College, this vegan
CONFERENCE IARC 2017 festival in the Irish capital promises to be a good one, and
The seventh IARC in Luxembourg will take place over four days it’s even bigger than last year! With the expected food stalls,
in the Kulturfabrik centre in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. cruelty-free products, non-profit organisations and other
Ironically, but perhaps rather poignantly, Kulturfabrik is exhibitors, there will be plenty to see, but that’s not all.
located in the buildings of an old slaughterhouse. The Patrik Baboumian, Germany’s Strongest Man, will be there
conference will focus on various viewpoints on animal rights talking about his vegan lifestyle, alongside James Aspey.

9 ...
and liberation, presentations, workshops and discussions, stall dublinvegfest.com
holding by vegan shops and an animal rights concert; all are
welcome. Registration required to attend. ar-conference.org/
ONGOING FROM SEPTEMBER 23
SEPTEMBER 9 SEED GATHERING SEASON
VEGAN SUMMER FESTIVAL, COLOGNE The collective encouragement for people to gather seeds,
Germany is notably one of the world’s most vegan-friendly fruit and nuts, known as Seed Gathering Season, has been
countries, and the city of Cologne is no exception. Speciality running since 1998. Organised by The Tree Council, it is an
foods at this vegan festival will include meatless kebabs, autumn campaign to inspire people young and old to plant
pralines and chocolate, with various stallholders showcasing seeds which will grow to be our trees decades down the
just how easy it can be to live a cruelty-free lifestyle. The line; it’s about ensuring survival of tree species, capturing
weather in Cologne is usually fairly warm at the start of the interest to children towards environmental protection
September, so enjoy the last of summer with this exciting and making sure that spaces both urban and rural maintain
vegan festival in a city bursting with history. Free entry. a green quality. Go to treecouncil.org.uk to find events
vegane-powerfrauen.de near you.
6
 vegan news
Bite–sized updates on all things vegan from the worlds of entertainment, politics, sports, animal
advocacy and more. Got news to share with us? Get in touch! [email protected]

AMY’S KITCHEN CELEBRATES REPEAL BILL COULD AFFECT ANIMAL

30TH YEAR RIGHTS
Organic, vegetarian and vegan food brand Amy’s Once Britain leaves the European Union, European Laws will
Kitchen is celebrating its 30th year of business this be transferred to UK law via The Repeal Bill. There is a big
year. In 1987, Rachel and Andy Berliner had their first problem though — animals may not be provided for by this
daughter, Amy, and decided to start making their food bill. European law currently dictates that animals are indeed
from organic products. They wanted to share their sentient beings and because they are recognised as being
recipes at local markets, so Amy’s Kitchen was born. so, their welfare must be considered during the process of
The Berliners' search for organic ingredients for their making new laws or regulations. The Lisbon Treaty, in force
recipes began before the United States Department of from 1st December 2009, contains an Article declaring animal
Agriculture (USDA) had national organic certifications sentience: “The Union and the Member States shall, since
— Amy’s Kitchen helped form those guidelines when animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare
the time came around. Popular vegan choices from the requirements of animals.” This protection for animals came
Amy’s Kitchen range include their Manhattan Veggie about as a result of relentless work by Compassion in World
Burger, Bean and Rice Burrito and Chinese Noodles and Farming (CIWF) back in the 1990s, and it would be a terrible
Veggies. The burger is made with vegetables, quinoa shame to see such good progress in the animal rights sphere
and walnuts, and is free from soy and gluten as well as reversed by the Repeal Bill. To sign the petition to Michael
dairy, eggs and obviously meat. Rachel Berliner had this Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
to say about the company’s use of organic products: Affairs, to tell him that animals are sentient beings and need to
“Organic farming has a big impact. It be recognised as such, go to ciwf.org.uk
nourishes the soil rather than
stripping it of its nutrients
so that the soil stays
healthy for future
generations. It’s
better for the
people working in
the fields. And we
think organic food
tastes better.”

OKJA HAVING AN IMPACT IN SOUTH KOREA

Netflix original film Okja has caught worldwide attention with its thought-provoking
storyline, surrounding the plight of a giant ‘super-pig’. The film topped the box office in
South Korea on its opening day, despite not being shown by major cinema chains. The film
demonstrates that animals are not around for humans to enslave and that they should be
seen as our friends, and it does this by portraying Okja as such. South Korea had previously
been described by Okja director Bong Joon-ho as a “BBQ paradise”. Pork, obviously a
topical product in the case of Okja, is heavily consumed in East Asia, with the average South
Korean eating around 45kg of meat, half of which was pork, in 2015. However, the message
within the film Okja seems to be getting through to today’s South Koreans. Although it is
unclear whether the film will have any impact on the sheer amount of meat eaten in the
country, we can already see that South Koreans are calling for better animal welfare within
the production process – campaigning for animals to be placed in farms instead of factories
before they are turned into meat.
8
EVANNA LYNCH NARRATES VIRTUAL-REALITY
EXPERIENCE CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS
OF DAIRY FARMING
Best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter
movie series, Evanna Lynch is a very popular member of the vegan
community. She has now teamed up with Animal Equality, creators of
the iAnimal virtual reality experiences, to challenge public perceptions
of dairy farming, something which is seen as both necessary and
idyllic in the eyes of many. The experience narrated by Lynch features
never-seen-before footage from three countries, including three
separate British dairy farms. She said of the content in the iAnimal
project: “I just wanted to like make myself as small as possible and I
was thinking that must be how the animals feel, that they just want
to hide, but there's not any corner of comfort or peace in any part of
their lives.” The virtual reality technology used by animal advocacy
organisation Animal Equality is cutting-edge, and certainly provides
a cutting (yet real) look at what dairy farming is actually like. Lynch
added: “It’s so cruel and so horrific, and if you’re spending a few
dollars to support this — it’s just not worth it. If you’re actually
paying to support this you should know where your money is going
or you should take ownership of what you’re doing. I think it’s the
passivity of most people that makes this okay, that makes it go on.
And the fact that it’s all behind closed walls.”

9
 US ANIMAL ADVOCACY GROUP TO GAIN UK
CHARITY STATUS
Founded in 2005, The Humane League is a group who exist “to reduce
animal suffering by inspiring change at all levels”. The Humane League
began working in the UK in June 2016 and have co-operated with major
supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrison’s and Iceland to increase animal
welfare within their supply chains, such as aiding the production of public
policies to stop the use of cages for their animals. This month, The
Humane League is to become a recognised, registered UK charity and the
VEGAN FLAG LAUNCHED organisation have increased their UK staff numbers from two to six in order
— BUT IT’S NOT THE to continue working on their long-term goal of positive animal welfare.
Their mission statement includes that their goal is “encouraging veganism
FIRST! and targeting companies to
A team of graphic designers, led by eliminate the worst practices
Gad Hakimi, a vegan senior designer, of the industry”. So far, The
have created a vegan flag, which they Humane League have secured
hope will catch worldwide attention commitments from over 50
and become a recognised symbol. The UK brands to source eggs
flag, which is blue, white and green, exclusively from cage-free hens
is open source, meaning everyone is and now have plans to work
free to use it, print it and sell it. This with restaurants to increase their
means that if it does become popular, vegan offerings.
we may soon see products with the
flag printed on them. Hakimi said of
his creation: "I wanted to give from
myself and my abilities to promote
veganism. I have created a vegan TV STAR EMMA KENNEY ASKS VIEWERS TO STOP
superhero comic. The one thing I
lacked was a flag, which will guide
CONTRIBUTING TO ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
Emma Kenney, star of the US remake of hit UK TV show Shameless, has
the character, his identity and his
teamed up with international non-profit animal advocacy organisation
colours… Many friends have helped
Mercy For Animals to plead with viewers to wake up to the realities of
to spread it and make connections
animal agriculture. Kenney, who plays Debbie Gallagher in the US show, has
in the right places: promote it on
narrated a short but hard-hitting video for Mercy for Animals, detailing the
Google, contact all the flag vendors
shocking facts about factory farming of animals. The video uses a unique
online and so on.”However, Hakimi
3D animation to give viewers a
and his team aren’t the only people
virtual tour of a pig farm — far
to have unveiled a design for a
from the saddening but poignant
vegan flag. Vegan company Plamil,
grotesque real-life footage of
who make products such as Easter
slaughterhouses and factory
eggs, chocolate spread and egg-
farms, but still apt and thought-
free mayonnaise, proposed their
provoking. The Shameless
own vegan flag back in August 2016.
star is not the first to team up
The company’s managing director,
with Mercy for Animals, either.
Adrian Ling, wrote: “I thought, most
Joaquin Phoenix, Pamela
people know what the 'rainbow' flag
Anderson, Alec Baldwin, Emily
symbolises, so Vegan should have an
Deschanel and more have
equally recognisable flag. This vegan
all worked with the animal
flag is carefully designed, but in itself
advocacy group to promote
does not carry a 'message' in word or
cruelty-free ideals. Kenney’s
design other than being recognisable.
contribution in the video,
People can add to the flag, refine it in
titled ‘Paper Prison’, has
detail or personalise it according to
not gone unnoticed. The
their own wishes.” Plamil’s flag didn’t
video has received over
catch on and wasn’t circulated, but
one million views across
that doesn’t mean that Gad Hakimi’s
various platforms.
will face a similar fate.

10
 CONSERVATIONISTS BATTLING DITCHING DAIRY PRODUCTS THE WAY
AGAINST TOXIC MINING IN FORWARD AS BRITAIN FACES BUTTER
WISCONSIN SHORTAGE
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters claim Great Britain is heading for its biggest shortage of butter and cream
that there is a bill being drafted which will allow since the Second World War, thanks to a low supply of dairy milk.
for industrial acid mining to take place in the US Of course, vegan alternatives to dairy won’t be affected, meaning
state — also known as sulphide mining. Sulphide we can go on enjoying our plant-based spreads, milks and creams
mining is a method of extracting metals such as whilst those who haven’t yet seen the light scramble for what’s left
copper, gold and nickel. It exposes sulphides to on the shelves of the dairy aisle in the supermarkets. George Gill,
the air and water near the mines, and can create Vegan Society Chief Executive, has said: “Why overpay for butter
sulfuric acid, which poisons the environment. Kerry and cream when you can have delicious vegan alternatives, free
Schumann, executive director of the Wisconsin from animal suffering and better for the environment? “Even as
League of Conservation Voters, had this to say it stands now, vegan margarines are cheaper than butter made
about it: “Sulphide mining is actually the most toxic with animal ingredients — many butters are twice the price of
industry in America. There's this noxious brew - it's your average vegan margarine”. Now may be as good a time as
called acid mine drainage. It contains heavy metals ever to encourage family members or friends to
that literally can poison groundwater. It can destroy try out vegan alternatives to dairy. Vegans and
all aquatic and plant life in a river. It can turn lakes vegetarians were asked to advise the nation
and rivers into dead zones.” Schumann claims on how to make food
that voters in the area feel that the state’s without dairy and
environmental regulations should eggs back in the 1940s
not be relaxed to allow for this when there was last a
type of mining, which could big shortage of those
devastate the products, and it could
environment be time for us to lead by
in making example again this time
more jobs in around.
Wisconsin.

11
 ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITY SCOTTISH NATIONAL SURVEY
REBRAND TO EXPAND BOOSTS PLANS FOR PROTECTION OF
AUDIENCE AND INFLUENCE ENDANGERED BIRD
Animal welfare charity The Mayhew Animal Assessed every six years by the Scottish National Heritage and
Home has rebranded, changing their identity, RSPB Scotland, the latest national survey of the capercaillie’s
logo and brand strategy in order to appeal to population has revealed that only 1114 of the iconic birds remain.
more people and underline that they are The “huge woodland grouse”, as described by the RSPB on
not simply just an animal shelter, but a their website, is resident only in Scotland and has a declining
proactive organisation working hard to help the population; the next most recent survey, six years ago, indicated
community. Based in Kensal Green, London, the that there were previously 1285 of the birds left. The Strathspey
company’s mission statement reads: “Helping area of Scotland plays host to around 920 of the remaining
animals in need gain a better quality of life by capercaillies. Nick Wilkinson, conservation scientist for RSPB
delivering a broad range of community-based Scotland, said: “The country's capercaillie population has
animal care, education and welfare projects.” In fluctuated between 1,000 and 2,000 birds since the first national
2016, Mayhew rehomed 389 cats and 94 dogs, survey in the 1990s, but it's now very much at the low end of
and Mayhew International educated 270,155 this scale”. Scottish National Heritage policy and advice officer
adults and children on the subject of animal Sue Haysom added to this: “Now we need to build on this with
welfare in India. The charity hope that their energy and innovative approaches developed by experts and local
recent rebrand, with the strapline ‘for dogs, cats communities to ensure that future generations can experience
and communities’, will bring new supporters in this magnificent bird.” A new initiative, to span five years of work
order to help them make more of a difference as is now being developed to further aid the bird. The Cairngorms
far as animal welfare is concerned. CEO Caroline Capercaillie Project, led by the Cairngorms Nature Partnership will
Yates said: “Our animal welfare work involves so work closely with communities to build support
much more than being a rescue and rehoming for the conservation of capercaillie — relying
charity with a shelter facility, so it’s important on partnerships with National Parks and
that we create wider awareness about our work local residents. Andy Ford of Cairngorms
in London and our efforts to create sustainable Nature said: “People are key to securing the
change and better lives for animals and future of capercaillie in the National
communities where Park. We want to empower people
we work abroad to be inspired to get involved”.
in Afghanistan,
Georgia, Russia
and India.”

MICHAEL GOVE REFUSES TO STRIKE DEAL FOR

CHLORINATED CHICKEN – IT WILL REMAIN A
BANNED PRODUCT
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, has
insisted that chlorinated chickens will not become available in the United
Kingdom post-Brexit. There had been suggestion that chlorine-washed chicken
could feature in a trade deal with the United States after Britain’s exit from the
European Union, but Gove has dismissed such claims, saying that the UK will not
“compromise” or “dilute” its animal welfare standards. In the US, washing chicken
with strongly-chlorinated water is legal and commonly practiced. The EU argues
that this method of washing increases the risk of diseases such as salmonella and
banned the practice back in 1997. Speaking to Radio 4, Michael Gove had this to
say about the process: “I have made it perfectly clear we are not going to dilute
our high environmental standards or our animal welfare standards in the pursuit
of a trade deal. "We need to ensure that we do not compromise those standards.
And we need to be in a position as we leave the European Union to be leaders in
environmental and in animal welfare standards."

12
The Vegan Camp-Out festival was a roaring success
so we spoke to Jordan Martin, one of the founders of
the festival, about the best bits

Over 2700 people attended this year’s and so people were just talking to each
Vegan Camp-Out festival as people other from the start to the very end.
flocked to see speakers including James
Aspey, Tim Shieff, Joey Carbstrong, “For many it was the first time they
Earthling Ed, Patrik Baboumian, Keegan had met their online vegan friends in
Kuhn, Vegan Bros, Carl Donnelly and person, and so many new friendships
Fiona Oakes. were formed. I lost count of the amount
of people that told me it was the best
We spoke to Jordan Martin about why weekend of their life!”
he started the Vegan Camp-Out. He said:
“I started the Camp-Out as I've always Don’t worry if you didn’t make it to this
attended music festivals around the year’s Vegan Camp-Out though, tickets
world, and then started going to a lot of for Vegan Camp-Out 2018 are already on
vegan events when I turned vegan. sale. By all accounts, it should be bigger
and better as the organisers are hoping
“I realised there wasn't an event to get over 5,000 attendees, making it
that captured that feeling of a music the biggest outdoor vegan event in the
festival, where it was over a few days, country.
people camped, met new friends,
attended various activities during the The festival is going to be changing
day, and then was able to have fun in locations in 2018 and will be at Newark
the evening. So, the first Camp-Out Showground, Nottinghamshire,
was born in 2016 and over 400 people between 17th-19th August 2018. Tickets
attended, and we have grown to over available from vegancampout.co.uk.
2700 by this year's event in 2017!” £40 for a weekend pass, Children under
3 go free and under 16s £25. Parking
We also asked Jordan about the pass £10.
atmosphere at the festival: “Incredible,
hard to put into words. The sense You can also check out all of the
of community and belonging. Such incredible pictures from this year’s
positive vibes shared by everyone. festival by searching #vcampout.
People had flown from over 30 countries
around the world to come to this event,

13
 vegan planet
Vegan news from around the world

kia
a
slov
any
a germ
us

ael
isr
ica
a f r

USA: FIRST MEN’S VEGAN

CLOTHING STORE
The world’s first entirely vegan luxury
men’s clothing store has opened in
GERMANY: LEADING THE
Brooklyn, New York. REVOLUTION
Figures from Mintel show that
Founded by Joshua Katcher, it is Germay launched more vegan SLOVAKIA: ANIMAL
an expansion of his online vegan products in 2016 than anywhere CIRCUSES TO BE BANNED
clothing brand, Brave GentleMan. else, amounting to 18 per cent of Slovakia are set to vote in favour of
His approach of bringing ethical the worldwide number. In 2011 it a motion offering more protection
etiquette into men’s fashion is was estimated that 1 per cent of for animals.
a poignant line to take, as he the German population was vegan
explained: “We live in a culture (around 800,000 people), but The eastern European country will
where masculinity often [is that figure has certainly gone up amend one of their laws to protect
associated] with brutality … when, in since then, as has the number of wild species from being forced to
fact, it takes great strength and great vegans on a global scale. Many of perform “atypical behaviour not
knowledge and great control to be the new vegan products launched present in nature” which will put
gentle.” in Germany, accounted for by the an end to animals’ being used for
above data, were plant-based entertainment in circuses. The ban
The clothing brand won PETA UK’s alternatives to the country’s typical on animals performing unnatural
Menswear Fashion Award and uses delicacies, such as schnitzel and behaviours will come into place in
fair-trade material sources. bratwurst. January 2018.

14
 ISRAEL: FIRST VEGAN
SUPERMARKET
Israel’s first vegan supermarket has
opened in Tel Aviv, the country’s
AFRICA: 88-YEAR-OLD second-biggest city. The store,
VEGAN CLIMBER which spans 100 square meters,
An 88-year-old vegan currently has has been opened by Eylon Zakzer
one of his achievements under and Rafael Avraham. Inspired by
review by the Guinness Book of German vegan supermarket chain
World Records after climbing Veganz, the pair’s new venture is
Mount Kilimanjaro with his the only business in the country
22-year-old granddaughter. Fred which is completely ‘safe’ for
Distelhorst, from Colorado, is a vegans and their suppliers will
retired dentist and puts his good all sign a charter to declare their
fitness and shape down to his products’ vegan standards. Zakzer
vegan diet. Distelhorst may be the and Avraham are also priding
oldest person to reach the summit themselves on affordability,
of the highest mountain in Africa, looking to break down the barrier
which has an elevation of 5,895 of major supermarkets selling
metres (19,341ft). vegan products at higher prices.
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 WHAT

WATSON
SAID
Lucy Watson spoke to Vegan Life about her personal
journey to veganism, her new cookbook and her views
on animal companionship
18
L
ucy grew up on a working farm in when you don’t say it though. If I don’t “I’ve always loved food but I’ve never really
Surrey and loved being outside and say it people are like ‘I thought you were been that into cooking. When I became
around the cows, sheep, chickens, vegan?’ You can’t win.” vegan, I felt quite limited in what I could
ducks, horses, dogs and alpacas which eat. I had to teach myself to cook. I’ve
were kept on the farm. However, the We ask her if, because of this, she thinks always been naturally gifted with cooking
experience of living on a working farm that there is still a stigma around vegans: but I was just quite lazy, especially with a
opened her eyes to animal cruelty and “Yes, 100 per cent. I think it will take years busy schedule. I turned vegan and realised
after a visit to the slaughterhouse, Lucy for people to soften towards vegans and that I would need to start experimenting a
went vegetarian at primary school; she understand vegans because unless you bit because otherwise I wouldn’t be able
then went vegan in her twenties after are a vegan, you don’t fully understand it. to have all of the things that I really want
watching Cowspiracy. The former Made You would be vegan if you did. to eat.
in Chelsea star is now a dedicated vegan
and campaigner and is set to release “I think there’s a stigma around the fact “I guess with the book, it was a book for
her first cook book, Feed Me Vegan, this that people think vegans are preachy and me – that was the reason in the first place
September. only eat healthy food. – but also I have a lot of people asking
me about going vegan. I think that a lot
We met Lucy at her publishers in London of vegan cookbooks out there are really
I think there’s a
on a sunny Thursday afternoon. Lucy intimidating because they are so healthy
walked in to the room, her companion stigma around the fact that and not everyone wants to be the healthy
dog Digby on her hip, with a bright people think vegans are vegan. So I just thought, at least when
smile and an even brighter yellow I have the book I can say to people, try
preachy and only eat
t-shirt with ‘Mac and Cheese’ printed my book because it has some really easy
on it. Immediately drawn to it, we start healthy food. recipes which will make the transition
discussing food — typical vegans. much easier.”
Lucy’s new book, Feed Me Vegan, aims
“I feel like I don’t need to specify vegan to dispel the myth that vegan cookbooks Do you have to be a cooking ninja to
before every single thing that I eat. I have to be overflowing with superfood navigate the recipes though?
hate that so much. We have different salads. Offerings in Feed Me Vegan include
definitions of what mac and cheese is. Mushroom Mac and Cheese, Ultimate “There are some that are a little bit more
Just accept that. People get annoyed Cheeseburger and Chocolate Fudge Cake. advanced than others I would say. Some

19
 involve skills, like kneading dough, that used buckwheat flour or coconut flour but Does she reuse leather that she bought
people may not necessarily know how to actually you can just use normal flour and before she was vegan?
do, but most of them are really simple, it works really well for baking."
straightforward recipes. It’s so clear in “I don’t personally. Maybe I put more
the instructions that you can’t really go Lucy’s name was launched into pressure on myself, being in the public
wrong.” households in 2012 when she joined eye. If I’m wearing a Prada bag, everyone
the fourth series of Made in Chelsea, a knows its leather, so I would be promoting
We briefly discussed aquafaba and show which is watched by hundreds of something that is cruel. I had so many
Watson admits that it’s something that she thousands of people, and depicts the designer bags that I had to sell just
hasn’t tried yet. She laughs as she mocks day-to-day lives of the London Borough’s because I’m so conscious of being a
herself and tells us that she doesn’t have elite. Part of the reason she is so revered hypocrite. For other people, who are not
the common sense to remember to save and loved by her fans is her strong in the public eye, I understand. But I think
the protein rich liquid when she drains character and blunt opinions but also, her that anyone who is vegan will get to that
her chickpeas. After a few twists and turns undeniable fashion sense. However, in point where they don’t want to have that
in the conversation (Lucy is a bit too easy the past Lucy has said that she has found bag in their life because you look at it and
to talk to and we go a little off topic for a vegan fashion tricky. think, it’s a dead cow and its actually feels
while) we come to disasters in the kitchen. wrong. It feels like a bad energy. “
We ask her about her favourite handbag
Lucy said: “When I first started out I had brands. She said: “I love so many. I love
a few, especially with baking. Working Charles and Keith, Matt and Nat – I love
Animals just want to
out how to replace eggs was a bit of them so much, their materials are crazy. love us. That’s so sad, isn’t
a struggle. I would end up with really So many high street brands do vegan it? Most of them just want to
solid, thick cakes that you bite into and handbags without even knowing it. So I
it was like hell. So I had to learn how to work with a stylist who helps me organise
be friendly and we just go
make them fluffy and what to include my wardrobe and works with brands on around killing them.
to do that. I use vegetable oil quite a lot my behalf. River Island and Topshop do
and I find that it’s quite good as an egg faux leather. Skinny Dip also design really A regular at London Fashion Week,
replacer. I think, when I first went vegan, good vegan bags and, obviously, Stella Watson is also passionate about
I thought I couldn’t use flour anymore, I McCartney.” banning fur. She told us: “I have recently
don’t know why, but all the recipes I saw collaborated to help London Fashion
Week ban fur from the catwalk because
the fur farms are actually illegal in the UK
but we are still seeing it on the London
catwalks.” Lucy continued: “It is slightly
contradictory so I’m working towards
a ban on fur on the catwalks because
designers can easily showcase their pieces
without having to involve fur.”

Vegan debates also penetrate her

personal life. Lucy met her boyfriend,
James Sandford, on Made in Chelsea and
the couple have gone from strength to
strength since quitting the show. However,
there is still one sticking point in the
relationship: “He eats all my vegan food
to the point where it is annoying because
it’s like – you know what, I’ve gone out
of my way to find these products and to
come home and find that you’ve eaten
them is really annoying and you’re still
eating things like chicken. Part of me is
like, I really want him to eat those vegan
things because if you’re eating that, you’re
not eating meat but he is eating meat as
well so the other part of me thinks that he
doesn’t deserve it.

20
“He doesn’t follow the vegan lifestyle similar because we take them away
and we have completely different mind from their parents at a really young age,
sets although, weirdly, he does agree we put them in our homes and they are
with my lifestyle and he agrees to raising prisoners. They eat what we tell them to
our children vegan. He’s promised me eat but there is no way around it because
to go vegetarian at some point. I’m dogs, now, would not survive in the
constantly battling with myself to not world.”
pressure him into something that is not
his own decision because he is just so I ask her if she is considering not having
headstrong. It needs to come from him; any other animal companions after
it has to be something he decides to do Digby, who is curled up on her lap. She
otherwise he will just resent me.” said: “It’s just so hard because I would
want to help dogs from rescue centres
but I think breeding needs to be illegal.
If you’re an animal I think of myself as a really good owner
lover, you’re on our level, of my animals and I care about them so
you already agree with all of much and do so much for them but there
are so many people out there who aren’t
the things we do. like that.. I think there should be stricter
licencing around people having animals
She has had more luck with her sister because I hear so many horror stories
Tiffany, who is also a member of the and I think that it’s a huge issue.”
Made in Chelsea cast. On Lucy’s YouTube
channel, Tiffany recently said that she What would Lucy say to people who are
was a pegan (a vegan who eats fish). thinking about veganism?
However, Lucy tells us this has changed.
“If you’re an animal lover, you’re on our
“She’s fully vegan now. She has level, you already agree with all of the
completely the same morals and beliefs things we do. I know people who call
as me. I think that maybe I helped speed themselves animal lovers and eat
up the process because I kept saying ‘by animals and I just think you are very
the way, fish have feelings’. It is a lot easier much mistaken if you think this is the best
for her because the motive was already thing for them.
there but being around me showed
her how easy it can be. She has started People say things like at least it’s a
getting rid of her leather too which is humane slaughter. There is no such thing
really good.” as a humane slaughter. Those words do
not work together in a sentence. All
Veganism hasn’t always been the way for slaughters are horrendous. All death is
Watson though. death and all animals want to live. No
animal wants to die.
Lucy says: “I used to go to the zoo and
I loved it because I love animals and I Looking at this little one [referring to
liked being around them but, even before Digby], he’s the same to me as any sheep,
I went vegan, I started to think that it cow or anything. Animals just want to
wasn’t right and that they didn’t look love us. That’s so sad, isn’t it? Most of
happy, they’re not free. them just want to be friendly and we just
go around killing them.
“Even with [companions] I’ve started to
feel like it’s wrong to have them. I saw this “Just change your perception a little and
man with his dog on the lead running you’ll just get it.”
on the pavement and this dog was really
old, trying to keep up and it was being Lucy’s new book will be out in September
dragged along by the collar. I went home but is available for pre-order now.
and I had this weird comparison. I’ve
started relating having animal friends to
people getting kidnapped and forming
a bond with their captors. I think it’s so
21
 water vole
IN FOCUS
We take a closer
look at these
rare mammals

W
ater voles (Arvicola terrestris) typically live along the banks • Water voles are mainly
of water bodies such as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and herbivores and like to eat
marshes and are the UK's fastest declining mammal. Signs grasses, reeds, sedges, roots
that water voles may be populating an area include burrows in the and fruits. A recent study reported
riverbanks or piles of nibbled grass and stems, as water voles like to that water voles can eat an enormous
sit and eat in a stationary position. Their droppings are fairly large and variety of plants with over 220
cigar-shaped. Water voles are much larger than other voles and are different plants recorded in their diets.
often confused with brown rats when, in fact, water voles have more Occasionally they will eat insects and
rounded noses and smaller ears that do not protrude from the head. invertebrates to supplement their diet
if needed.
• According to the International Union for • Water voles spend a long time eating.
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the water vole They need to eat 80 per cent of their
is a species of ‘least concern’ worldwide and it body weight every day.
is fairly common in some European countries.
However, it is thought that in the UK the water
vole population may have dropped by as • Water vole reproduction
much as 90 per cent. The People’s Trust for begins in March and is
Endangered Species (PTES) estimates a UK followed by a gestation period
population of around 875,000 individuals. of just 20-30 days. Females
• Water voles are mainly threatened by habitat can produce two to five litters
loss through urbanisation and development beside waterways. Their annually. When pups are born,
habitat is also being destroyed by livestock trampling and overgrazing, they are blind and hairless
which strips the grasses and plants from river banks. and stay with the female for around
• Water vole decline can also be attributed to the introduction of the 28 days before leaving their burrow.
American mink. In 1920, American mink were brought to the UK for the fur Families of water voles tend to stay in
industry. The captive mink escaped from the fur farms, or were released, close proximity with colonies of up to
and since then the opportunistic predators have decimated water vole 10 individuals.
populations. • Females have territories of 20-150m
when breeding and fiercely defend
them whereas males have much larger
• Despite what you might think, water voles are active during ranges of 60-300m that may overlap
the day and don’t hibernate in winter — although they may several females.
spend more time in their burrows. • Water voles demark their boundaries
• There is a population of water voles in Glasgow which don’t actually with their droppings which they flatten
live alongside a waterway at all and have adapted by creating their into the ground. Their droppings are
borrows in fields. Research by the University of Glasgow found that this not scented so they rub their hind feet
population of terrestrial water voles is the biggest population of water on their scent glands on their chests
voles in lowland Scotland. which they stamp on their droppings to
• Ratty, from The Wind in the Willows, was not a rat at all, but a water vole. scent them.

22
 10 | 11 February 2018

London
Alexandra Palace

Tickets now
on sale
www.veganlifelive.com
23
 Meet

Chef
The

Maz Valcorza

24
M
az Valcorza has had a dizzying used to get asthma and hives every time levels of feel good chemicals in our
journey to veganism and the season changed; I was on steroids brain. One of my favourite desserts is
eventually the excessive and nebulizers to help me breathe and our choc-raspberry cheezecake using
partying, smoking and lack of exercise always thought it was normal. All of that Sacred Earth drinking Cacao.
took its toll on her health. She traded went away and I was off my medication
her corporate career for the chance to within 1 month of becoming vegan. That How did you create the menu at
open Sadhana Kitchen in Sydney. Maz was enough, even for my super skeptical your restaurant?
is now an advocate for the vegan way of Filipino mother, to see that I had made These days I work closely with our chefs
life and has written two cookbooks to an awesome decision. because they’re so creative and talented
simplify delicious vegan food for those that I ask them to just do their thing,
joining the vegan revolution. How did you learn to cook great provided what they create in aligned
vegan food? with our values — always vegan, gluten
Tell us about your own vegan I was a really fussy eater as a child, but free, refined sugar free and delicious!
journey. when I turned 11, something shifted We always work with the seasons so
It all started when I applied for yoga and I became really interested in food. I our menu changes four times a year
teacher training while I was working in started eating so much that my parents and we only use the most delicious and
pharmaceutical sales and marketing. thought I must have had worms. To nutritious produce that are available at
I had made assumptions about support my appetite, I started cooking the time. In the beginning, I was making
yoga and veganism at the time and and taught myself how to combine all the food myself from recipes I created
preemptively decided to go vegetarian flavours and textures into delicious to eat at home and posted on my blog.
as I didn’t want to be the only meat dishes. These days I joke about how It’s been so awesome to see Sadhana
eater in my training group. Much to my I have a foodie super power, which grow and evolve.
surprise, there weren’t many vegans is basically to be able to guess the
or vegetarians in the group and yet ingredients and component of almost What do you think is the future
I started to really resonate with the everything I taste. This helps me in my of vegan food?
foundational principle of Ahimsa. creative process of creating recipes. I I think the future of vegan food is
Ahimsa is a Yama, one of the tenants imagine the recipe in my head, salivate growing your own produce and making
of yoga, and it recommends that we over the flavour combinations, textures food that is affordable and convenient
treat others with compassion. Ahimsa is and aromas before I make it in real at home. I co-founded an online
Sanskrit for non-violence or non-harm. life and taste it for real. It’s been a platform called Everyday Vegan that
Through yoga, I connected with the deliciously rewarding process. teaches people how to live healthy and
part of myself that always understood happy plant-based lifestyle sustainably.
that I didn’t want to harm other beings How would you describe your This is really something I’m super
and that the most meaningful way I own signature style? passionate about sharing with as many
can take action was not to eat them! As My signature style is healthy, vegan people as possible. A thriving plant
soon as I reconnected with this inherent comfort food. I love taking classic based lifestyle is one that people can
wisdom, I became vegan overnight. desserts like donuts and comfort foods healthily sustain over time and it’s not
It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever like mac’n’cheeze and making them into just about food, it’s about movement,
made for my health and wellbeing. I vegan, gluten free, organic, refined sugar fitness, nutrition, environmental impact
free and I often make raw food versions and compassion too. Once we have the
too. capacity to nourish ourselves, whilst
supporting our planet, then we really
What is your signature dish? are empowered to create a lifestyle
The raw lasagne and raw tacos from where we can thrive and a world where
my book, The Naked Vegan, have been we all support one another and whilst
two of the most popular dishes on the caring for our environment.
Sadhana Kitchen menu. I also love
cacao! My partner and I started our own
brand of organic drinking chocolate
called Sacred Taste and I often use our
powders in desserts because chocolate
is actually a health food, rather than a
confectionary, if it’s prepared raw and
without harmful additives like refined
sugar or dairy. It’s one of the most
potent antioxidants foods on the planet,
rich in magnesium, calcium, iron and
naturally elevates our mood by boosting
25
 mAZ vALCORZA'S
n a t u r e
Si g dish

CHOC-RASPBERRY • 1 tbsp vanilla powder 4 Pour the filling over the nutty coconut
• 2.5cm (1in) knob of cacao butter base, then gently tap the cake tin onto a
CHEEZECAKE • 125 g (1 cup) raspberries hard surface to get rid of any air bubbles.
• 2 tbsp non-GM soy lecithin 5 Set in the fridge overnight, or in the
Nutty coconut base: To serve: freezer for at least 4 hours.
• 155g (1 cup) activated almonds • Shaved raw chocolate (optional) 6 If serving from the freezer, use a hot
• 150g (1¼ cups) activated walnuts • Freeze-dried blood orange slices knife to ease the cake out of the tin,
• 55g (½ cup) raw cacao powder (optional) then let the cake sit at room temperature
• 180g (2 cups) finely desiccated • 125g (1 cup) raspberries for 15 minutes.
coconut 7 Just before serving, garnish with
• 360g (2 cups) pitted medjool dates 1 Process all the nutty coconut base shaved chocolate and freeze-dried blood
• 4 tbsp coconut nectar ingredients in a food processor until well orange slices, if desired, and top with fresh
• 1 tbsp cold-pressed extra virgin combined; the mixture should bind itself raspberries.
coconut oil when pressed together between your
• Pinch Himalayan pink salt or Celtic fingers. Per 100g
sea salt 2 Press into a 23cm (9in) round spring- Calories: 463, Carbohydrates: 19.0g,
Choc-raspberry filling: form cake tin. Sugars: 13.0g, Fat: 36.0g, Saturates: 12.0g,
• 465g (3 cups) activated cashew nuts 3 Put all the filling ingredients in a high- Protein: 12.0g, Salt: 0.10g
• 3 tbsp coconut nectar speed blender jug, mixing them with a
• 80g (¾ cup) sacred taste drinking spatula for easy blending. Blend on high
cacao in Earth (or raw cacao powder) speed until smooth, but for no more than
• 375ml (1½ cups) filtered alkaline 20 seconds at a time, so you don’t burn
water out the motor.
26
27
 Pakistan's Silent

WorkforcE
Kim Willis explains how animal welfare experts at the
Brooke are improving the lives of donkeys in Pakistan
28
D
onkeys are used for manual permanent role in the community is more animals, owners and governments across
labour in developing countries sustainable for the long term welfare of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle
because they work until they the donkeys in the Chakwal District. East, reaching over two million working
collapse. To understand why Pakistan’s Muhammad has been given basic equine equines.
poorest mining communities overwork management and clinical training and
their donkeys, you have to first understand now provides vital daily services to the In Mexico alone, for example, there are an
the situation these men are in. Hours away equine population of Pakistan’s estimated 12.8 million working donkeys,
from their families, earning £1.50 a day, coalmines. horses and mules. Millions of livelihoods
they can’t afford to return home and see depend on these gentle creatures, yet
their wives and children more than once Founded by Dorothy Brooke in 1934, the many people lack the knowledge and
a year. They sleep beside their donkeys in charity has become the world’s leading resources to look after them. A happy,
breezeblock rows. They hope that if they force in improving welfare for equines. healthy donkey might live for 37 years, but
work hard enough, maybe they can afford Having loved horses since childhood, the average lifespan of a donkey in Mexico
to send their son to school so that he Dorothy wondered what had become of is just 14 years.
doesn’t end up as a miner too. those that had survived the horrors of
World War One. Approximately eight Brooke campaign for better understanding
They are unhappy, lonely, poor and million horses perished alongside millions of what working equines endure on a
angry. Some men have been working of men in the brutal war, but many more daily basis in developing countries. They
underground for twenty years, others are survived. Dorothy was determined to find estimate that there are approximately 100
just 14 year old boys. Being angry with the surviving ex-warhorses of the British, million working equines in the world’s
situation doesn’t help. Removing the Australian and American forces, which had poorest countries, supporting the
donkeys from the equation doesn’t work. been sold into a life of hard labour in livelihoods of communities across
These communities can’t afford to Cairo. numerous sectors, including agriculture,
mechanise the mines, so if this generation construction, tourism, mining and public
of donkeys were removed, the miners Dorothy was appalled to find hundreds of transport.
would buy more donkeys. once proud and noble horses now
emaciated and desperately in need of These 100 million working equines help
Animal welfare charity Brooke understand help. Writing to the Daily Telegraph back around 600 million people globally, often
that the most effective solution is to home, she exposed their plight in a letter the most poor and marginalised
improve the lives of the men and the appealing to the British public who communities around the world. Brooke
donkeys collectively. donated generously (as they continue to can’t hope to reach every animal through
do so to this day). Dorothy was inundated their direct programmes, so they also
Brooke’s vet, Dr Nawaz, and his team with donations totaling approximately work with governments and international
travel across Pakistan’s network of £20,000 in today’s monetary terms. bodies to improve animal welfare from the
coalmines educating miners about first top down, reviewing regional and national
aid. Over the four years of their project in She founded the Old War Horse Memorial policy so that equines are no longer
Pakistan, Brooke have introduced water Hospital in Cairo, promising free veterinary neglected or ignored by animal welfare
troughs for the donkeys and taught care for all the city’s working horses and laws and policy.
miners about nutrition and shelter, the donkeys. Today, Brooke works with
importance of giving the animal workforce
regular breaks and letting donkeys
socialise with each other.

As the donkey’s welfare improves, so too

does the miner’s. They feel a community
spirit, and self-worth. It’s not a quick
solution, but it is working. Brooke’s team
have seen time and again that the owners
do care about their donkeys, they just lack
the education to understand animal
welfare.

Brooke’s team of vets estimate that 80 per

cent of cases are entirely preventable, if
the miners can be educated to care for
their donkeys. Brooke aims to develop
sustainable services by training local
residents like Muhammad Safdar. His
29
 Brooke East Africa has developed an
animal welfare bill template which is now
being used by 13 county-level
governments to develop animal welfare
bills. Brooke India has successfully
lobbied for the inclusion of equine first aid
in para-vet training courses. Before this,
equine medicine was generally excluded
from vet training in India.

At Brooke Pakistan we see the benefit of

weekly community engagement sessions
with donkey owners. Brooke’s vet
Dr Nawaz continues to train owners on
equine welfare and husbandry, wound
treatment, handling and nutrition. Inside
Pakistan’s Abid Coalmine is a natural water
source. The miners had never considered
that the donkeys might like a refreshment
during a shift, but after Brooke’s
community sessions began, miner Aqal
Zaman thought to put a trough under the million people wouldn’t be able to put Brooke are working so tirelessly to
water source, so donkeys no longer have food on their tables, send their children improve.
to go through an eight hour shift without to school or build better futures for
hydration. It is these small changes that themselves and their families. Brooke “I’ve returned to the mines four times over
are making a big difference. works with owners, communities, the years and every time, I see huge
governments and international improvements in the way donkeys are
Brooke uses a framework to outline a organisations to make lasting looked after. They are better fed, hydrated
set of five domains which help define an improvements to animal welfare. and rested, carrying lighter loads and
animal’s wellbeing. If these criteria are met enjoying more social time. In turn, the
it leads to a positive mental state for the I’ve returned to the miners are happier too. They’re so
donkey, horse or mule. The five domains receptive to education about animal
cover nutrition, environment, health, mines four times over the welfare, it’s not that they wanted to treat
behaviour and mental health. With vets as years and every time, I see their donkeys badly, they just didn’t know
far as 100 miles from the most huge improvements in the any better.
impoverished communities, first aid
education is of primary concern. One of way donkeys are looked “Brooke’s projects are working. Now, I see
the most common examples of negative after. fatter, happier donkeys. I see a hive of
behaviour that Brooke see is apathy, when activity when a shift ends and the men
animals become lethargic and dispirited Photo-journalist Freya Dowson specialises appear from underground taking the load
from bad handling and overworking. in documenting the reality of life for off the donkeys, feeding and watering
Brooke educates communities in how humans and animals in developing them. The men are beaming proudly
best to care for their animals, giving them countries. Having descended into several because their donkeys are happy and
‘play time’ and group bonding mines over the last four years, she has healthy. The mines are claustrophobic
opportunities. When all five principles are witnessed what Pakistan’s donkeys go and dangerous places, but I’d go down a
achieved, Brooke sees animals free from through. mine again tomorrow, if I thought it would
emotional distress, living happier lives. help change lives for the better.”
Freya said: “Crawling through tunnels, I felt
Until such a time as the world’s poorest complete sensory deprivation. The air was If you want to help donkeys in the coal
communities no longer depend on stale and dank, the darkness was endless, mines, Brooke’s current appeal tells the
animals, Brooke Action For Working interrupted only by my head torch or a story of Chittoo the donkey. Chittoo works
Horses And Donkeys will continue to miner’s cigarette. in the coal mines, breathes in the deadly
protect and improve the lives of working dust and feels the heat and pain of his
equines. Around 100 million of these “Three years ago I travelled to Pakistan for harness, working day in, day out. A £4 a
animals give those in the developing the first time but the thought of not going month donation goes a long way. 18p
world the opportunity to work their way down the mines never crossed my mind. pays for saddle care and repair, £1.75 buys
out of poverty. Without healthy working My photos might tell a story that raises a first aid kit and £2.07 pays for painkillers.
horses, donkeys and mules, around 600 awareness of the terrible conditions thebrooke.org/chittoo
30
There are 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules helping
people in the developing world make ends meet. Without their animals,
around 600 million people wouldn’t be able to earn a living, put food on
their tables or send their children to school. In the U.K, it’s easy to forget
that horses once provided labour to every-day British people. Around
the world today –they’re still doing it. Horses and donkey are the trucks,
tractors and taxis of the developing world.

Many of these animals are suffering, and some horses and donkeys
have a life expectancy that is only half of that of those living in the U.K.

SUFFERING FROM LACK OF FOOD AND WATER:

A lack of wholesome food leads to malnutrition, and lack
of water leads to dehydration. Horses and donkeys
become weak, and can collapse under heavy loads.

SUFFERING BECAUSE OF INJURY AND DISEASE:

Rocky tracks injure legs and hooves. Poor equipment leaves
painful wounds, and every step can be painful. Medicines
and vaccinations are unaffordable to poverty-stricken
owners, so they go without, and the pain gets worse.

SUFFERING BECAUSE OF HARSH CONDITIONS:

Horses and donkeys start work young, carrying heavy loads
before their little bodies can cope with the weight. They can
easily be overworked especially in extremely hot
countries. Heat stress can be fatal.

BROOKE BELIEVES SUFFERING IS PREVENTABLE.

Brooke works with owners, and caregivers to improve animal welfare. We teach first aid, train farriers and
show people how to compassionately handle their animals. Brooke mentors local vets in equine health care.

Brooke does regular research to find out where our work will be most effective, and how we will reach
the most vulnerable animals in most need. We also regularly assess the animals we work with to
make sure their health is improving.

Brooke also looks at the bigger picture. We work with governments and international
organisations to put in place global animal welfare standards and laws.
Photographs
Equine suffering is a major issue worldwide. Brooke reaches two million of the world’s ©Brooke
most vulnerable working horses, donkeys and mules. Help us end suffering where
the need is greatest. Please visit www.thebrooke.org to find out more.
Freya Dowson
 G YOUR
IN
BR AME
A - g
Meet the people changing the face of veganism
32
V
egan is no longer a word to be
hidden or swept under the
carpet and veganism is
becoming a very real movement of
people who are committed to improving
the lives of millions of animals around
the world.

In this issue we have focused on vegan

athletes who are pushing the
boundaries of sport and fitness to prove
that what we eat doesn’t limit our ability,
it enhances it.

We had the pleasure of speaking to

Austin Aries, wrestling superstar, about
the release of his book, The Food Fight,
which details his journey to veganism
alongside the story of his career. The
interview is a fascinating read (especially
for someone who doesn’t know much
about wrestling) and Austin’s mission
to steer the next generation towards
greater understanding of the reality of
what they are putting in their bodies is
admirable.

We also spoke to Badass Vegan who’s

slogan is: “You can be cool and still
be vegan.” And cool, he is. A world
renowned fitness expert and former
basketball player, Badass Vegan’s body
is a temple which he feeds without
consuming any animal products.

However, we also wanted to bring you

stories of ordinary people who are
challenging themselves. We interviewed
Craig Williams, a self-proclaimed
small town boy, who decided to push
himself to his limits and join a group
of people aiming to hike 800 miles
across treacherous ice fields to reach
the last unexplored pole, the pole of
inaccessibility.

A reoccurring theme in our interviews

was fuelling fitness on a vegan diet and
therefore we asked nutritionist Rishi
Nursimloo to demystify sports nutrition
so that you can optimise your own
performance, whatever your personal
goal may be.

Finally, we have created some incredible

recipes to fuel your workout and give
you the energy you need to bring your
a-game!
33
 We spoke to Austin Aries, former WWE superstar, about his
new book Food Fight

A
ustin Aries has loved wrestling afraid to speak my mind along the way. and the world and I realise that right now
since he was four years old but I think that’s definitely the thing that I’m there are some five or six year olds looking
his journey to the top was full of most proud of.” up to me, just like I did to a lot of wrestlers.
twists and turns, which are revealed in If I can use that to spread an important
his new book Food Fight. Following the Aries also proves that you don’t need meat message and plant some seeds, just like
release of his book, Vegan Life spoke to to be at the top of your game; he is a one- seeds were planted for me, hopefully
the American star about his career and the time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, those seeds will sprout and steer the next
road to veganism. TNA World Tag Team Champion and is the generation of kids in the right direction.”
longest reigning X Division Champion.
Wrestling since the turn of the millennium, Aries, born Daniel Healy Solwold Jr., grew
Aries is known for his distinctive facial hair In his new book, Austin explores veganism up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In his book,
and being outspoken about his vegan and his rise through the ranks of sports Austin claims that living in ‘America’s
values. He is fiercely opinionated, which entertainment. He hopes his book will Dairy land’, with a family of six meant
is part of the reason that he has such an inspire the next generation to make better that fried chicken, pizzas and burgers
enormous fan base, and always does it his dietary choices and question the motives were regular meals in his household. He
way: “I wasn’t one to compromise who I of large corporations: “I have influence told us: “I considered it to be just a very
was as a person to get ahead and I wasn’t with a lot of kids. I go all over the country typical lower-middle class mid-western

34
upbringing. It didn’t really stand out. I WWE is an industry full of carnivorous Inevitably, Austin’s influence has changed
grew up in Wisconsin which is obviously bodybuilders and this was sometimes many people’s opinions about what being
the dairy capital with brats, burgers, beer challenging for Aries: “For me, the a vegan means (and looks like). Some of
and cheese. It was just a way of life. Until I frustrating part is the strong conviction his closest family members including his
realised that there might be another way that people who are so attached to their brother and fiancé have now adopted a
of life.” way of eating, they can be so strong in completely vegan lifestyle. Austin says
how right it is when all the evidence would that, although his book isn’t about turning
Aries, nicknamed ‘A Double’, admits that suggest otherwise.” Austin continues, people vegan, he wants to encourage
he never found the idea of eating other “I’m someone who, for the last 17 years, people to think about what they’re putting
creatures appetizing but society’s has paid close attention to what he eats, in their bodies. Austin said: “It’s not about
disconnection between foods and their has learnt a lot about the things I put in being perfect, it’s about being mindful and
sources meant that it took a long time my body. It’s hard to have a conversation then making better decisions. The more
before he realised the benefits of with people who are uninformed or we open our eyes, the more layers we peel
veganism. Austin told us: “I know, for me, misinformed and frankly, we all are back, the more that we learn, the better
I watched Forks Over Knives and that was because they [the large corporations] decisions we should be able to make.”
the tipping point to get rid of the dairy and make sure that we are uninformed or
the eggs. Hopefully with What the Health misinformed about food.”
and my book, it will get the message out It’s not about being
there and people start to take a second For Austin, being a vegan is more than just perfect, it’s about being
look at what we are doing to ourselves.” a diet; it is a lifestyle choice. He is an active mindful and then making
member of the vegan community and
said: “[The vegan community] embraces better decisions.
I’m an activist by everybody because we know that we’re
default because I care and I all spreading a really important message. We asked him if he considered himself to
have a platform that allows I come from a very difficult industry where be an activist: “Yes and no. I think I am but
you are dealing with a lot of egos but here my life’s not dedicated to it. I’m an activist
me to be an activist. people are trying to boost each other up by default because I care and I have a
and help everybody with what they are platform that allows me to be an activist.
Austin felt that he followed the status quo doing and their personal projects. The What I do, which in reality is kind of a
for the majority of his childhood by doing message that we are trying to get out silly job, means that people will listen to
what he thought he had to; go to college there is much more important than our my opinion and somehow it holds more
and get good grades. He soon discovered individual successes and that’s something weight, which I appreciate. Sometimes
that it didn’t suit him. He said: “A good I’ve felt as I’ve been journeying into the I think it’s silly you know, but for some
childhood friend of mine called me up community more; they’ve been very reason in society we tend to put celebrities
and told me he was training to be a welcoming and excited to have me be on pedestals and so I guess, knowing
wrestler and I didn’t really believe him. someone who can spread the message.” that and having this platform, that makes
I went and checked him out and the With over five hundred thousand followers me an activist because I’m willing to go
minute I saw it, I knew that was what I on Instagram and twitter his social media out there and talk about these things
wanted to be doing.” following is enormous, allowing him to because they bother me and I care. When
spread his message far and wide. I realise, and a reason why the book came
He quickly rose through the ranks to to fruition, is that over the last decade as
become a star of the WWE and eventually, I’ve come across fans, friends, family and
WrestleMania. Aries told us that, for him, the topic of my dietary lifestyle comes
moving up the ranks was a gradual up there is curiosity and people have the
process. He suggests that young athletes, same questions, no matter who they are.
and young vegans, are patient: “The first I want to give people some answers to
thing I tell anybody who is trying to take some of these questions.”
on this journey, whether that’s my
professional or lifestyle journey, is that it is The only vegan thing that Austin needs
a marathon, not a sprint. I think we tend to that he hasn’t found yet: “If anybody
get off the blocks really quickly when were makes some really good vegan wrestling
really excited and then it doesn’t happen boots, let me know!”
like we thought it would or as quickly as
we think it should. If you are in things for Since our interview Austin Aries and WWE
the long haul and not just for short term have mutually agreed to part ways.
gains you’ll be more successful if you
approach it that way.”

35
 Tammy
Talks
Vegan powered mum Tammy
Fry talks to Vegan Life about her
karate career

T
ammy Fry must be a vegan Germany. More recently, Tammy travelled training by incorporating CrossFit for
superwoman. She is a mother of to Australia to compete. Tammy told us: strength training as well as improving her
two, nutritionist, self-defence “I recently competed in the Australian agility and plyometrics.
coach, public speaker, animal rights Open, after not competing for some time.
advocate, photographer and is the I managed to win the Veterans Division. To ensure that she is feeding her body
International Head of Marketing for Fry’s Having young children and a full-time job correctly she ensures that she balances
Family Foods. Alongside this extensive list, meant that my training took the lowest food groups. Tammy said: “Many people
she is a 5th Dan black belt in karate and priority for a while. Now that my kids are are reluctant to change to a meat-free
has represented South Africa and the a little older I have been able to focus my lifestyle, either because they don’t think
African continent in the sport. Tammy attention on my own training.” they’ll get all the protein they need
has been practicing karate since she was without meat. I eat about 30% protein,
just four years old and believes that her Tammy says that there is no stigma in 40% carbs and 30% fat. This comprises
vegan principles align with the principles karate about veganism: “The world is products from Fry’s Family (obviously)
of karate. changing and people are starting to realise and a varied whole foods diet containing
the benefits of a plant based diet. Vegans fruit, veggies, grains, and legumes.
She said: “Martial arts follow certain life all over the world are leading by example Interestingly, most of the Fry’s products
principles which I think are incredibly and achieving incredible sporting feats — contain more protein than their meat
important and many of them are missing these athletes are changing the stigma.” equivalents.”
in society today. Some of these include
respect, etiquette, self-control, “Karate is a sport for everyone. The Undoubtedly, Tammy is an inspiration.
development of character, sincerity and journey of karate is your own and you She says that her parents are her greatest
maximum effort always. progress at your own pace. This makes inspiration: “They overcame adversity,
it a very inclusive sport. I am also a big followed their passion, worked tirelessly
“Although martial arts appear from the believer in learning to defend yourself. I day in and day out and have achieved
outside to be violent, the opposite is in am very passionate about empowering great success — they are still the most
fact true. Martial Arts are the practice of women and run self-defence programs in down to earth people, and include the
non-violence, controlling negative Australia and South Africa.” principle of Ahimsa [non-violence] in their
emotions, and learning to defend everyday lives — they have taught me to
yourself.” Training for martial arts, like karate, needs try to do the same.”
serious commitment and the use of so
Tammy has competed for South Africa at many different muscles means that You can follow Tammy on her blog
the All Africa Games and represented the training must be varied. Tammy trains for seed-blog.com
African continent at the World Games in an hour every day and mixes up her
36
 Badass
Vegan
Plant based power personified

J
ohn Lewis, AKA Badass Vegan, is a 6’6”, What inspired the name Badass back to eating meat. I tell people
235 pound weight lifting machine who Vegan? that I will never go back and that
is proving that keeping your body in I wanted to dispel the myth of vegan being my morals are more important
excellent shape doesn’t need to be at the weak and not so tough. I wanted to show than my taste buds. Plus, today,
expense of animal welfare. John’s core that you can be “badass” and still care there are so many great foods that
values are that his lifestyle has a positive about the planet, animal & human rights you don’t ever have to contribute
impact on every soul he meets, human or and your health. to the killing of any animals in
not, and that he wants to leave the world order to eat amazing food.
in a better way than he found it in. When did you go vegan and why?
I went vegan in 2006 when my mother was You must love training
Although he was initially driven by dietary diagnosed with colon cancer and, while to do what you do, but is
choices, over time he says that he has talking to the doctors, I was informed there one part of your body
been able to see the blatant mistreatment that it was the result of too much animal you don’t like working on?
of animals in the beauty, fashion and protein. I conducted more research and I love working out every part of
commodity businesses, as well as for saw that animal protein was a major my body but I would say that my
consumption. Now he eats around 3,000 cause of not only cancers but a host of legs are the toughest for me due
calories per day and has the body, muscle other diseases. to the fact that I had surgery on
strength and social media following to both knees. I just have to be very
show that vegan is no longer synonymous What is the question you get cautious in the type of workouts I
with weak. asked most often? do but I love a good challenge.
I’m always asked if I ever get the urge to go
38
Sometimes finding motivation The other reason was that while there
to exercise is difficult, how do were plenty of options on the market,
you motivate yourself and your they just were not affordable. I didn’t
clients? want anyone to have an excuse as to why
For me I just realised one day that they couldn’t eat or drink vegan. One
whatever I want in life I am going to have of the myths of veganism is that it is too
to work for it and no one is going to give costly and I believe that our price point
me anything... so my motivation comes is so low that they excuse is out of the
from the realisation that if I don't do the window.
work I won't get the rewards.
You say on your Instagram that
Do you believe in always eating you like a debate, do you think
well or do you have cheat meals? that having open conversations
Oh I certainly have my cheat meals… I just on social media can be
plan them out like every 90 days or so. counterproductive?
(that way I don’t feel so bad). Not at all, I honestly love debating trolls
on social media. As long as they are not
Tell us about VeganSmart disrespectful, I will continue to debate in
products. a composed dialogue. My main reason
VeganSmart is a protein shake that I for staying composed is because I want
formulated about 4 years ago it is a to show people how no matter what
complete meal replacement with great someone does to us, we are in control of
taste. It has 20 grams of non-GMO our actions. The major reason why I do it
protein, 20 vitamins and minerals, dietary is to show the troll that not all vegans fit
fibre, digestive enzymes, Omega 3, B the stereotype and that if they truly are
vitamins, and so much more. One of my interested I am here to help.
main reasons I created this shake was
that I am always on the go and needed You are an inspirational
something quick for me while I am Instagrammer; who inspires you
travelling or just headed out of the house. to work harder?
My daughter is my inspiration. I want to
be the example for what hard work will
get for her. I don’t want to be the parent
that tells their child to live healthy, work
hard and treat people, animals and the
earth well and I am not doing those things
myself.

What would you say to someone

who said that vegans are weak?
I am only going to get bigger and stronger
just for people like those who think
that vegans can't become strong. The
thing is that people like this are quick to
doubt but not quick to try it themselves.
I challenge them to commit to one full
year of no cheat meals and working out
all year with no missed workouts, no
excuses.

You can follow John on:

Twitter: @badassvegan
Facebook: Bad Ass Vegan
Instagram: badassvegan
 VEGAN ICE
WARRIOR
Craig Williams will be part of a team attempting to reach the
arctic pole for the first time

40
I
n February next year Craig Williams, has to take their own food and supplies
who has been vegan for three years for the entire trip. I will be doing 200
now, will be part of an expedition miles in 20 days and carrying what I
of just 28 people from around the need for that time. There is going to
world who are attempting to reach be a lot of vacuum packed food. I’m
the previously unexplored Arctic pole, currently using huel, which is a vegan
dubbed the pole of inaccessibility. meal replacement, for training. You just
This is no holiday and Craig will be shake it up with water and off you go, it’s
completing a gruelling 200 miles slog all you need.
across unstable ice fields in just 20 days
to complete his leg, one of four in total. What training do you need to
We spoke to Craig about the #lastpole do?
and his intention to train for, and At the moment I am trail running to
complete, this historic expedition on a build up cardio and endurance. I also
completely vegan diet. see a personal trainer who is giving me
a high intensity weekly circuit which
What is the Ice Warrior absolutely kills me every Sunday. I
Project? train seven days a week and I’ve got six
Jim McNeill, a very accomplished polar months to get in shape. I train for about
explorer, started the Ice Warrior project about how we go over or through an hour and then about 30 minutes of
in 2001 because he wanted to make certain obstacles. There will be ice trail running every evening as well. I
exploration accessible for everyone. fields, pockets of freezing cold waters have a 4x4 tyre which I am going to start
He wanted to take ordinary people and and movement of ice on the ocean. adding to my trail running now too.
make them modern day explorers to
emulate the golden era of exploration. Are you nervous or excited? At the moment my body is running
He wanted to show that if you apply I’m really excited actually. I love the idea on about 2,200 calories and I’m being
yourself mentally and physically, that I will be contributing something to very strict with myself. When I first
adventure is accessible to everyone. the planet in this period of time. I have went vegan I did a great stint of really
to pinch myself though because this healthy fruit, juices and smoothies. I
What is the pole of isn’t some holiday; it’s a serious mental started slipping into the vegan junk food
inaccessibility? and physical struggle. We are going to and I didn’t feel as good but I started
There are four poles; the magnetic be bringing back crucial data on the following plant based doctors and now I
pole, the geomagnetic pole, the polar region so I’m really excited to be a stay strict. I am a very healthy vegan.
geographical pole — the North pole — part of it. Bragging rights aside, it’s going
and at the centre of the Arctic ocean to be incredible to say that I was part of What are you hoping to
you have the Arctic pole. That is the this team of ordinary people wandering achieve?
one we are attempting to reach. Of the wilderness for science. I’ve gone from a stereotypical meat
course, it’s dubbed the northern pole of eater to completely the opposite. I hope
inaccessibility for very good reason. How did you become part of the to add to the growing list of vegans out
project? there who survive daily and thrive on a
Jim himself has actually attempted it Ever since a young age I always wanted vegan diet. Being part of this historical
twice before and on the last time he to be an explorer but I think that I got expedition as a vegan will show
ended up slipping into a river because it stuck in my comfort zone. I was happy that there is no need to worry about
was so treacherous. We are calling this being a small town boy and I just sat in deficiencies or any of the other rubbish
an attempt because there is a genuine my comfort zone for far too long. They we vegans hear about on a daily basis!
possibility that it may be inaccessible. say that life begins on the edge of your
comfort zone and I saw this opportunity Craig has raised £2,000 towards his
There are a myriad of problems; polar after I had some bad news last year. My target of £20,000 and is looking for
bears are not uncommon apparently grandmother passed in January and Ice support to reach his goal by December
because they are populating areas Warrior kept popping up on my social 2017. Donate at: gofundme.com/ice-
which they were previously unable to media and I thought it looked like a warrior-training-expedition.
access. There is also the risk of cold fantastic opportunity. I saw my nan’s
temperatures as low as minus 50. I’ve death as a reason to start living, so I You can follow his journey through
experienced a couple of degrees below applied. our website where we will be
zero, but never minus 50. That’s going to posting updates on Craig's training
be something to really worry about. The What will you be eating on the and fundraising as February 2018
terrain is going to be an issue too and expedition? Space food? approaches.veganicewarrior.com
we are going to have to be really careful Although it’s still early days, everyone
41
 Change
Yourself
Victoria Eisermann discusses how
vegan athletes have inspired her
own philanthropic challenges

E
very year I take on a personal amazes me that these vegans are helping determination, discipline and dedication
challenge to raise funds for my the planet whilst saving the lives of to what I believe.
charity K-9 Angels. It's usually countless animals. I had the great fortune
something quite extreme in the hope it to speak to one lady who inspires me “Being vegan touches every part of my
catches people’s imagination and we can greatly — the incredible Fiona Oakes. life.” Fiona continues: “My philosophy
get some donations for dogs in desperate behind my running has always been
need of help. Fiona, who has been vegan since she was simple. ‘The better runner I can be, the
just six years old, is a British marathon better I can speak out for the animals’.”
This year, much to the horror of my runner who holds three world records for
husband, I strapped myself to the top marathon running and, in 2013, she won Fiona, along with athletes including
wing of a single propeller bi-plane, which marathons in the Antarctic and the North David Carter, Tia Blanco and David Haye
flies at speeds of around 150 MPH, and Pole, proving that she is adaptable to the are living proof that you can enjoy a fully
gulped down my fear as I attempted a most extreme environments. Even more enriched vegan diet and still excel. I’ve
challenge known as ‘wing walking’. astonishingly, she runs despite having lost said it before, and I will say it again. We
a knee cap from an illness when she was do not need to consume animals for
Last year I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the just 17. protein, muscle strength or fitness and it
world’s tallest free-standing mountain, for finally feels like the flawed protein myth is
the second time and a couple of years ago I asked Fiona if she felt eating a vegan diet being dispelled by vegan athletes. For me,
I cycled 500 miles through the rolling hills has helped her performance in sport? Fiona is an inspiration and will continue
of Devon. These challenges have been Fiona said: “Yes, I believe that being to inspire me to challenge myself, in my
hard but seeing the thousands of pounds vegan has helped me both mentally own way (maybe not any polar marathons
which I have raised changing the lives of and physically. For me, to stand on the just yet), and stretch myself to my limits
dogs in need makes all the pain, fear and start line of any race knowing that I have to raise awareness for my charity and the
exhaustion worth it. not harmed another creature to be thousands of dogs which still need saving.
there is extremely important. I could not
Reflecting on my personal challenges function if I thought my performance was
got me thinking about vegan athletes. It anything but attributable to myself, my
42
43
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off your first box of 8 by using the discount code
‘VEGANLIFE’. eatvive.com

6. Clearspring Power Porridge

This GF, creamy porridge is the perfect way to start
your day. It is high in Omega 3, fibre and protein,
and all of the ingredients are organically grown.
clearspring.co.uk £4.65 £3.49

44
 Optimising
Performance

Rishi Kumar Nursimloo

explains sports nutrition for
the athletic vegan

V
eganism is constantly growing and Carbohydrates growth of cells, organs, muscles, and the
the increased prevalence is now Carbohydrates are the primary source immune system. One concern for vegan
crossing over into professional of energy utilised in the muscle during athletes is the intake of essential amino
sports, where we are seeing more athletes exercise. Carbohydrates have had a bad acids including leucine. However this
following a vegan diet. From the average rap in the past but they have been shown can be easily overcome by consuming
gym goer to professional athletes, we all to improve body composition, well-being a range of proteins from plant based
want to perform at our best. and are now been increasingly used to sources, such as tofu, quinoa, buckwheat
manage clinical symptoms of epilepsy and edamame, which contain complete
However, there are concerns surrounding and other neurological conditions. proteins.
whether a vegan diet can meet the needs
of sports athletes; the position statement Carbohydrates are essential to restore ATP Protein timing is a regularly used strategy
of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (adenosine triphosphate), an essential to optimise exercise sessions. Protein
states: “To train and perform optimally, part of intracellular (between cells) timing involves eating proteins before,
athletes of all levels — from recreational to energy transfer. Therefore, if you want to during or just after a training session to
elite — should consume a diet comprised maximise energy during your workout, allow muscles to repair more quickly.
of wholesome foods high in carbohydrate, consuming a high carbohydrate diet will Recent studies have shown that protein
low to moderate in fat, and adequate in renew ATP faster to allow you to work timing only has a small effect on muscle
protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluid.” A harder for longer. Therefore, for active mass increase (hypertrophy) with no
vegan diet can provide this. individuals, carbohydrates should be significant impact on muscle strength.
set at between 50-60 per cent of daily Therefore, protein timing does not seem
So, whether you want to improve overall calorie intake. For professional to be essential; it is more important to
recovery, build muscle or performance in athletes, targets for carbohydrates should ensure that you are consuming enough
your sport, we are going to provide you be provided in grams in relation to the protein throughout the day.
the latest scientific and evidence-based athlete’s body mass, rather than as a
information on fuel and supplementation percentage of total energy intake. If you are performing light to moderate
in order to help you build muscle, improve exercise several times a week, the
body composition, recover better and give Protein Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
you the edge in your chosen sport. Consuming adequate amounts of protein of 0.8g of protein per kg of bodyweight is
is important for the maintenance and sufficient.
46
Fat its support in cartilage formulation and
Limiting fat and cholesterol in your immune health, as well as increased iron
diet is important to reduce your risk of absorption.
preventative chronic disease; diets high in Your journey to better health starts here
fat are linked to the UKs two biggest killers Supplementation for Improving
— cardiovascular disease and cancer. Sports Performance
Prior to consuming sports nutrition
Whilst vegans tend to have low to supplements, or any form of
moderate intake of fat, it is extremely supplementation, you must ensure
important not to go below 15 per cent that you are consuming adequate
fat, as this has been shown to have levels of protein, carbohydrates, fat and
serious health consequences such as an micronutrients. Without this strong
increased risk of hormonal imbalances, foundation the additional benefits of
decreased cognitive function and supplementation will be extremely
deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, limited.
E, and K, which are important for skin,
bones, and cardiovascular health. Creatine
Creatine Phosphate is a high-energy
Make sure you focus on limiting intake of compound stored and created in the
saturated and trans fats, whilst boosting liver and is extremely important in the
intake of monounsaturated and omega-3 synthesis of ATP (essential for intracellular
fatty acids. A low to moderate fat intake of energy transfer). During intense exercise,
20-35 per cent of total calories should be the amount of ATP diminishes and
consumed to avoid negative health and therefore it is important, especially in
performance impacts.

Micronutrients – Vitamins,
strength sports, to top up these creatine
phosphate stores. Supplementing with
creatine has been studied thoroughly
Discover
minerals and phytochemicals to show increases in muscle energy, the benefits of
Colourful vegetables offer fibrous endurance strength and lean muscle
carbohydrate, a rich source of vitamins mass. raw food with
and essential minerals, antioxidants
and phytonutrients. Consuming these Iron
micronutrients through fruits and
vegetables is far more beneficial than
taking supplements, which are not
Iron deficiency anaemia is very common
for athletes. Women are at a higher risk
of anaemia than men, especially during
Raw alive
absorbed as easily. Foods high in nitrates, menstruation where haemoglobin losses
such as beetroot and blueberries have are highest. The lack of haemoglobin
been shown to support enhanced means less red blood cell production, What we do:
exercise and performance. Consuming which can lead to detrimental impacts on
vitamin C rich foods is also beneficial for health, recovery and performance. Raw food Coaching
Raw food Workshops
Raw food Retreats

For more info call

us on:
07947 539293
or visit us at:
rawalive.co.uk
 it's
Game-timE

Recipes to fuel you through your workout

48
BUFFALO CHICKPEA
PROTEIN BOWL WITH
RAW HEMP RANCH
DRESSING
Serves 2

For The Chickpeas

• 1 400g tin chickpeas, rinsed and
drained
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp smoked paprika 3 Add the buffalo sauce and allow to • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp sugar, any kind heat through before removing from the • 2 tsp sugar
• 6 tbsp buffalo sauce heat. Set aside to cool slightly whilst • 2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
For the Hemp Ranch Dressing preparing the rest of the dish • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or fresh
• 120g (¾ cup) shelled hemp hearts 4 For the hemp ranch dressing, add all herbs of your choice
• 115ml (½ cup) water the ingredients to a blender and process • 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast until very smooth, scraping down the For the Parmesan:
• 1 clove garlic, peeled sides as necessary. • 140g (1 cup) whole almonds
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 5 To assemble the dish, first add a • 100g (½ cup) nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp dill pickle brine base of quinoa to the bowls, followed • 2 tsp sea salt flakes
• ½ tsp dried dill, or 1 tsp fresh dill, by a generous helping of kale and the • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
chopped. chickpeas. Add some sliced avocado to
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste the side and drizzle the finished bowl 1 Place all of the prepared soup
To Assemble The Bowls with the ranch dressing. ingredients, apart from the beans, into
• Cooked quinoa, warm a very large, lidded pan or flame-proof
• Lightly cooked kale, or any greens Per 100g Hemp Dressing casserole dish with 2 tins of water and
of choice Calories: 489, Carbohydrates: 7.5g, some seasoning.
• ½ avocado, sliced Sugars: 1.6g, Fat: 37.0g, Saturates: 4.0g, 2 Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid,
Protein: 29.0g, Salt: 1.4g and cook gently for 20 mins.
1 Begin by gently sautéing the onions 3 To make the almond Parmesan, put
and garlic for the chickpeas, in a non all the ingredients in a blender or food
stick frying pan with a little oil. processor and pulse until grainy.
2 Add the chickpeas, tomato paste, MINESTRONE WITH WHITE 4 After 20 mins, add the beans to the
soup and open cook until beans are hot
paprika, sugar, and a couple of splashes BEANS AND ALMOND and the vegetables are tender.
of water to the pan and let simmer for a
few minutes.
PARMESAN (OIL-FREE) 5 Check seasoning and ladle into
Serves 6 bowls. Top with almond parmesan.

For The Soup: TIP: This soup keeps well in the fridge
• 1 large onion, finely chopped for 4 days, or in the freezer for 3 months.
• 2 leeks, washed and sliced Store the parmesan in a clean, dry screw
• 2 sticks celery, washed and sliced jar for up to 3 months.
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely
chopped Per 100g minestrone
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced Calories: 47, Carbohydrates: 6.9g,
• 1 orange pepper, deseeded and Sugars: 3.6g, Fat: 0.0g, Saturates: 0.0g,
chopped Protein: 2.4g, Salt: 0.08g
• 2 handfuls greens such as cabbage
or spinach, roughly sliced Per 100g parmesan
• 1 400g tin white beans (such as Calories: 510, Carbohydrates: 17.0g,
haricot or butter), drained and Sugars: 2.7g, Fat: 33.0g, Saturates: 3.6g,
rinsed Protein: 33.0g, Salt: 4.9g
• 1 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• Vegan stock cube or bouillon
powder
49
 CARROT CAKE
OVERNIGHT OATS
Serves 2

• 160g (1 cup) porridge oats

• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• ¼ tsp ground mixed spice
• ½ tsp Cinnamon
• 2 tbsp sultanas
• ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
• 3 tbsp maple or agave syrup
• 350ml (1½ cups) cashew or oat milk
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to serve
• Pecans, to serve

1 In a large bowl, mix together all of the

dry ingredients.
2 Add the milk and syrup to the bowl
and stir until well combined.
3 Chill in the fridge, covered, overnight
(or at least 2 hours)
4 When ready to serve, add a little extra
milk if needed, the pecans, and a grating
of nutmeg. Any leftover porridge can be
kept in the fridge for a couple of days.

Per 100g
Calories: 159, Carbohydrates: 21.0g,
Sugars: 6.0g, Fat: 5.2g, Saturates: 0.7g,
Protein: 4.8g, Salt: 0.02g

50
ENERGY BOOST BARS 5 Pour into the lined baking dish and
press well into the sides and on top with
Makes 12-16
the back of a spoon to compress.
6 Bake in the preheated oven for 30
• 125g (½ cup) vegan butter
mins until golden.
• 125g (½ cup) 100% peanut butter
7 Leave to cool in the tin, cut into
• 150g (3½ cups) soft brown sugar
squares, and store in an airtight
• 50ml (¼ cup) maple syrup
container for up to 4 days.
• Orange and lemon zest, finely
grated
Per 100g
• 150g (½ cup) soft dried apricots,
Calories: 376, Carbohydrates: 43.0g,
chopped
Sugars: 26.0g, Fat: 17.0g, Saturates:
• 50g (½ cup) dried goji berries
3.6g, Protein: 9.4g, Salt: 0.29g
• 100g (1 cup) mixed seeds, such as
sunflower, pumpkin, flax or chia
• 250g (1⅔ cups) rolled oats
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
KEY LIME PIE ENERGY
1 Preheat oven to 170°C (Gas Mark 4, BALLS equal sized balls.
340°F) and line a rectangular tin with
3 Place the coconut on a small place
baking paper. • 55g (½ cup) pecans
and roll the lime balls to coat.
2 In a heavy based pan, gently heat • 115g (¾ cup) cashews
4 Chill in the fridge, covered, until
the butter, peanut butter, sugar, maple • 265g (1½ cups) pitted dates
needed.
syrup and zests until melted and evenly • 3 limes, juice and zest
combined. • Unsweetened desiccated coconut,
Per 100g
3 Mix together the oats, seeds and for coating
Calories: 436, Carbohydrates: 43.0g,
dried fruit in a large bowl and add the
Sugars: 40.0g, Fat: 24.0g, Saturates:
sugar and butter mixture. 1 Place all the ingredients into a food
6.4g, Protein: 8.6g, Salt: 0.03g
4 Finally, add the mashed banana and processor or blender and pulse to
mix everything together thoroughly until combine to a paste.
well combined. 2 With slightly wet hands, roll into 12
51
 A parent's tale

Kinder
surprise

Starting kindergarten in Germany isn’t as easy as you’d

expect, according to Charlotte Meyer Zu Natrup

M
y daughter has just turned becoming more confident and Firstly, there was the ‘I didn’t hear you
three. Before she was born, independent. correctly stage.’ My German is not
when people told me that they amazing but it has improved over the
had a child’s birthday at the weekend, Kindergarten will allow me the freedom past few months. I was clear when
I would think, that’s interesting but so to get a bit more settled into life in speaking to both Jess’s and Florian’s new
what? Since motherhood, I sympathise Germany, spend more time with my key carers that neither of my children ate
entirely with what that means. When she youngest, learn the language better and meat (I thought it would be easier to
turned two, I told her that two really was find employment. Despite this, on the break it to them in stages). I thought the
old enough and that she should stop day when she went to start Kindergarten, message had sunk in until the only one
there yet, last week I found myself I felt like flinging myself down on the step who had actually been listening to me
making a hedgehog cake and buying outside, toddler-style, beating my fists raised this at their morning meeting and
candles for her third birthday. and feet and shrieking ‘This is all too fast! the rest were stunned into silence and
You won’t take this stage of her life away said they had no knowledge of the fact.
And with the third year comes so many from me forever!’
changes. In Germany, she is now old Secondly, the ‘we don’t and can’t
enough for kindergarten. Kindergarten Another new day care meant another understand this’ stage. I was then called
welcomes children from ages three to new set of rules for eating and these into the office several times. It began to
six and is focused on play, exploration, were the trickiest yet. Our period of feel like I was the naughty girl at primary
imagination and from what I can see, adjustment took place in stages. school who had pulled someone’s
52
pigtails or who was wearing a short skirt. accepted at this moment, then I would
The greatest difference here seemed to have lost a potential for them to choose EASY SPICY GINGER
be that they were all super formal and for themselves. NOODLES
polite and called me Frau.
And so I told them I would ‘überlegen’
• 4cm approx. root ginger
Once in the office, I was asked what this (consider it overnight). I prepared
• 2-3 spring onions
was our reason for avoiding meat? I the necessary sentences so that the
• 1 large garlic clove
explained that it was purely ethical and sentiment of what I was saying was not • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
this was heard without comment. I was lost in the mishmash of translation; I • 1 tsp vegan red Thai curry paste
then questioned as to my stance on their wanted to express that it was my (or according to taste)
‘try everything’ policy. I agreed that it prerogative to try to educate my child in • 40g (½ cup) plain egg-free
was essential for children’s capacity to be the ways of compassion and that it was spaghetti
flexible and develop their palette. ‘And so as much my right to decide what my • 200ml tin coconut milk
what should we do about Jessica?’ daughter ate on ethical grounds as it was • 1 pint (2¼ cups) good vegan stock
of those with a religious focus (and there • 100g (½ cup) firm tofu, plus ½
I had to pause there. Did I want my child is a Muslim child at the kindergarten who tsp vegan red Thai curry paste for
to be singled out in a culture where does not eat pork). I also wanted to marinading
compliance seemed a profoundly suggest that this was a great opportunity • 5 mushrooms
important aspect of life? They seemed to to educate the other children in the • 75g (½ cup) fresh or frozen peas
be implying here that Jess would not be kindergarten as to what vegetarianism • 75g (½ cup) fresh broccoli
accepted by her peers, that she would be and veganism was because it seemed
ostracized. that no one in the vicinity had never 1 Chop the tofu into cubes, place in a
even heard of it (as an aside, my mention bowl and stir a little of the curry paste
No mother wants their child to be spoilt, of non-dairy had been met with a in. Set aside.
lonely or judged differently to their peers. request for a doctor’s note... so we were 2 Wash and slice the spring onions,
I considered the alternative. I had always going super slowly here). removing the ends and greener parts
thought that my children’s upbringing of the stem. Peel and grate the ginger
would include an abstinence of eating On returning to the polite ladies in the and peel and chop the garlic. Place
meat until they were old enough and the office I gave my very best representation these in a deep frying pan with the oil
moment arose that I could have a of why it was important that my and sizzle for 5 minutes.
conversation with them, quietly at home. daughter was to remain meat free. We 3 Add the curry paste and sizzle for
At this point, being in the possession of won’t eat meat, we will try to be kind 4 mins.
more facts, they would be able to decide and if there is a fuss in the lunchroom 4 Add the stock and coconut milk.
themselves over time how they would because of this, because one child is Break the spaghetti in half and add
continue with their diet and what treated differently than the others, then this, too. Bring to the boil then let this
choices they would make. If I agreed with we will deal with it as we can. simmer until the spaghetti is cooked
these ladies then my children may as through. Add a bit of water if the
well be meat eaters. If I conformed and mixture gets to dry at any point.
5 Meanwhile wash and chop the
mushrooms and broccoli. Fry the tofu
and mushrooms together in a little oil
in a separate pan until cooked, just
before the end add the broccoli and
peas.
6 Stir the veg and tofu into the
spaghetti mixture. Cut the spaghetti
well before serving in bowls.

Charlotte Meyer Zu Natrup

53
 Dieting
RED LENTIL AND HARISSA
SOUP
Serves 6

Down
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander
stems
• 1–2 tbsp harissa paste (depending
on how much heat you want)
• 200g (2⅔ cups) red lentils, rinsed
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 400g tin tomatoes
• Squeeze lemon (optional)
Vegan recipes perfect for shedding a • Sea salt and black pepper

few pounds Gremolata

• Zest 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• Coriander leaves, finely chopped

1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add

the onion and cook it over a gentle
heat until softened. Add the garlic and
cook for another minute, then stir in the
coriander stems and the harissa paste.
2 Add the lentils and stir until they
are coated with the paste, then pour
over the stock and season with salt and
pepper.
3 Bring the stock to the boil, then turn
the heat down and simmer for about 10
minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer
for another 10 minutes. Stir and check
the consistency of the soup — add a
splash more water if it seems too thick.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding
a squeeze of lemon juice if you think the
soup needs it.
4 To make the gremolata, finely chop
the lemon zest, garlic and coriander
together until well combined.
5 Blend the soup if you want it smooth
— the lentils will have broken down
enough to thicken it, but there will still
be some texture from the onions and
tomatoes.
6 Serve with the gremolata spooned
over the top.

Per 100g
Calories: 110, Carbohydrates: 18.0g,
Sugars: 3.6g, Fat: 0.7g, Saturates: 0.0g,
Protein: 7.5g, Salt: 0.74g
Recipes and images from:
THE HAIRY DIETERS GO VEGGIE by Si King and Dave Myers,
published by Orion (Trade paperback: £14.99, eBook: £7.99)
Photography by Andrew Hayes-Watkins
54
 lime and ginger and continue to blitz minutes until they have softened and
until everything is well combined and started to caramelise. Set aside.
smooth. 2 Put the chickpea flour in a bowl with
AZTEC CHOCOLATE 4 Divide the mousse between 6-8 small a generous pinch of salt and whisk to
glasses, espresso cups or bowls and remove any lumps. Gradually pour in
AVOCADO MOUSSE chill until needed. 250ml (1 cup) of water and continue to
Serves 6–8 5 Serve topped with some thin strips of whisk until you have a smooth batter
stem ginger if you like. with the consistency of thick double
• 2 avocados, peeled and roughly cream. Stir in the remaining olive oil and
mashed Per 100g whisk to emulsify. Set the batter aside.
• Zest and juice ½ lime Calories: 247, Carbohydrates: 19.0g, 3 To make the salsa, mix all the
• 1 ball stem ginger, roughly chopped Sugars: 16.0g, Fat: 17.0g, Saturates: 6.5g, ingredients in a bowl and season well
• 100g (1 cup) dark chocolate Protein: 3.1g, Salt: 0.0g with salt and pepper.
• 50g (¼ cup) agave (or syrup from 4 You can make 2 large socca in a 25cm
the stem ginger) non-stick pan, or 4 in a smaller pan. If
• 100ml (½ cup) reduced-fat coconut making 2 large socca, heat the pan and
milk spritz with oil spray or pour a few drops
• 30g (⅓ cup) cocoa powder
SOCCA AND SALSA of oil into the pan and rub it over the
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon Serves 4 base with kitchen paper. Pour half the
• 1 tsp ground ginger batter into the pan and swirl to cover
• ¼ tsp ground allspice • 2 tbsp olive oil the base.
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne • 2 red onions, sliced into thin wedges 5 Sprinkle over half the onions and half
• 150g (1¾ cups) chickpea (gram) flour the rosemary, then cook over a medium
To serve • 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary
• 1 ball stem ginger, finely sliced heat for a few minutes until browned
• Low-cal oil spray or olive oil and crisping round the edges.
(optional) • Sea salt and black pepper Flip the socca over to cook the other
1 Put the avocado, lime zest and juice side or put the pan under a medium
and the piece of stem ginger in a food Salsa grill to finish the cooking. Transfer it to a
processor and blitz until fairly smooth — • 4 tomatoes, cored and diced board or a large plate and repeat.
there might be a little texture from the • ½ small red onion, finely chopped 6 If you are cooking 4 socca, split the
stem ginger or lime zest. • 1 small red chilli, finely chopped batter into 4 and proceed as above,
2 Put the chocolate, agave, coconut • Zest ½ lemon using a quarter of the onions and
milk, cocoa and spices in a small • 1 tsp red wine vinegar rosemary each time. Cut the socca into
saucepan. Place the pan over a very • 1 tsp olive oil wedges or serve whole with the salsa.
gentle heat and whisk constantly until • Small bunch basil, finely chopped
the chocolate has melted and you have Per 100g
a rich, dark mixture. 1 Heat a tablespoon of the oil in a Calories: 223, Carbohydrates: 23.0g,
3 Scrape the chocolate mixture into frying pan and add the red onions. Fry Sugars: 3.5g, Fat: 9.6g, Saturates: 1.3g,
the food processor with the avocado, them over a medium heat for at least 10 Protein: 9.0g, Salt: 0.25g
55
 ISLAND
INVADERS
We look into some of the species which now call
the UK their home

O
ur ocean planet is speckled with between islands which were previously cent of all extinctions have taken place on
islands and the ever-changing unreachable. Exploration seems to be part islands and invasive species have been
nature of Earth means that new of human nature but since the industrial implicated in 86 per cent of these..
islands are constantly being created and revolution, the scale, regularity and spatial
destroyed as the Earth’s tectonic plates reach of global travel is now so extensive Islands are ecologically significant — the
snail towards, against or apart from each that species movement is becoming a Galapagos Islands were famously studied
other. These islands can be thousands problem. by Charles Darwin in his study of evolution
of miles from the nearest continent and through natural selection — because their
many are still incredibly isolated. It is estimated that there are nearly two ecosystems evolve independently from
thousand invasive species in Great Britain, the mainland and therefore, their flora and
However, as the human species has many of which are having a devastating fauna evolves to survive in that particular
developed, the world seems to have impact on our native species. habitat with defence mechanisms tailored
become smaller and less diverse. The to the particular predators and threats in
ease of world travel has enabled us to live According to Dr. Tony Martin, Professor of that environment. This process has been
in ways which were unimaginable just a Animal Conservation at the University of happening over millions of years and the
few hundred years ago and although the Dundee, invasive species are: “Organisms, longer that an island has been isolated for,
benefits of globalisation are undeniable, which can be anything from bacterium to the more vulnerable the island becomes
our cross continental movements have a camel, that have been introduced by to the potentially devastating impacts of
also had an unexpected impact on our man to environments where they didn’t invasive species.
environment. evolve.”
New Zealand or Hawaii, for example, have
Human activities including trade, Islands like the UK are particularly been isolated for a much longer periods of
horticulture and farming have not only susceptible to the negative impacts of time than the UK and therefore, invasive
allowed us to travel to new places, invasive species. In total land area terms, species pose a formidable threat to their
but have opened up wildlife corridors islands represent less than five per cent biodiversity. The threat to New Zealand
for animals and plants to move of the world but, interestingly, over 60 per is deemed so perilous that they have set
56
aside 28 million dollars to eradicate rats,
stoats and possums and the country aims
to become predator-free by 2050 in an
effort to conserve their bird populations,
which have not evolved to protect
themselves from these non-native species.

In the UK, some of the most successful

invasive species include Japanese
knotweed, rhododendron, Himalayan
balsam, floating pennywort, muntjac and
signal crayfish. But perhaps the most
famous example is the deliberate
introduction of grey squirrels from North
America in the 1870s. Grey squirrels have
been so successful partly because of their
ability to out-compete, due to their larger
size, but they also carry a virus which is
fatal to native red squirrels and the latter
native squirrels are now fairly rare around
most of Great Britain, save Scotland where ecological competence (the ability to Another lesser known example of invasive
conservation efforts have been relatively tolerate different environments) are some plant species is giant hogweed, part of the
successful. of the indicators that a species may cow-parsley family originating from South-
become dominant when introduced to a West Asia, which is now widespread
Invasives, like grey squirrels, have obvious new location — studies indicate that, in across Great Britain after it was introduced
impacts on native species through direct some circumstances, adaption to a new around 200 years ago by horticulturalists.
predation, out-competing, transmitting environment can occur within as little as Each plant can produce up to fifty
diseases and killing offspring but their 20 generations. thousand seeds per year and therefore
indirect threats can have an even wider it is incredibly tenacious. Giant hogweed
impact on the environment including Many of the alien species in the UK were is quite attractive with its impressive,
changing food webs and decreasing accidentally introduced due to lack of towering stems and enormous, white
biodiversity to create monocultures or awareness about the possible impacts. flower clusters but 'the plant' actually
species dominance. Although, not all Horticulture enthusiasts introduced produces a phytotoxic sap which can
invasive species are detrimental to the many alien species including Japanese cause excruciating burns on skin. These
environment. Some ‘desirable’ invasives, knotweed, a perennial plant which was burns are exacerbated by UV rays in
such as Mandarin ducks, work in harmony introduced in 1825 as an attractive daylight and can take months to heal.
with the environment and actually boost ornamental plant. Its invasive roots mean Additionally, the effects of the burn can be
biodiversity. that it can damage concrete foundations felt for years after the initial injury.
of buildings and roads making it, now,
Researchers have found that species undesirable. Giant hogweed is also dangerous to
with certain traits are more likely to animals, especially when ingested, and
become dominant. Fast growth, rapid
reproduction, high dispersal and

57
 from extinction. Dr Piero Genovesi, Chair
of IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group,
said: “Invasives are threatening many
if your companion animal eats part of After human introduction less than 100 species around the world. They are the
the plant or its seeds, make sure you years ago, mink are now being hunted first cause of species extinction for many
take them to the vet immediately. It can down, trapped and killed. The reason? taxonomic groups like amphibians or
also cause blindness if it gets into your American mink have decimated birds and this is a problem which is a huge
companion’s eyes. populations of ground nesting birds such concern for many areas around the world.”
as terns and black-headed gulls, as well
Eradicating giant hogweed and Japanese as water voles, our Animal in Focus this But is wiping out the whole population
knotweed is a difficult process, but there month (page 22), which have declined in the best option? It could be argued that
are few ethical concerns to consider when number by over 90 per cent in the last fifty we should let nature take its course. The
removing plant species from the years. For this, the mink have propelled world is not static and environmental
environment. Eradicating an animal themselves to the top of the eradication change is a natural, expected process in
species, on the other hand, is not so clear hit list. the animal kingdom. In fact, scientists
cut. believe that some native species are able
to adjust to the introduction of invasives.
The environment was not
American mink are one of the most For example, snakes in Australia have
made to be designed and successfully adapted to the introduction
successful alien species in the UK, with
an estimated population of over 100,000 pruned by humans. of the poisonous cane toad by developing
individuals. With no native mink to smaller mouths which makes them
compete with, the American mink found According to Natural England: “Mink can unable to eat the largest, most poisonous
their niche on our riverbanks. be effectively trapped in the mating toads.
season (February to March) and when
The American mink was first introduced, their young leave the den (August to It should also be noted that the
from North America, to Great Britain in November).” You can trap these animals eradication of invasive species can be
the 1920s when mink farms were used on your property and subsequently shoot detrimental to native animals. Professor
to cultivate fur on a large scale. Their fur them using a suitable firearm and Tony Martin spoke at the 2017 Invasive
was highly valued due to the quality of ammunition. The Game and Wildlife Species Conference in Dundee about the
their soft, luxurious fur which is longer Conservation Trust state on their website: eradication of rats and mice from South
and denser than the European Mink’s. “Once exposed in a trap a mink may Georgia. The island in the South Atlantic
Mink farms peaked in 1962 when there scream loudly and incessantly until it is is home to the native pipit, the world’s
were around 700 farms in the UK but, dispatched.” most southerly songbird, which was being
thankfully, the last farm closed in 2003 decimated by the rodents as a result of
after the introduction of the Fur Farming Eradication of invasive species is introduction by whalers. Toxic pellets were
Prohibition Act 2000. However, a wild controversial. Some believe that spread using a helicopter to eradicate
population exploded after mink farm eradication of an alien species is the lesser these animals from the island. Professor
escapes and deliberate releases and the of two evils; the culling of the non-native Martin said: “None of the native wildlife
American mink is now an established species is necessary to ensure ecological suffered damage at a population level.”
species in the UK. stability and to protect the native species
58
 But when questioned further he admitted:
“There will be non-target mortalities.”

The eradication worked and South

Georgian pipits have returned to the
island. However, is it fair for us, as a
species of the earth, to populate an
animal on an island, knowingly or not,
and then kill them a few decades later?
Many of the invasive species which are
now becoming ‘problematic’ were initially
introduced to their new environments by
human activities.

Signal Crayfish were introduced in 1975

to provide aquaculture for the
Scandinavian market. However, this
attractive commercial species carried the
deadly crayfish plague to the UK which is
responsible for the crash in white-clawed
crayfish, nearly driving the native species
to extinction. They also predate salmon
and trout eggs and are often described
as aggressive in their search for new is an expensive business. The cost of Also, assessment and promotion of
territory. Consequentially, there have been management of alien species is thought successful mitigation measures will help
attempts to introduce a disease which to be around 1.7 billion pounds per to stop invasive species being transported
would only affect the signal crayfish, annum and we now have species from to island ecosystems. The import and
which have failed, but attempts to wipe every continent in the world, apart from export of plants and animals, especially,
out the species through trapping or Antarctica, in the UK. need to be monitored aggressively to
species specific disease continues. ensure that invasive pathways are not
If invasive species must be managed, created across ocean or land boarders.
This problem should not be blamed on non-violent methods need to be explored New research has found that screening
signal crayfish and they should not be more fully and further research needs to protocols on boarders are becoming more
culled for man’s mistake, just as American be conducted so that scientists can better accurate, reducing new introductions
mink should not be eradicated for understand the areas which alien species and have been shown cost-effective.
following their natural predatory instincts. are most likely to inhabit so that potential These methods, however, are too late for
Ethics aside, eradicating invasive species hotspots can be mapped. American mink and signal crayfish, among
many others.

It seems unfair that some invasive

species, like mandarin ducks, are
acceptable and others, like American
mink, are not. The environment was
not made to be designed and pruned
by humans and eradicating some
invasive species for behaving naturally
is unfair, counterproductive and cruel.
The deliberate culling of thousands of
blameless individual animal is wrong,
invasive alien species or not.

These examples show the folly of using

wild animals for commercial gain; humans
are responsible for these invasive species,
yet, predictably, the animals are the ones
who end up losing.

59
 Sweet
Nutter
Enjoy these coffee time treats

CHEWY TAHINI & ALMOND coconut nectar, tahini and vanilla. Place harden. Wait until the cookies have
the saucepan over a medium–low heat completely cooled before removing
COOKIES and stir until combined. from the baking trays. Store in an airtight
Makes 10
4 Once the mixture has begun to thin a container.
little, pour the contents of the saucepan
• 220g (2¼ cups) ground almonds
into the dry ingredients and stir together Per 100g
• ½ tsp sea salt

to form a dough. The dough should Calories: 528, Carbohydrates: 27.0g,
• 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
come together in your hands quite easily Sugars: 23.0g, Fat: 38.0g, Saturates: 4.3g,
• 200g (generous ½ cup) coconut
and feel quite warm and soft. Allow the Protein: 16.0g, Salt: 0.39g
nectar

mixture to stand for 10 minutes to cool
• 200g (¾ cup) tahini paste

and firm slightly.
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract

5 Roll the dough into 2.5cm (1in) balls Recipe from:
• Raw pistachios, roughly chopped, to
then place them at 5cm (2in) intervals on The Yoga Kitchen by Kimberly Parsons
decorate
the prepared baking trays as the cookies (Quadrille, £20) Photography ©Lisa
will spread during baking. Cohen. Kimberly lectures on CNM’s
1 Preheat the oven to 170°C (Gas Mark
6 Using a fork gently flatten the balls, Natural Chef and Vegan Natural Chef
5, 375°F). Line 2 baking trays with baking
then add a few roughly chopped Diploma Courses at the College of
paper or patisserie mats.
pistachios to the centre of each. Naturopathic Medicine.
2 Place the ground almonds, salt and
7 Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly www.naturopathy-uk.com
baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
browned round the edges.
The cookies
3 In a small saucepan, mix together the
should feel soft while warm but will
60
 1 2

VEGAN
Spotlight
our favourites this month!

1. MMORE Phone Case

MMORE Organika smartphone cases are made
from handpicked organic materials. Choose from
percolated coffee, alpine hay, roses or jasmine. These 3
scented cases are also developed to provide a natural
protective coating. mmore.net

2. MAZA Chocolate
Born from the need for luxury vegan chocolates free
from refined sugar, these bars are sweetened with
organic Palmyra. The coconut bar is particularly
delicious and the sea salt is perfect for those craving
a savoury twist. mazachocolate.co.uk

3. Source of Life Garden Range

Nature Plus’ new range of vegan supplements 4
are non-GMO, sugar free, and free from all major
allergens. Supplements include Vitamin B12,
curcumin and iron. natureplus.com

4. S M K collection
Working with organic cotton and velvet, bamboo
fibre, regenerated polyester and PINATEX pineapple-
leaf leather alternative, S M K have come up with an
entire collection of vegan dance and sportswear,
from leotards and ballet stockings to hoodies and 5
bags. sandrameynierkang.com

5. Simple Bakes
Simple Bakes’ wholegrain savoury snacks come in
Spicy Chilli, Smoky BBQ and Pinch of Sea Salt and
Pepper flavours. The crispy snacks contain 70 per
cent less fat than traditional crisps and have less than
100 calories per serving. wellabys.co.uk
6
6. Witney Fabric Belts
Witney Fabric Belts have created a range of ethical
fashion accessories including belts that feature
Liberty London lawn cotton fabrics in whimsical
florals and paisleys. Belts are individually
handmade in England from seven layers and are
all 100 per cent vegan! witney.com

61
 From the
Heartland

Adventurous recipes to transport you around the

world from the comfort of your kitchen

62
SAGE ICED TEA
Makes 2 cups

• 10 fresh sage leaves

• 1 tbsp agave, plus more as needed
• 480ml (2 cups) water
• 2 black tea bags
• Ice cubes for serving

1 Tear the sage leaves and place in the

bottom of 2 large glasses.
2 Smash the sage leaves with a cocktail
muddler and pour in the agave.
3 Place the water in a small pot over
high heat and bring to a boil. Remove
from the heat and pour the hot water
into the glasses.
4 Add the tea bags and let steep for 5
minutes. Remove the tea bags and let
the tea cool to room temperature.
5 Discard the sage leaves, fill glasses
with ice, and pour in the tea. Serve
immediately.

CHILLED PEANUT
NOODLES
Serves 4 as a main

• 230g (3 cups) soba noodles or

whole-wheat spaghetti
• 100g (1 cup) snap peas
• 130g (½ cup) creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tsp agave
• 2 tsp hot chile sauce (such as
Sriracha) 4 In a high-speed blender, combine the Per 100g
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice peanut butter, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Calories: 320, Carbohydrates: 24.0g,
• 80ml (⅓ cup) water ginger, garlic, agave, chile sauce, lime Sugars: 4.8g, Fat: 18.0g, Saturates: 3.7g,
• 1 green pepper, seeded, de-ribbed, juice, and water and blend until smooth, Protein: 14.0g, Salt: 0.19g
and thinly sliced about 30 seconds.
• 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks 5 Pour over the soba, add the sliced
• 140g (1 cup) peanuts, chopped, for pepper and carrots, and toss until
garnish everything is completely coated in the
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish peanut sauce.
6 Transfer to an airtight container and
1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a store in the refrigerator or a small
Recipes and images
boil over high heat. portable cooler for up to 4 hours. from: Vegetarian
2 Add the soba and cook until almost 7 Just before serving, garnish with Heartland: Recipes for
al dente, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the snap peanuts and coriander. Life's Adventures by
Shelly Westerhausen,
peas and let boil for 1 minute more. published by Chronicle
3 Drain the soba and snap peas and Books (£16.99) © 2017
transfer to a large bowl. by Shelly Westerhausen
63
 CHOCOLATE-CHIP 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark about 1 hour. Transfer to a wire rack and
4, 350°F). Line a 25cm (10in) loaf tin with let cool completely.
PUMPKIN BREAD baking paper. 8 Cut into slices and serve at room
Makes 1 loaf 2 In a large bowl, whisk together temperature. To store, wrap in
the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking aluminium foil and store at room
• 280g (2 cups) whole-wheat flour powder, fine sea salt, cinnamon, temperature for up to 2 days or freeze
• 200g (1 cup) packed brown sugar nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. for up to 2 months.
• 1 tsp baking soda 3 Make a well in the centre of your dry
• 1 tsp baking powder ingredients and add the pumpkin purée, Per 100g
• ½ tsp fine sea salt maple syrup, water, and coconut oil into Calories: 419, Carbohydrates: 12.0g,
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon the centre. Sugars: 26.0g, Fat: 23.0g, Saturates:
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg 4 Fold the liquid ingredients into the 12.0g, Protein: 7.2g, Salt: 0.24g
• ½ tsp ground allspice dry ingredients until just combined.
• ½ tsp ground cloves 5 Fold in the pecans, chocolate chips,
• 165g (⅔ cup) pumpkin purée and 70g (½ cup) of the pumpkin seeds.
• 3 tbsp maple syrup (be careful not to overmix.)
• 2 tbsp water 6 Transfer the batter to the prepared tin Recipes and images
• 120ml (½ cup) melted coconut oil or and top with the remaining 35g (¼ cup) from: Vegetarian
extra-virgin olive oil of the pumpkin seeds and the coarse Heartland: Recipes for
• 60g (½ cup) chopped pecans Life's Adventures by
sea salt. Shelly Westerhausen,
• 90g (½ cup) dark chocolate chips 7 Bake until a toothpick inserted into published by Chronicle
• 105g (¾ cup) raw pumpkin seeds the centre of the bread comes out clean, Books (£16.99) © 2017
• ⅛ tsp coarse sea salt by Shelly Westerhausen
64
65
 breaking
the
mould
Vegan Life speaks to Dina Aherne, animal rights campaigner,
and artivist Tyrina Davis

O
utreach work and “I was really drawn to the name they could to not contribute to the
campaigning is a great way ‘Imperfectly Vegan’ for a number of suffering of animals.
to meet other vegans and reasons. Veganism isn’t as black and
feel part of the community. white as many may believe. On the “Due to the extensive use of dairy as
In this article we hear the stories of two surface, one may think that becoming well as the spiritual links that a Hindu
people who are approaching activism in vegan means only consuming plant- has to the cow, I felt I needed to start a
very different ways. based foods and in fact, I used to think campaign to raise awareness about the
this myself. Following a vegan lifestyle realities of the dairy industry amongst
Dina Aherne isn’t just about diet though. Diet forms a this community. Since then, I have
Dina Aherne is an animal rights large part of it, and for me personally, it run two successful campaigns - one
advocate who campaigns for veganism was the first thing I chose to change. Yet in Leicester in April 2017 and a recent
around the country. She currently gives it is so much more. event in Wembley, London in June 2017,
talks on the realities of the egg and dairy where a group of us leafletted homes
industry as well as linking yoga and “As my advocacy expanded, I realised as well as held an outreach stall with
veganism in her workshops. Her current that there was this growing pocket leaflets in Gujarati and English, plant-
campaign focuses on the South Asian of society that had somehow slipped based milks as well as Indian vegan
community and she runs mass outreach through the net. It was this pocket that sweet dishes and cakes for people to try.
events to educate these communities I belonged to too. The lacto vegetarians
on the realities of the dairy industry. and in particular, the Hindu community. “The Leicestershire Save Movement
We spoke to her about her activism and The lacto-vegetarians had a common is an international movement which
being ‘imperfectly vegan’. belief – that they were doing all that is based on holding vigils outside

66
slaughterhouses to bear witness to “I have psoriasis and I used to need to
animals being taken to slaughter. have water baths about three times a
Leicestershire Animal Save was set up week and since I cut out dairy, my skin
in November 2016. So far we have held completely cleared up within three
vigils outside a local slaughterhouse weeks and I’ve never had a water bath
every month. The slaughterhouse that or outbreak since. I put my son, who
we hold vigils at kills cows. We bear also has psoriasis, on a vegan diet too
witness to cows raised to become beef, and his skin completely cleared up too.
‘spent’ dairy cows and calves being Obviously, the more I looked into it, the
transported to their deaths. more passionate I was feeling about it.
I started looking into the vegan lifestyle
“The aim of holding a vigil is three-fold: other than diet and found out about
It is to ask the trucks to stop for two animal testing, which I didn’t really
minutes so that we can send love and know about before.
compassion to the animals in the last
few moments of their lives and for them “I volunteer for Animal Free Research by
to feel the presence of loving energy, raising awareness, holding awareness
something that they would not have felt stalls, raising funds and I am hosting a
before and it is to also take photographs yoga event where we are all going to
and videos of the animals in their dress as animals to raise awareness. We
transport trucks so that these can be like to just get people who don’t really
shown to the masses through social know much about it to open their eyes a
media platforms. bit more and understand it.

“As part of my campaign, it is really “I also like to use art to promote

important for me to interview people veganism and my core values. My piece
who have actually worked in the meat called Set Them Free is a silhouette
and dairy industries. I am keen to hear watercolour painting and 100 per cent
facts from these people themselves of profits from prints will be donated to
and to share those with my followers. Animal Free Research. I’m working on
It is not always easy to get people to another painting now, which should be
speak openly about what goes on inside finished soon, that shows an open hand
these industries, yet I was fortunate to holding animals. I love to work with
recently meet an ex-dairy farmer, an other artists, so if you are interested in
ex-butcher and an ex-milkman, all of collaboration please get in touch.”
whom had attended one of my various
talks. I have since interviewed all three tyrina.bigcartel.com
of these people for my Youtube Channel
‘Imperfectly Vegan’.”

Tyrina Davis
Tyrina Davis is a volunteer for Animal
Free Research UK who is passionate
about activism through art and music.
We spoke to her about her work with the
charity and how veganism has changed
her life for the better.

“I only became vegan just over a year

ago but I’d been a vegetarian for most of
my life and I didn’t really think that there
was anything wrong with eating eggs or
drinking milk. I thought, nobody died
for this, its fine. Then I learnt about it all
and I was so disgusted with myself, that I
had been part of it for all those years so I
completely cut it out.
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the accidental vegan

A selection of products that are vegan by chance rather than design
This page is all about top treat and snack food finds that just happen to be suitable for vegans. These products aren’t advertised
as vegan, but we scan and check the ingredients, and share our discoveries with you. If any of these products say they may
contain milk or other animal–derived substances, this is due to the item being made in the same factory as other food produce. All
ingredients listings are subject to change.

ROWNTREE’S JELLY TOTS

The kind of thing you buy for the
kids but snaffle yourself when
they’re not looking, Jelly Tots are
a real surprise when it comes to Have you found a brilliant accidentally
vegan product? We want to know!
accidentally vegan foods – their
chewy texture is unique and they Share it with us on
come in five flavours: blackcurrant, Facebook
strawberry, lemon, lime and orange. (facebook.com/veganlifemagazine)
Made with real fruit juice, Jelly
Tots are free from artificial colours Instagram
and flavourings, as well as being (@veganlife_mag)
perfectly SFV.
BACON FLAVOUR Twitter
(@veganlife_mag)
CRINKLE FRIES
These oven chips are full of flavour or you can send us an email or a letter:
and a perfect for sharing with friends. [email protected]
Crispy and golden, these crinkle
chips are free from animal products, The Accidental Vegan, Park House,
although they do contain wheat. The Business Centre, Earls Colne Busi-
Available from ASDA at just £1.50 per ness Park, Earls Colne, Colchester,
pack from the frozen section. Essex CO6 2NS

68
 My Gosh! A new take on a classic

QUINOA, CARROT & • ½ tsp of cumin powder juice, ground coriander, turmeric, smoked
• Salt & pepper to taste paprika cumin, salt and pepper. Brush
CAULIFLOWER BURGER For The Homemade Pesto the cauliflower steaks with the marinade
Serves 1
• ½ cups almonds – use sunflower and place them on a plate to marinate for
seeds to keep it nut free ideally 1 hour, if you have time.
• 1 Gosh! Mixed Seed, Quinoa, Carrot &
• 20g (1 cup) fresh basil leaves 6 Heat up a griddle pan on a medium
Coriander Bake
• Juice ½ lemon heat. Place the cauliflower steak into
• 1 bread bun of your choice
• 3-4 tbsp olive oil the pan and cook it on each side for 4-5
• 1 thick slice tomato
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional but minutes.
• Handful shredded carrots and
gives a nice cheesy flavour) 7 Cook the Gosh! bake in the centre of
sprouts (these are optional)
• 1 garlic clove the oven for 15-20 minutes
• Handful shredded purple cabbage
• Salt & pepper to taste 8 Toast the bread bun either in the pan or
For The Cauliflower “Steak”
in the oven.
• 3 tbsp olive oil
1 Preheat oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4, 9 Spread some hummus on each side
• ½ tsp ground cumin
350°F). of the bread bun. Start by layering the
• ½ tsp ground coriander
2 Add all hummus ingredients into a food shredded purple cabbage, add the tomato
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
processor and blend until smooth, for slice, Gosh! bake on top, cauliflower steak,
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
about 2-3 minutes. Set aside. a generous dollop of pesto and finish
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
3 Put all pesto ingredients into a food with the shredded carrots and sprouts (if
• Salt & pepper to taste
processor and blitz until you have a fairly using). Serve and eat straight away!
• 1 cauliflower
smooth and creamy consistency. Set
For The Hummus
aside.
• 1 tin drained and rinsed chickpeas
4 Remove all the leaves and stalk from
• 1 heaped tbsp tahini paste
the cauliflower. With a sharp knife slice the
• 1 clove garlic
cauliflower into 1½cm (½in) thick “steaks”.
• Juice ½ lemon
5 In a small bowl mix the olive oil, lemon Recipe created by: Happy Skin Kitchen
69
 BAKING
AWAY

Bake to impress with these show-stoppers

BLACK & WHITE CAKE • 28cm springform cake tin, baselined 3 Sift the unbleached flour, bicarbonate
Makes 12-15 slices with baking paper and oiled of soda, baking powder, cocoa and salt
into a mixing bowl, then add the
• 450ml (2 cups) plain soy milk For The Lemon Buttercream wholemeal flour and cinnamon and mix
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar • 200g (1 cup) Demerara sugar or other well.
• 260g (2½ cups) unbleached plain good-quality brown sugar 4 Add the syrup*, oil and zest to the
flour • 500g (2¼ cups) non-hydrogenated vinegar mixture and mix well. Gently
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda margarine, at room temperature fold these into the dry ingredients with a
• 1 tsp baking powder • 7 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice spatula. Make sure not to mix too much,
• 60g (⅔ cup) cocoa powder • 2–3 tbsp finely grated lemon zest otherwise the cake might turn chewy.
• ¼ tsp salt • ¼ tsp bourbon vanilla powder When everything is just incorporated,
• 60g (½ cup) plain wholemeal flour • 2 tbsp plain soy milk, at room spoon the mixture into the prepared cake
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon temperature pan and spread evenly with the spatula.
• 170g (½ cup) pure maple syrup • About 8 kumquats, washed, to 5 Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25
• 100g (½ cup) sunflower or safflower decorate minutes or until a skewer inserted in the
oil middle comes out clean. Spring open
• Grated zest 1 orange or lemon 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark the cake pan and allow the cake to cool
• 125g (½ cup) fruit jam 4, 350°F). completely.
• 2 tsp rum or juice ½ orange or lemon 2 Mix together the milk and vinegar in a 6 When the cake is cold, peel off the
bowl and set aside for 10 minutes. paper. Slice the cake in half horizontally
70
with a large, serrated knife. You can also
cut off the top if it has domed while
baking and you prefer it to be flat.
7 Put the jam and rum or juice in a small
saucepan and heat until it comes to the
boil. Spread this over both cake layers –
this will make the cake moist and stop
any frosting from seeping into the cake.
Allow to cool.
8 Put the lower cake layer back in the
cake pan and attach the springform ring.
The cake is now ready to be topped or
filled.
9 Once the chocolate cake has been
made, cooled and prepared as described,
place bottom layer on a serving plate and
set the top layer aside while you make LAMINGTONS baking tin and spread level with a
Makes 12 spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for
the filling.
20 minutes. Allow to cool completely in
• 80g (½ cup) whole or ground almonds the tin, then cut into 12 squares.
For The Lemon Buttercream
• 260g (2¼ cups) unbleached plain flour 6 Put the coconut on a big plate.
10 Finely grind the brown sugar in a
• 45g (½ cup) oat flour 7 When the cake has cooled, for the
spice mill or food processor; you should
• 1 tbsp cornflour glaze, put all ingredients in a saucepan
get about 2 cups powdered sugar.
• 1 tsp baking powder over low heat and whisk occasionally
11 In a separate, large bowl, beat the
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda until the margarine and chocolate have
margarine with an electric whisk until
• ¼ tsp salt melted and the sugar has dissolved. Stir
soft. Gradually add the powdered brown
• A pinch saffron threads until smooth. Pour the hot glaze into a
sugar half a cup at a time, together with a
• 100g (½ cup) safflower or sunflower wide, shallow container or a small baking
splash of lemon juice. Beat well and keep
oil tray. Dip each cooled cake square into
adding sugar and lemon juice until you
• 170g (¾ cup) brown rice syrup it, waiting for it to soak up some of the
have used them all up. Add the lemon
• 350ml (1½ cups) plain soy milk glaze all over before taking it out with a
zest and the vanilla powder, and a little
• 1 tsp vanilla extract fork. Don’t be impatient – if you just dip
of the milk, if it is too dry. Mix again until
• 160g (2 cups) desiccated coconut the squares in too quickly, you’ll have a
light and fluffy.
• 23 x 30cm baking tin, oiled lot of glaze left and the lamingtons won’t
12 Spread one-third of the lemon
For The Glaze be moist.
buttercream over the bottom cake layer
• 300ml (1¼ cups) non-dairy milk 8 Use a clean fork to roll each square
with a spatula. Cover with the top cake
• 50g (¼ cup) margarine in the coconut. Try to do it neatly so the
layer and spread the remaining
• 70g (½ cup) finely chopped vegan glaze can stick to the coconut and your
buttercream over the top and side of the
dark chocolate squares look nice and white.
cake, covering it as evenly and neatly as
• 130g (⅔ cup) Demerara sugar 9 Allow to cool before serving. If you do
you can.
happen to have some glaze left, drizzle it
13 To decorate, thinly slice the
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark over each square before serving. Enjoy!
kumquats (peel included) and arrange
over the top of the cake. Store the cake in 4, 350°F). Dust the baking tin with a little
flour to coat the base and shake off any Per 100g
the fridge, but bring to room temperature
excess. Calories: 364, Carbohydrates: 39.0g,
for 30 minutes before serving, as the
2 If using whole almonds, lightly roast Sugars: 28.0g, Fat: 20.0g, Saturates: 9.6g,
buttercream firms up when chilled!
them for a couple of minutes in the Protein: 4.9g, Salt: 0.15g
Enjoy!
preheated oven, then finely grind them in
*Method step 4, If you are serving the a food processor or spice mill.
cake as it is (without a filling or frosting), 3 Sift the ground almonds, flours, Recipe and images from:
add a little extra syrup to the mixture, or cornflour, baking powder, bicarbonate of The Vegan Baker,
soda and salt in a mixing bowl and stir in written by Dunja Gulin,
spread something sweet over the cake photographed by Clare
after baking. the saffron. Winfield and published
4 In a separate bowl, mix the oil, syrup, by Ryland Peters & Small.
milk and vanilla extract. Pour into the The Vegan Baker will be
Per 100g available to Vegan Life
Calories: 275, Carbohydrates: 29.0g, bowl of dry ingredients and mix gently readers for the special
Sugars: 17.0g, Fat: 16.0g, Saturates: 3.3g, with a wooden spoon. Do not overmix. price of £10.99 including
5 Pour the mixture into the prepared postage & packaging (call 01256 302 699 and
Protein: 3.0g, Salt: 0.55g quote reference: LC9).
71
 SOPARNIK PIES WITH that doesn’t stick to the work surface filling. Roll out the other portion of dough
when you knead it briefly. in the same way, prick with a fork and lay
ONIONS AND GREENS 3 Wrap the dough in clingfilm and allow over the filling.
Serves 1-2
to rest at room temperature while you 8 Seal the pie by folding over the edge
prepare the filling. of the dough all the way around the circle
• 100g (⅔ cup) wholemeal flour
4 For the filling, remove any particularly and pressing together with your fingers.
• 2 tbsp (6g) rye flour
large and tough stems from the chard. Crimp into a scalloped edge, if you like.
• ¼ tsp salt
Wash, pat dry with a kitchen towel, and 9 Slide the pie and paper onto a baking
• 2 tbsp olive oil
thinly slice. Add a pinch of salt to the sheet and put in the preheated oven.
chopped chard in a bowl and massage in The raw dough is quite dark but you will
For The Filling
for a minute, or until it begins to wilt. Pat notice that the top and bottom will turn
• 180g (1 cup) tender chard
dry with a kitchen towel again. This way, golden after 22–24 minutes. At this point,
• ½ small onion
the pie won’t turn out soggy. remove the pie from the oven and allow
• 2 garlic cloves
5 Finely chop the onion and garlic and to cool slightly.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
add to the wilted chard together with the 10 Serve warm with some chilled soy
• Salt and freshly ground black
oil and season with salt and pepper. yogurt, or cool completely, store in a an
pepper, to taste
6 Divide the rested dough in half. Put a airtight container and take anywhere you
sheet of parchment paper down and put might need a nutritious light meal!
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark
one portion of dough on it. Roll out with
4, 350°F)
a rolling pin into a circle about 18cm in Per 100g
2 Mix together the flours and salt, then
diameter. Calories: 208, Carbohydrates: 21.0g,
add the oil and rub it in. Slowly add cold
7 Spoon the filling onto the dough Sugars: 1.5g, Fat: 11.0g, Saturates: 1.6g,
water (up to 55ml) to get a firm dough
circle, leaving a 1cm border without Protein: 4.5g, Salt: 0.34g

Recipe and images from:

The Vegan Baker, written by Dunja Gulin, photographed by
Clare Winfield and published by Ryland Peters & Small. The
Vegan Baker will be available to Vegan Life readers for the
special price of £10.99 including postage & packaging (call
01256 302 699 and quote reference: LC9).

72
 Don't mind
if I Avoca-do!
Try this tasty sharing bread

TOMATO ONION RELISH of the measured warm water. Leave in a palm of your hand stretch it out to make
warm place until frothy, about 5 minutes. a 25cm circle. Use your fingertips to press
BREAD 2 Sift the flour and salt into the bowl the dough to make indentations all over
of an electric mixer fitted with a dough the surface of the dough.
Dough
hook. Add the wholemeal flour and 6 Stud the dough evenly with the cherry
• 1 tsp sugar
avocado rosemary oil. tomatoes, Maison Therese balsamic
• 1 tsp dried yeast
3 Add the remaining warm water and onion relish and fresh rosemary. Drizzle
• 225ml (1 cup) warm water
the activated yeast mixture. Mix until well over the extra virgin avocado oil and 1½
• 275g (2¾ cups) high-grade flour
combined and the dough is smooth and tablespoons water.
• 1 tsp salt
shiny. (Kneading can be done by hand. 7 Cover the dough loosely with plastic
• 2 tbsp wholemeal flour
Knead dough on a lightly-floured bench wrap and a tea towel and leave in a
• 1 tbsp Olivado avocado rosemary oil
for 10-15 minutes until smooth). warm place for about 1 hour. Meanwhile,
Topping
4 Turn out onto a lightly-floured bench preheat the oven to 230°C (Gas Mark 8,
• 3 tbsp Olivado extra virgin avocado
and knead into a ball. Clean the bowl and 450°F).
oil, plus extra for brushing
lightly oil. Place in the dough, cover the 8 Place prepared bread dough in the
• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
bowl with plastic wrap and a tea towel oven and bake for 15 minutes until well
horizontally
and leave in a warm place to rise until the browned. Remove from the oven and
• 2 tbsp Maison Therese balsamic
dough has doubled in size, at least 1 hour place on a wire rack and brush or drizzle
onion relish
and up to 1 ½ hours. with a little extra avocado oil. Sprinkle
• 1 sprig rosemary, leaves removed
5 Line a baking tray with baking paper over a little flaky salt.
• Flaky salt for sprinkling
and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the
measured oil. Brush or smear the oil into
1 Place the sugar in a small bowl and
a circle (about 25cm in diameter). Place Recipe and images supplied by:
sprinkle over the dried yeast. Pour in ½
the dough on the circle and using the www.olivado.com
73
 EATING OUT
Kin Café, Fitzrovia

74
O
n a quiet road behind Oxford We enjoyed the acai bowl with chia
Street, Kin Café is a place where seeds, banana, berries and almonds.
people meet for a quick coffee, The ingredients were clearly fresh and
a business meeting or a catch up over perfectly ripe. The acai base was cold,
brunch. Ample inside seating, as well as refreshing and surprisingly light without
benches and tables on the pavement, becoming thin or runny.
give it a distinctly European feel — Kin
would not be out of place in Paris, the Lunch is served from midday and was
epicentre of café culture. beautifully presented on the front
counter, which was already loaded with
As you walk through Kin's door, every colourful, drool-worthy homemade
sense is blasted with colour and cakes and bakes. Lunch dishes include
symbiosis. The coffee machine whirrs salads, sandwiches, soups, vegan
and mingles with the soft chatter of quiches alongside specials such as raw
staff and customers and immediately, sushi, vegan crab-cakes and burgers.
your eyes are drawn to the large counter
which offers a feast of crowded plates We tasted a little of each of the salads
fronted by slates detailing each dish. A on offer, which are freshly made with
satisfying number are marked ‘V’. seasonal ingredients on a daily basis.
The first salad was an unexpectedly
Kin Café is a vegetarian and vegan pleasing mix of lettuce, quinoa,
restaurant, although almost every cucumber, strawberries and a healthy
dish can be made vegan. Kin focuses pinch of salt. We also tried Kin’s take on
on using fresh seasonal ingredients, coleslaw which was colourful, fresh and
to create a delicious and nutritious crunchy and would be the perfect take-
menu which caters for those following away to accompany a burger.
vegan, gluten free or raw diets as well
as people looking for a lunch without Perhaps the most surprising salad
the added nasties associated with combined courgette, rocket, sundried
premade supermarket sandwiches. tomatoes, baked tofu, lettuce and basil
The menu changes daily, depending on pesto to create a rich taste — owing to
the ingredients on offer, and the chefs the addition of the perfectly baked tofu.
in the kitchen are inventive with their
combinations. The sweet treats they have on offer
are a feast for the eyes as much as the
Kin, as the name suggests, was set up taste buds. From matcha cookies to
by a father and son duo (Peter and the carrot cake with incandescent pink
Charlie Meadows) in 2014 and Charlie berry icing, you are spoilt for choice at
is very much involved in the day-to-day Kin. Cupcakes, pastries, brownies, cake,
running of the café. As you enter the moafs (mini loafs), muffins… the list
café, he greets customers into the space goes on. Kin is the perfect solution to
without being overbearing and it is easy that pesky three o’clock slump.
to see that Kin is a customer focused
establishment. For those feeling a little more health
conscious, Kin also offer a rainbow
Kin strives to stay true to their values and of organic, fresh juices such as Green
have sustainability at the core of their Goddess, Tropical Tang, Immune
business using suppliers with a wider Booster and Refresher. Tropical Tang is a
positive impact, environmentally and sweet combination of pineapple, apple,
socially, along with supporting start-ups carrot and lime with a smooth texture
and small businesses. and was our firm favourite, although all
of the juices were incredibly tasty and
Breakfast is served until 11:30 with a fresh.
range of vegan treats including avocado
toast with hemp seeds and chilli flakes, Kin is open from Monday to Friday
polenta scramble, pancakes with 7:30-17:30 and on Saturday 10-5. Kin is
fresh fruit and cauliflower rosti with also available for private hire as well as
tomatoes, mushrooms and vegan mayo. offering a catering service. kincafe.co.uk.
75
 Vegan
Teacher
Should teachers teach topics which are against their
ethical beliefs?

I
f you know a teacher, or you are a also applies to pupils; parents are able Can you refuse to go on a school trip to
teacher yourself, you will understand to stop their child from attending RE the zoo, for example, for a science trip?
that it is a thankless job. Endless lessons, under the School Standards and Can you refuse to teach children that
workloads, targets and individual Framework Act 1998, if they wish to. meat and dairy are essential proteins?
learning plans make teaching one of the But what about vegan beliefs? Veganism What about presents from parents?
most difficult jobs, yet one of the most is protected as a human right under Chocolate and wine are rife at Christmas
rewarding. Those moments when a child Article 9 of the European Convention — should teachers graciously accept
that you thought despised you thanks on Human Rights. However, veganism these presents or is it acceptable to tell
you for a great lesson or a previously is not taught as part of the national parents that you follow a vegan lifestyle?
silent student says good morning for curriculum and vegan teachers are
the first time can make all the midnight teaching concepts which they believe to The very fact that these questions are so
lesson planning worth it. be fundamentally wrong. An essential regularly considered by vegan teachers
skill for any good teacher is inspiring their suggests that to ‘come out’ as vegan
Teaching is not merely a job, ask any pupils to want to learn; one of the best is still seen as unprofessional in some
teacher. It consumes you and becomes ways to do that is by having a passion for way. Many vegan teachers, therefore, tell
a passion. So, what happens when what you are teaching. Vegan teachers parents and pupils that they are vegan
your passion clashes with your beliefs? cannot show a passion for subjects which for health reasons, rather than ethical
For some time it has been accepted are fundamentally different to their own reasons, to avoid difficult questions and
that teachers and teaching assistants and they shouldn’t have to. negative stigma.
who practice a certain religion are able
to remove themselves from Religious In the school environment, there are all However, students love to know that their
Education lessons or religious assemblies sorts of ethical dilemmas from school teachers are real people, not robots, and
if they feel uncomfortable teaching trips to teaching the basic food groups when teachers show their students who
something contrary to their belief. This that a vegan teacher needs to consider. they really are, they are demonstrating

76
trust, compassion, honesty and in what they can teach and no power to educate students about leading a vegan
individuality - all qualities which should change the content. The curriculum is lifestyle. This is not about brainwashing,
be treasured within education. the problem. So what can vegan teachers in fact, it is far from it. This work aims
do? to broaden students understanding of
But it isn’t just about what the teacher the options which are available to them.
believes is right or wrong. It is about Instead of taking children to the zoo, Many vegans say that they didn’t go
education. Education isn’t about skirting why not create your own zoo in the vegan faster because they simply weren’t
around issues that are too difficult to classroom? Your class could create the educated enough on the subject. Clearly,
address or only providing one view point; cages and the animals incorporating art, exposing young children to the truths
it is about informing the next generation, dance, writing, reading, maths, science of the meat and dairy industries is not
in an age appropriate way, so that they and ethics. Instead of visiting a farm, why appropriate, but educating them about
are equipped with enough information to not start a debate on the sustainability a different way of life is no different to
make their own decisions, to carve their or environmental impact of farming or teaching children about other religions or
own paths in the world. run a philosophy lesson touching on cultures.
vegan values? Alternatively, take your
Currently, the National Curriculum states class to a supermarket and discuss the Children deserve to be empowered to
that children should be taught to identify sources of different foods. Instead of make their own decisions, as do teachers
and name different sources of food in teaching pupils that their only sources of because, as a society, we should not be
year two, when children are 6-7 years protein are dairy, fish and meat, educate shying away from discussions around
old. However, recent study found that them on non-animal sources of protein. veganism. That would be an injustice to
13 per cent of 8-11 year olds think that Simple Happy Kitchen have created an us and the future generation.
pasta comes from an animal and 6 per illustrated guide to plant based nutrition
cent of 14-16 year olds think that dairy perfect for classroom use with rip out If you want to discuss your right to refuse
cows produce eggs. Clearly, children pages which you could laminate. to teach a particular subject, contact your
are not accessing, or are not absorbing, union or the Vegan Society.
the information being taught to them. It Further, exciting work from the vegan
would be grossly unfair to blame this on society aims to promote veganism within
teachers, who have practically no input schools by providing vegan speakers to

77
 Cruelty
Free Fun

Katie Chabriere explains why animal-friendly entertainment

is the way forward

L
ife can be a challenge as a vegan involved spaghetti and jelly — the stuff thinking of animals in entertainment
parent and I’m not talking about with gelatine in it! abroad, such as elephant riding and
dinner, for once. It is becoming photo props).
increasingly easy to provide healthy, Heck, half the nursery rhymes and
delicious and tempting meals thanks to books in the English language (‘Dear Another typical example, recently
the ease of internet research — especially Zoo’ springs to mind) contain subliminal brought to light in an online Vegan
social media (Vegan Mum of Boys on messages that animals are there to be Life article, was the Family Fun Day
Facebook is my ‘go-to’ for inspiration) subjugated, imprisoned or slaughtered. organised at Worcester Race Course
— and clearly it is working. My little boy I grimly noted this week that our nursery (which was the subject of protests by
is thriving and is at the top end of many (which, by the way, now provides great animal rights activists). Nothing like a
of the percentile charts, so I actually vegan meals after I sent them a few bit of horse racing for wholesome family
love it when other parents and childcare recipes) is offering a trip to a petting farm. entertainment... flogging to exhaustion or
settings find out that he's vegan. He’s This is by no means an isolated event; euthanasia on the finish line, anyone?
such a good advert for veganism and nurseries and schools up and down the People may no longer be fazed by
at the tender age of 14 months is country run similar outings and recently, children following a vegan diet, but what
already unwittingly changing people’s I have heard several vegan parents about a vegan lifestyle? Even if no one
perceptions. complaining that their child’s school is bats an eyelid at your child turning up to
organising a trip to the local zoo or farm. parties with a tray full of almond milk-
No, I’m talking about the deeply flax seed-chocolate muffins, a sense of
entrenched attitudes and ignorance in This got me thinking. On the whole, a unease starts to kick in once you realise
general society. At last week’s Baby large portion of entertainment for how much of children’s entertainment
Sensory class after singing a French song children involves animal misuse in some involves the exploitation of animals.
about plucking a little bird, messy play way or another (and that’s without Suddenly you’re faced with decisions.

78
Should we let the children attend the centred educational entertainment live reindeer exhibit with an interactive,
Christmas parade with live reindeer? Do without the added exploitation. fun and educational children’s activity —
we keep them away from school on the the reindeer are penned up for up to 12
day the mobile zoo is visiting? On a trip to my home town in the hours a day with dogs sniffing, cameras
Yorkshire Dales I was delighted to see flashing and children poking at them.
Mobile zoos are basically reptile and that the local village of Malham runs an Perhaps worse still, shopping centres
exotic pet enthusiasts who hire out their annual two-day safari made entirely from and the like are now staging Christmas
animals as an ‘educational experience’. papier mâché animals. A trail around exhibits with live penguins. It seems there
Not only is there a strong risk of zoonoses the village reveals flamingos bobbing in is no end to the exploitation of animals
(transmission of disease from human to the river and tigers hiding in the woods. for our 'entertainment'.
animal and vice versa) but these ‘exhibits’ There was even a giant rat on one of
also encourage children to want to keep the rubbish bins! The Malham Safari My animal friendly entertainment
exotic pets at home, usually with little or should be seen as a model for other research took me to the website of the
no knowledge about the specialist care towns and villages wanting to provide Captive Animals Society, who campaign
they require. Exotics rarely survive more entertainment for children, whilst moving for an end to animals in zoos, circuses
than a year as pets as a result of this. away from the traditional donkey rides and Christmas exhibits. Their site
and goat petting experiences. provides information and ideas for
Zoos themselves are perhaps an even animal friendly entertainment for schools
more controversial subject, as many The papier mâché safari brought to mind and parents such as animal fancy dress
people believe they play a crucial role the 41-foot polar bear that paraded and face painting.
in conservation of species. A quote through London recently as a reminder
from the Captive Animals Protection of global warming. Why, I thought, are Encourage your school to look at the
Society regarding zoos reads, “Effective we not focusing more on puppetry or website or give them an animal friendly
conservation is carried out by working even 3D imagery to bring animals to life alternative. For example, if the school
in the animals’ natural habitat to protect for children in entertainment, rather than really wants the children to see live
individuals and entire ecosystems. Zoos using live animals that are often kept animals, then you could visit to a local
do not save species from extinction. in abysmal conditions outside of their sanctuary such as Huglett’s Farm Animal
Instead, they divert much-needed ‘performances’ or live out their entire Sanctuary. Another option is to simply
attention away from important lives behind bars? take them out into nature and become
conservation work in the wild.” wildlife detectives! As an alternative to
Imagine the first town or city in the mobile zoos, schools can also book a
Happily, schools are listening more and country to use giant 30 foot reindeer visit from an Animal Aid school speakers,
more to concerned parents’ grievances puppets to pull Santa’s sleigh — now which range from hand puppets helping
(as long as we keep shouting, they have that’s where we’d be heading to do our children learn how to care for animals, to
to start listening) and, as I recently Christmas shopping! For the past two vegan cookery demonstrations and talks
experienced, if you do your research, years I have been campaigning for our geared to older children focusing on the
you can actually find animal or nature local Christmas market to replace the treatment of animals in society.

There are so many opportunities for fun,

educational outings without having to
compromise your beliefs or the wellbeing
of animals. Petting farms, zoos and
Christmas exhibits are no fun for animals
and with so many cruelty-free options
available, this one is a no brainer.

79
 1

BACK TO SCHOOL
2

1. Hippeas
These organic chickpea puffs come in five flavours
and are satisfyingly crunchy, organic, GF and a source
of protein. Alongside that, Hippeas believe in creating
a sustainable business good for the earth and the
consumers. hippeas.com

2. BOL Veg Pots

Available in most supermarkets, these grab and 3 4
go pots are fresh, vibrant and the Mexican Sweet
Potato Chilli, Thai Coconut Curry, Sri Lankan Sambar
and Jamaican Jerk Curry are 100 per cent vegan.
bolfoods.com

3. Innate Squares
These natural snacks are air-dried and are free from
gluten, soy and refined sugar. Delicious flavours
include beetroot, butternut squash and spinach and
coconut. innatefood.co.uk

4. Dove Farm FREEE Pizza Base

The new Doves Farm FREEE Pizza Base Mix creates 5
two thin, crispy pizzas perfect for a lunchbox 6
alternative to sandwiches. All you need to add
is water and oil to get a GF, vegan pizza base.
dovesfarm.co.uk/freee

5. Nairn’s GF Astro Bites

Perfect GF snack for lunchboxes with significantly
less sugar than traditional kids snacks. Made with
wholegrain oats and rich in vitamins and minerals,
these snacks will keep them going all day.
nairns-oatcakes.comn

6. Ombar Coco Mylk

This raw, coconut sugar bar is packed with
goodness but doesn’t sacrifice the creamy,
sweet chocolate taste that your little one is
craving. Available at Ocado, Planet Organic and
Wholefoods. Therawchocolateshop.com
80
81
 LAYING IT ON
THE LINE

Educational chick hatching programmes are teaching

children the wrong message

I
t’s September and that means the needs, especially if there are no other their classes in the name of education,
fleeting summer holidays are over vegans at your school. yet there are many ethical issues with
and parents across the country are breeding programmes like these which
ironing shirts, packing PE kits and sewing However, following a vegan lifestyle is many educators do not consider fully
name tags in jumpers ready for the next not just about changing your diet and before beginning chick hatching
academic year. For those who are going therefore the education which children programmes.
to school for the first time or are starting receive will also be an important issue
a new school, it means a new school for many vegans. We have pinpointed This may seem obvious, but eggs used in
lunch menu. chick hatching programmes as a topic, chick hatching programmes are different
commonly taught in schools, that vegan to eggs sold in a supermarket. These eggs
As the number of children following a parents should be aware of. have been fertilized and contain embryos
vegan diet increases, we are finding more which should grow into intelligent,
and more parents asking how they can Chick hatching programmes aim to teach sentient animals. For the embryos to
ensure that their school provides a vegan children about the life cycle of chickens develop properly, the eggs need to be
school lunch. It is really very simple. and the fertilisation and development of cared for intensively — a full time job for
Veganism is a protected human right eggs into chicks. Teachers hope that their a hen. Eggs may need to be rotated up
and therefore you are well within your class will be enthused by experiencing to thirty times per day by a hen to ensure
rights to ask for your child’s needs to be animals first hand and having that moisture and temperature levels
catered for at their school, although you responsibility for another creature. It is are correct, as well as ensuring that the
should allow ample time for the school fantastic that teachers are willing to go to chick’s organs do not become adhered to
to research and prepare for your child’s such lengths to provide experiences for the side of the shell. As a result, embryos

82
often develop poorly in classrooms morning crowing and therefore, finding a story? Clearly, we’re not suggesting that
where they can be left overnight, or over home for male chicks is difficult. very young children should be exposed
the weekend, without being monitored to the graphic, horrible truths of the
constantly. Anya at Hillside Animal Sanctuary, farming industry. However, providing
Norfolk, told Animal Aid: “Over the last children with a skewed version of the real
Therefore, hatching rates are often very couple of years, we have had increasing world is one of the reasons why there
low in these hatching programmes and numbers of calls from people whose is widespread ignorance surrounding
some of the chicks which make it to full children are at a school where one of commercial farming.
gestation are poorly formed or weak. Is a these projects has been taking place. The
school really the right setting to properly calls are always to ask if we can take in It is necessary for children to learn about
help these animals? cockerels.” animals but chick hatching programmes
are not the right way to do it. Humane
The biggest problem with chick hatching The RSPCA also opposes breeding alternatives such as internet videos and
programmes is the lack of forethought. programmes in schools and has said: books are often criticised – don’t children
Many don’t consider what will happen “It is difficult to guarantee the welfare learn best when they can experience
to the chicks after that block of lesson of breeding animals under school something with their own eyes?
plans has been exhausted. Some end conditions and the RSPCA believes
up going home with members of staff that such programmes of study do not Children’s often encylopaedic knowledge
or even children, who may not even promote responsible attitudes to animal of dinosaurs disproves this and besides,
really want them. Others will be sent to care and husbandry.” education which forsakes the wellbeing
rescue sanctuaries or, heartbreakingly, of another creature can not be beneficial
back to the commercial farms where the On top of these welfare concerns, what for children’s spiritual, moral, social and
eggs were sourced. Farms will be eager lessons are being learnt through these cultural education.
to accept hens but commonly will not breeding programmes? These
take cockerels; cockerels eat grain and experiences are embedding the belief If your school is starting a chick hatching
therefore cost money without bringing that animals are on this earth to be used programme show them this article, voice
in any money, through egg production, by humans for human needs, and when your opinion and give them the facts, so
for farmers. Cockerels are also unsuitable you no longer need the animal, it ‘goes no animal need suffer in the name of
for urbanised areas because of their early away’. Are teachers giving children the full education.

83
 Learning to be

Vegan
Quick and easy lunchbox treats

84
CHICKPEA TUNA SALAD
ON RYE
Serves 4

Chickpea Tuna Salad:

• 1 tin chickpeas, rinsed and drained
well
• 2 tbsp dill pickles, finely chopped
• 2-4 spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp celery salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
• Pinch sea salt
• Pinch kelp powder (optional)

To Serve:
• 8 slices dark rye bread or
pumpernickel
• Salad leaves
• Cress
• Spring onions, shredded

1 In a bowl, mix together all of the

chickpea tuna ingredients and roughly
mash with a potato masher or fork.
2 Make up the sandwiches, as required,
using the rye bread and topping with
plenty of cress, salad leaves and spring
onion. Any remaining filling will keep,
covered, in the fridge for 2 days.

Per 100g
Calories: 148, Carbohydrates: 21.0g,
Sugars: 1.0g, Fat: 3.2g, Saturates: 3.2g,
Protein: 6.3g, Salt: 0.93g
1 Preheat oven to 200°C (Gas Mark 6, Seal the long edge of the pastry with a
400°F) and remove pastry from fridge. little soy milk or vegan alternative.
2 In a large, wide frying pan, melt the 8 Repeat with the remaining pastry and
butter and add the mushrooms, onions, mixture, then cut the rolls into 4 large or
MUSHROOM AND garlic, tarragon and mushroom ketchup. 16 small rolls.
TARRAGON ROLLS 3 Sauté gently over a low heat, stirring 9 Score the tops of the rolls with a sharp
Makes 4 large or 16 small sausage rolls often, until the mushrooms begin to knife and brush lightly with a little more
soften. soy milk.
• 1 sheet ready rolled, vegan puff 4 Continue to cook the mushroom 10 Transfer to a parchment lined baking
pastry mixture until almost all of the liquid had sheet and cook for 15-20 mins.
• 450g (2½ cups) closed cup or evaporated. Turn the heat off and leave
chestnut mushrooms, finely to cool. TIP: These keep well, wrapped, in the
chopped 5 Unwrap the sheet of puff pastry onto a fridge for 2-3 days. Alternatively, make
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped lightly floured board. up to end of step 9 and cook from frozen
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely 6 Place half the mushroom mixture in a as needed, increasing cooking time by 5
chopped thick line across the shortest edge of the mins
• 1 tsp dried tarragon pastry rectangle, approx 2 inches from
• 2 tbsp mushroom ketchup the edge. Per 100g
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste 7 Fold over the 2 inches of spare pastry Calories: 75, Carbohydrates: 4.6g,
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, for frying on top of the mushrooms and roll over Sugars: 1.0g, Fat: 4.8g, Saturates: 1.7g,
• A little soy milk, to brush pastry again once, into a sausage roll shape. Protein: 2.8g, Salt: 0.19g
85
 MASON JAR SALAD drizzled with lemon juice • Juice ½ lime
• ½ cup black rice, cooked and • ½ tsp fresh ginger, grated
WITH PEANUT cooled • A little hot water
SRIRACHA DRESSING • 2-3 radish, sliced
Serves 1 • 2 spring onions, shredded 1 In a large mason jar, layer up all of
• Mint and coriander, shredded the salad ingredients until full. Store
For The Salad: in fridge until ready to use.
• Mixed salad leaves, spinach or For The Dressing: 2 For the dressing, add all the
baby kale • 1 tbsp crunchy 100% peanut ingredients to a small bowl, and mix
• ½ large carrot, shredded butter with enough hot water to thin out to
• Handful shredded red cabbage • 2 tsp Sriracha desired consistency. Use to dress the
• ½ ripe avocado, sliced and • 1 tsp maple syrup salad when ready to eat.

86
PINEAPPLE LIME MUFFINS • 250g (1 cup) packed vegan light 5 Divide batter equally among prepared
Makes 12 mufins brown sugar or Sucanat muffin cups.
• 125ml (½ cup) vegetable oil 6 Bake in preheated oven for 25-28
• 250g (1 cup) all-purpose flour • 1 tin (227g) crushed pineapple, well minutes or until tops are golden brown
• 250g (1 cup) whole wheat pastry drained and a toothpick inserted in the centre
flour comes out clean. Let cool in pan on a
• 175g (¾ cup) large-flake (old- 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4, wire rack for 5 minutes, then transfer to
fashioned) rolled oats 350°F). the rack to cool.
• 2 tsp ground ginger 2 In a large bowl, whisk together all-
• 1 tsp baking powder purpose flour, whole wheat pastry flour, TIP Sometimes bits of brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda oats, ginger, baking powder, baking harden into small nibs. Press the sugar
• 1 tsp ground allspice soda, allspice and salt. through a sieve to get rid of the hard
• ½ tsp salt 3 In blender, process flax seeds, milk, nibs so they don't create pockets in the
• 2 tbsp ground flax seeds lime zest and lime juice for 1 minute or batter.
• 250ml (1 cup) vanilla-flavored non- until thickened and frothy. Add brown
dairy milk (soy, almond, rice, hemp) sugar and oil; process for 2 minutes or Per 100g
• 2 tsp grated lime zest until well blended and frothy. Stir in Calories: 306, Carbohydrates: 46.0g,
• 30ml (2 tbsp) freshly squeezed lime pineapple. Sugars: 18.0g, Fat: 10.0g, Saturates: 0.9g,
juice 4 Add the pineapple mixture to the Protein: 5.7g, Salt: 0.20g
flour mixture and stir until just blended.

Extracted from:
The Vegan Cookbook by Adele McConnell © Adele
McConnell 2017 published by Nourish Books,
London Paperback £9.99

87
 SWEET POTATO CUPS • A squeeze of lemon juice, or to taste muffin cup and smooth into the edges to
• Sea salt and freshly ground black line the cup, then add a second piece at
WITH HUMMUS & pepper an angle and smooth in the same way.
WALNUT PESTO • 220g (1 cup) hummus, such as Leave the edges overhanging to create a
Serves 3-6 Roasted Garlic & Hazelnut Hummus tortilla ‘cup’. Leave to one side.
(next page) 4 Put the basil into a blender or food
• 250g (1⅔ cups) sweet potato, cut processor and add the parsley and
into small dice 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas Mark 6, spinach leaves, then process until they
• 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil, plus 400°F). Put the sweet potato in a bowl are well combined. Add the walnuts,
extra for greasing and add the oil. Mix well to coat olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. Season
• ½ courgette, cut into small dice thoroughly, then tip on to a baking tray. with salt and pepper, and blend into a
• 3 flour tortillas Roast for 30 minutes. smooth paste to make a pesto.
• 1 large handful basil leaves 2 Add the courgette to the baking tray 5 When the sweet potato is cooked,
• 1 small handful parsley leaves and roast for a further 15 minutes, or until leave the baking tray on one side to cool.
• 100g (½ cup) baby spinach leaves tender. When the vegetables are cool, tip them
• 30g (¼ cup) walnuts 3 While the vegetables are cooking, cut into a large mixing bowl, and combine
• 60ml (¼ cup) good quality extra each tortilla into quarters and, using a with 2 tablespoons of walnut pesto.
virgin olive oil small amount of oil, grease six muffin Spoon the sweet potato and courgette
• 1 garlic clove, crushed cups. Press 1 piece of tortilla inside a mixture into each tortilla cup and bake

88
for 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are
golden brown. Top with a large spoonful
of hummus and serve with the remaining
pesto. The pesto can be stored in a
sterilised jar in the refrigerator for up to 1
week or frozen for up to 1 month.

Per 100g
Calories: 226, Carbohydrates: 18.0g,
Sugars: 2.7g, Fat: 15.0g, Saturates: 2.4g,
Protein: 3.7g, Salt: 0.39g

ROASTED GARLIC &

HAZELNUT HUMMUS
Serves 2

• 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled

• 70g (½ cup) hazelnuts
• 400g (2 cups) tinned chickpeas,
rinsed and drained
• 45ml (3 tbsp) good-quality extra
virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
• 30ml (2 tbsp) vegetable stock
• Juice 1 large lemon
POTATO & COCONUT 3 Stir in the cumin, ground coriander,
cashew nuts, desiccated/shredded
• 1 tsp sea salt SAMOSAS coconut, coconut cream and coriander
• ¼ tsp sweet paprika Serves 2
leaves, then cook for a further 5 minutes.
• Pitta bread and vegetable sticks, to Season with salt and pepper, then leave
serve • 100g (⅔ cup) cashew nuts
to one side to cool.
• 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
4 Lay the filo pastry sheets on a clean
1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas • ½ onion, finely sliced
surface, and brush lightly with the oil.
Mark 6, 400°F) and line a baking tray • 2cm (¾in) piece fresh root ginger,
Lay one filo sheet on top of another
with baking paper. Put the garlic on the peeled and grated
and repeat with the remaining sheets to
prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 • 3 medium potatoes, finely chopped
make 4 piles of double-layered filo. Cut
minutes. Add the hazelnuts to the tray • ½ tsp ground cumin
each pile into four. Put 4 tablespoons
and roast for a further 15 minutes. • ½ tsp ground coriander
of the mixture into the centre of each
2 Leave the hazelnuts and garlic to one • 30g (¼ cup) desiccated/shredded
square, then brush the edges of the
side until cool to the touch. Using a clean coconut
pastry with water.
dish towel, take a handful of hazelnuts • 45ml (3 tbsp) coconut cream
5 Fold each square into a triangle,
and rub off the skins. Repeat with the • 4g (¼ cup) chopped coriander
then use your fingers to press the edges
remaining hazelnuts. Put the nuts in leaves
together. Transfer to the prepared baking
a food processor and squeeze in the • 8 sheets of vegan filo pastry,
sheet. Brush lightly with oil, and bake for
roasted garlic from its skin. Process for defrosted if frozen
15 minutes, or until golden. Serve with
about 2 minutes, or until the hazelnuts • Olive oil, for brushing
your chosen accompaniment.
have released their oil. • Sea salt and freshly ground black
3 Add the chickpeas and process for pepper
Per 100g
30 seconds, then slowly drizzle in the • Tomato relish, hummus or dairy-
Calories: 288, Carbohydrates: 23.0g,
oil with the blades still turning. Add the free yogurt with mint, to serve
Sugars: 2.9g, Fat: 18.0g, Saturates: 8.9g,
stock, lemon juice, salt and paprika, Protein: 7.4g, Salt: 0.27g
and blend until smooth. Serve drizzled 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark
with extra olive oil, with pitta bread and 4, 350°F) and line a baking tray with
vegetable sticks. baking paper. Put the cashew nuts into a
blender or food processor and grind into
Per 100g a powder. Leave to one side.
Calories: 244, Carbohydrates: 15.0g, 2 Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying
Sugars: 0.8g, Fat: 17.0g, Saturates: 1.9g, pan over a medium heat, add the onion,
ginger and potatoes, and cook for 10 Extracted from:
Protein: 6.2g, Salt: 2.8g The Vegan Cookbook by Adele McConnell ©
minutes, stirring constantly, or until Adele McConnell 2017 published by Nourish
tender. Books, London Paperback £9.99
89
 The
'LEFTOVER'
Leather Lie

We expose the barbaric industry which is stealing animal

skin in the name of fashion

90
S
hoes, cars, belts, bags, clothing, farmer. This means that the farming These animals are forced to
furniture — leather is everywhere. industry is heavily reliant on the leather slaughterhouse via a gruelling, brutal,
It is a product which has become industry being profitable because it acts exhausting journey, often by foot where
synonymous with luxury and quality and as a type of subsidy to the meat industry, they get beaten, have pepper rubbed
at times it feels impossible to avoid. allowing meat prices to be as cheap as in their eyes, or have their tails broken
possible. Without this support the meat to force them to keep moving and
There seems to be a consensus that industry would not even be sustainable. prevent them from stopping to rest. At
leather isn’t all that bad. The various other times hundreds upon hundreds
industries involving animal products This argument alone should be enough get crushed and crammed into train
have created many successful campaigns to show any vegan still buying into wagons which are unthinkably small and
over the years, to convince consumers the leather trade that their choices are uncomfortable. As a result, many don’t
that animal welfare is of the utmost directly supporting the meat industry make it out alive at the other end.
importance and that to be healthy we they are committed to avoiding.
must consume animal products. But For those that do make it this far, they
perhaps their most successful piece of The leather industry predominantly face an unimaginably nasty end. One
propaganda is the one regarding leather sources its products from India, a by one they watch on as each animal’s
as a leftover product. flourishing industry in the country which throat is slit. Often they are still conscious
has a turnover of more than five billion when they are skinned.
The belief that leather is merely a by- dollars and accounts for four per cent
product of the farming industry, and one of the total of the country’s earnings for The farming industry is
which we should not let go to waste, is a exports. That expensive leather bag may
widespread idea, sometimes even from carry a fancy ‘Made in Italy’ label, but heavily reliant on the leather
the most informed of animal rights don’t be fooled, more likely than not it is industry being profitable
activists. made from Indian cows. because it acts as a type
We live in a money-hungry, capitalist Cows are supposedly a sacred species in of subsidy to the meat
society which means that money India, in fact many roam the streets — in industry.
and profit become the bottom line of a terrible diseased-ridden condition, but
decision-making. The leather industry free nonetheless. It is high time that we put an end to this
is no different from any other. It may appalling treatment of sentient beings.
project the notion that it is a necessary However, the same cannot be said for When it comes to fashion, there has
part of reducing waste, but that simply those cows imprisoned by the leather been a huge push from both within
isn’t true. Buying into the leather trade industry. For the animals trapped behind and beyond the industry to prevent
involves cruelty, just like with any of the closed doors, the trauma that they the use of fur for fashion. It is not just
other animal agricultural sectors. experience thanks to the leather industry uncompromising animal rights activists
is almost unspeakable. They are far from speaking out against the fur industry. It
In fact, leather is the single most sacred. feels as though everybody is anti-fur.
profitable part of an animal for the
The indescribable horror stories of
animals being skinned alive for their fur,
is undeniably abhorrent. Nevertheless,
the leather industry is barely any better.
It does seem hypocritical that a love of
cute, soft, cuddly animals such as rabbits
and dogs being farmed for fur is seen
as unacceptable. Yet when it comes to
the skin of a cow, this is acceptable and
necessary. Let’s bring the attention to the
leather industry on the mass scale that
we have managed with the fur industry.

For some vegans, the dilemma of

wearing leather owned before they
became vegan is a difficult one. Some
argue that the damage has already
been done and to not wear it would
be disrespectful to the animal, yet for
others the idea of wearing animal is
91
 involved are a direct assault on the
human rights of workers. Other threats
for leather industry workers can include
injury from machinery which they
haven’t been properly trained on how
to use, accidents on wet floors which do
not result in compensation, or even the
horrific prospect of being boiled alive.
Women have reported being paid less
than men, and children as young as 11
have been found to be working in the
tanneries.

The destructive health conditions for

workers are numerous according to the
HRW report, with workers described as
having “prematurely aged, discoloured,
itchy, peeling, acid-burned, and rash-
covered skin; fingers corroded to stumps;
aches, dizziness, and nausea; and
unimaginable. We’re not here to weigh disfigured or amputated limbs” with
in on that debate, but it is important to anecdotal evidence of increased risk of
dispel the myth of leather as a natural cancer.
product. You only need to look at the Other threats for leather
sheer amount of treatment which leather Never let anybody tell you that in caring
products require to be suitable for sale to
industry workers can include
for animals you don’t care for humans.
realise how strange it is for us to want to injury from machinery Veganism is absolutely a lifestyle which
wear it. which they haven’t been is intrinsically linked to fighting for better
human rights as well as for better animal
The leather tanning process is one which
properly trained on how
rights.
is designed to preserve a rotting piece to use, accidents on wet
of animal skin, in the same way that floors which do not result in The human rights group, the India
a corpse may be mummified. Think Committee of the Netherlands (ICN)
bleach, solvents and tanning liquor that
compensation, or even the
published a report earlier this year that
under any other circumstances would go horrific prospect of being highlighted their concerns with the
nowhere near your skin. boiled alive. industry. The report explained: “While
more employment was created in the
Leather doesn’t even stop at the harm it leather industry through the growth of
causes animals. Working conditions are large-scale export centres, no attention
unthinkably poor. The toxic chemicals
which are such an important part of the
tanning process can have disastrous
effects on the people working in these
tanneries, and for those living nearby the
risks aren’t much better.

The most dangerous part of tanning

leather is the contact workers have with
chromium — often without gloves,
masks or other protective equipment.
Chromium is a chemical linked with
a vast array of conditions including
asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis and
many other ailments depending on how
it gets absorbed.

According to a 2012 report by the Human

Rights Watch group (HRW) the hazards
92
was paid to the nature and quality of the thinking of technological facilities, it is of despair at the state of the world, but
employment created. Accidents regularly virtually impossible to prevent damage the improvements in quality of leather
occur with machine operators getting to the environment from tanning leather. alternatives show a brighter future.
trapped, workers cleaning underground
waste tanks suffocating from toxic fumes, Plus, it goes without saying that the Vegan leather can be made from a variety
or workers drowning in toxic sludge at rearing of animals on a mass scale has of materials, including cork, pineapple,
the tannery premises.” been proven to be the most detrimental tree bark, mushrooms and even paper!
action humans are taking in destroying The better the alternatives, the more
These tanning processes are also the planet. Raising farm animals appealing changing from animal leather
incredibly detrimental to the produces colossal amounts of CO2 and becomes for the consumer. The prospect
environment. In Western tanning wastes enormous quantities of water and of a vegan leather takeover is gradually
factories, strict environmental regulations food. becoming more probable.
ensure that waste is handled correctly.
This mass slaughter of innocent animals Leather may seem inescapable. Leather
However, in poorer areas including the doesn’t stop at cows either. An ever- may seem hard to live without. But
city of Kapur in India, waste is released popular exotic leather industry, sells imagine how inescapable a life feels
directly into dump sites due to the lack of the skins of animals such as kangaroos, for those beings whose miserable lives
regulations in place. In Kapur some of the snakes, camels and crocodiles and get ended prematurely because of this
waste from its 350 tanneries goes straight other animals as luxury items. PETA barbaric industry. The chance to escape
into the Ganges River. Around 6.2 mg per even reported that the Chinese leather their hellish existence lies solely by the
litre of water in the river is made up of industry skins and then mislabels around decision we make when looking for
hexavalent chromium, which is incredibly two million cats and dogs a year before our next pair of shoes or finding a new
dangerous to humans and local wildlife. selling to an unaware consumer. handbag. Don’t let yourself become a
part of it.
Even with the most careful of protocols At this point it would be understandable
in place, or by using the most forward- that you may be feeling helpless and full

93
 Cover
Recipe
Try these US-inspired tofu recipes
94
TOFU RANCHERO
Serves 4

• 2 tins diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp packed organic brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 68g (½ cup) canned chopped green
chillies
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp plus ½ tsp chilli powder
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced thin
• Salt and pepper
• 434g (1¾ cups) firm tofu, halved
lengthwise, then cut crosswise into
2cm (¾in) thick slabs
• 1 avocado, halved, pitted, and diced
• 15g (¼ cup) minced fresh coriander cook until tofu is warmed through and 2 Meanwhile, spread tofu on paper
• 2 spring onions, sliced thin sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. towel–lined baking tray and let drain
• 8x16cm (6in) corn tortillas, warmed Off heat, sprinkle with avocado, for 20 minutes. Gently press dry with
coriander, and spring onions. Serve with paper towels and season with salt and
1 Adjust oven rack to middle position warm tortillas. pepper. Pulse tofu in food processor until
and heat oven to 260°C (Gas Mark 10, coarsely chopped, 3-4 pulses. Line baking
500°F). Line rimmed baking tray with Per 100g tray with clean paper towels. Spread
baking paper. Drain tomatoes in fine- Calories: 133, Carbohydrates: 12.0g, processed tofu over prepared tray and
mesh strainer set over bowl, pressing Sugars: 1.6g, Fat: 6.8g, Saturates: 1.4g, press gently with paper towels to dry.
to extract as much juice as possible. Protein: 4.6g, Salt: 0.55g 3 Heat 2 teaspoons oil in 31cm (12in)
Reserve (1¾ cups) tomato juice and nonstick pan over medium-high heat
discard remainder. Whisk sugar and lime until shimmering. Add tofu and cook,
stirring occasionally, until tofu is lightly
juice into tomato juice.
2 Combine onion, chillies, 2 tablespoons
GARLICKY TOFU browned, 10-12 minutes. (Tofu should
oil, 3 tablespoons chili powder, garlic, ½ TABBOULEH start to sizzle after about 1½ minutes;
teaspoon salt, and drained tomatoes in Serves 4 to 6 adjust heat as needed.) Push tofu to sides
second bowl. Transfer tomato mixture of pan. Add 1 teaspoon oil and garlic
to prepared baking tray and spread in • 3 tomatoes, cored and cut into to centre and cook, mashing garlic into
even layer to edges of the tray. Roast until 1.5cm (½in) pieces pan, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir
charred in spots, 35-40 minutes, stirring • Salt and pepper mixture into tofu. Transfer to bowl and let
and redistributing into even layer halfway • 70g (½ cup) medium-grind bulgur, cool for 10 minutes.
through baking. rinsed 4 Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons lemon
3 Meanwhile, spread tofu on paper • Juice 2 lemons juice, remaining 3 tablespoons oil,
towel–lined baking tray and let drain for • 434g (1¾ cups) extra-firm tofu, cut cayenne, and ½ teaspoon salt together
20 minutes. Gently press dry with paper into 5cm (2in) pieces in large bowl. Add drained tomatoes,
towels, season with salt and pepper, and • 60ml (¼ cup) extra-virgin olive oil soaked bulgur, cooled tofu, parsley, mint,
sprinkle both sides with remaining ½ • 3 garlic cloves, minced and spring onions and toss to combine.
teaspoon chilli powder. • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper Cover and let sit until bulgur is tender,
4 Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in • 40g (1½ cups) minced fresh parsley about 1 hour. Toss to recombine and
31cm (12in) nonstick pan over medium- • 15g (½ cup) minced fresh mint season with salt and pepper to taste
high heat until just smoking. Add tofu • 2 spring onions, sliced thin before serving.
and cook until golden and crisp on both
sides, 5-7 minutes; transfer to 1 Toss tomatoes with ¼ teaspoon Per 100g
paper towel–lined plate. salt in fine-mesh strainer set over bowl Calories: 145, Carbohydrates: 7.4g,
5 Transfer roasted tomato mixture to and let drain, tossing occasionally, Sugars: 1.1g, Fat: 9.8g, Saturates: 1.3g,
now-empty pan and stir in reserved for 30 minutes; reserve 2 tablespoons Protein: 5.8g, Salt: 0.13g
tomato juice mixture. Season with salt drained tomato juice. Toss bulgur with
and pepper to taste, then spread into 2 tablespoons lemon juice and reserved Recipe and images from:
even layer. Nestle tofu in sauce. Bring to tomato juice in bowl and let sit until America's Test Kitchen, Vegan for Everybody
Daniel J. van Ackere, photographer
simmer over medium heat, cover, and grains begin to soften, 30-40 minutes. Elle Simone, food stylist

95
 THAI COCONUT SOUP • 175g (1¾ cups) mangetout, 2 Stir in remaining 1.3L (5½ cups)
strings removed, cut into 1.5cm broth, fish sauce substitute, and sugar
WITH TOFU (½in) pieces and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low
Serves 8
• 3 tbsp lime juice (2 limes) and simmer, partially covered, for 20
• Salt and pepper minutes.
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 25g (½ cup) fresh coriander 3 Stir in coconut milk, tofu,
• 122g (1¾ cups) shiitake
leaves mangetout, and lime juice and bring
mushrooms, stemmed and cut
• 3 spring onions, green parts only, to simmer. Cook until tofu is warmed
into 1.5cm (½in) pieces
sliced thin through and snow peas are just
• 1–2 stalks lemon grass, trimmed
• Lime wedges tender, about 5 minutes.
to bottom 15cm (6in) and minced
4 Season with salt and pepper to
(3 tbsp)
1 Heat oil in Dutch oven over taste, and serve with coriander, spring
• 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, and lime wedges.
• 1 garlic clove, minced
mushrooms, lemon grass, ginger, and
• 4 tsp Thai red curry paste
garlic and cook, stirring constantly,
• 1.4L (6 cups) vegetable broth
until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Per 100g
• 3 tbsp fish sauce substitute
Add curry paste and cook, stirring Calories: 108, Carbohydrates: 2.0g,
• 1 tbsp organic sugar
constantly, until fragrant, about 30 Sugars: 1.2g, Fat: 9.1g, Saturates: 6.1g,
• 2 tins coconut milk
seconds. Whisk 116ml (½ cup) broth Protein: 4.2g, Salt: 0.16g
• 434g (1¾ cups) extra-firm tofu,
into pot, scraping up any browned bits
cut into 1.5cm (½in) pieces
and smoothing out any lumps.

Recipe and images from:

America's Test Kitchen, Vegan for Everybody
Daniel J. van Ackere, photographer
Elle Simone, food stylist

96
97
 Vi v a
Tovegas

TERIYAKI TOFU SALAD • 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds minutes or until browned.

Serves 8 • ½ tsp ground cumin 5 Drizzle ½ tsp of vegetable oil over
• ½ tsp ground coriander pumpkin seeds, stir in cumin and
Marinade coriander. Spread seeds on a tray
• 5 tbsp dark soya sauce (use tamari 1 Wrap tofu in several layers of kitchen and roast for 15-20 minutes, turning
for a gluten-free option) paper. Place on a plate with a chopping occasionally.
• 3 tbsp maple or agave syrup board and heavy weight on top. Press 6 While tofu and seeds are roasting,
• 1 tbsp mirin or 1 tsp cider vinegar tofu for an hour. cut off orange peel. Slice oranges into
• 1 medium hot chilli 2 In the meantime, make the marinade thin slices and arrange on a plate with
• 1 large garlic clove by blending all ingredients together watercress and sliced red onion.
• 1 tbsp grated ginger and heating slowly in a saucepan until 7 Place hot tofu on top, sprinkle with
• 1 tsp cornflour (or arrowroot for a thickened. Add a splash more water if too the seeds and drizzle with remaining
gluten-free option) thick. marinade.
• 5 tbsp water 3 Cut drained tofu into four triangles.
• 3 tbsp oil Slice each triangle into halves lengthwise. Per 100g
Place pieces in a dish and coat with Calories: 110, Carbohydrates: 6.5g,
Main Ingredients marinade. Cover and set aside for an Sugars: 4.8g, Fat: 6.7g, Saturates: 0.9g,
• 400g (1½ cups) firm tofu hour. Protein: 5.2g, Salt: 0.76g
• 3 blood oranges 4 Transfer tofu to a lined tray (retaining
leftover marinade). Bake in preheated Recipe and images from:
• 100g (3 cups) watercress ‘Viva! Vegan Recipe Club’ @vegrecipeclub,
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced oven at 180°C (Gas Mark 4, 350°F) for 25 veganrecipeclub.org.uk

98
 competition

WIN
a 5 night stay for two at Beach
Rotana, Abu Dhabi
worth £2,300!
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Vegan Life Magazine to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a
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Spend five nights at in the glamourous city of Abu Dhabi, minutes
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For your chance to win please go to

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excludes insurance and other expenses. Restrictions apply to available dates for booking and is
subject to availability

99
 Stout
Something to

about
Oliver Coningham reports on stouts suitable for vegans

W
hen we hear the word stout fact, stouts are a direct descendant a better match for food than wine. With
our minds immediately of the porter style of beer. Stout wine you do not have caramelised
conjure an image of that received its name because it was a flavours or notes of bitter chocolate,
midnight black liquid capped with a stronger version of the porter and often wood smoke and roasted malts. British
biscuit coloured head, brewed in the displayed more roasted malt character stouts, like Mena Dhu featured below,
Emerald Isle. Guinness did huge things from dark chocolate to heady espresso. pair beautifully with vegan chocolate
for creating awareness about vegan Stout essentially means “strong” and based mole sauces or rich chilli-
beer when it originally announced, in is an umbrella term that has many non-carne made with cacao. Despite
late 2015, that they were planning to go styles of beer beneath it. Irish dry stout their strength, imperial stouts are an
vegan. Many beer lovers suddenly began is the most famous, but you will also impressive pairing with creamy desserts
to consider that what they drinking may find American stouts (see Arbor’s The such as vegan strawberry cheesecake or
not be vegan. There was a noticeable Devil Made Me Brew It), imperial stouts panna cotta. For something a little more
rise in drinkers questioning their choices (see Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout) unusual try pairing an English or Irish
and coverage of vegan beer in the and chocolate stouts (see Brooklyn dry stout with vegan kedgeree made
media. As of April this year, Guinness Brewery’s Black Chocolate Stout). There with smoked tofu.
confirmed in the FAQs of their website are even white stouts such as the one
that draught kegs of Guinness — those brewed by The Durham Brewery which Find out more about vegan drink and
pints served via flick switch — are now harnesses the original meaning of the food on the forkandcarrot.com website
vegan, with cans and bottles to follow word with a 7.2% pale coloured, strong or follow Oliver Coningham on Twitter
later this year. beer. @forkandcarrot.

Contrary to popular belief, there are When it comes to food pairings stouts
more to stouts than this Irish icon. In are a great example of why beer is often

100
 Kosmic (0.0%) – Mena Dhu (4.5%) – St Penumbra Organic
Nirvana Brewery Austell Brewery Stout (4.8%) – Suma
RRP £2.47 for 500ml RRP £2.00 for 500ml RRP £2.99 for 500ml
(Ales by Mail Online (Tesco) (Independent Health
Shop) Based on a historical Food Stores)
Nirvana Brewery are Cornish recipe, Mena Little Valley Brewery
producing exceptional Dhu is brewed using a have been producing
beers with a key blend of six different Suma’s range of organic
difference to everyone malts. Mena Dhu and vegan friendly beers
else; all their beers are translates as 'black hill' for a number of years.
low/non-alcoholic. and is named after the All the beers are brewed
They have accepted farm that was owned and bottled high on the
the daunting challenge by the founder of St Pennine moorland of
of overcoming the Austell Brewery, Walter Cragg Vale, just outside
stigma of non- Hicks. The aroma is Hebden Bridge. This
alcoholic beers being complex with notes of family run business has
dull and uninspiring. wood smoke and espresso. For a stout been thriving since its inception back in
Tantra Pale Ale and the mouthfeel is surprisingly light with 2005. Penumbra is an organic, rich black
Kosmic Stout do much more than just flavours of dark chocolate, liquorice and stout brewed with a combination of
counter this negative view. Kosmic Stout a hint of burnt toast. To fully appreciate wheat malt, crystal malt and chocolate
has a warming and inviting aroma of the character of Menu Dhu seek out a malt mixed with oats and wheat for a
malted barley and digestive biscuits. pint from one of the many St Austell rich and creamy mouthfeel and flavour.
Notes of vanilla sweetness combine with Brewery pubs in the south west of Delicate notes of citrus fruits and fresh
the flavour of dark chocolate covered England. berries sit amongst the roasted malt
raisins. There’s a subtle hint of burnt backbone of this beer.
toast on the finish. St Austell Brewery bottled, canned and
kegged beers are all suitable for vegans. Little Valley Brewery beers are 100%
Nirvana Brewery beers are all vegan organic and vegan-friendly.
friendly.
Ink (4.4%) –
Camden Town Old Ford Export Stout
Stout (5%) – Moor Brewery (7.5%) – Redchurch
Beer Co Available on Brewery
RRP £2.50 for 330ml draught only - RRP £2.29 for 330ml
(EeBria.com Online prices vary (Waitrose)
Shop) Camden Town Redchurch Brewery
Bristol’s Moor Beer Brewery built have recently seen a
Co are outspoken their reputation number of beers from
advocates of unfined, on brewing their core range now
naturally hazy distinctive lagers listed in Waitrose stores
beers. They have an that are full nationwide. With a
exceptional range of of flavour, well balanced and easy to commendable ideology
core beers including drink. Using only natural ingredients, of creating remarkable
Hoppiness, a 6.5% New World IPA, and their beers haven’t been pasteurised beers that respect both
Smokey Horyzon, a 5% Smoked Rye Ale. or artificially engineered. Bottles and the flavours within
Stout is described as an “unpretentious, cans of their Hells Lager and Pale Ale are and the processes that
highly drinkable black beer” and here now stocked in most M&S stores. Sadly, formed them. Alongside
you will find no bells or whistles, just Ink is only available on draught. The the core beers are an experimental
a wonderfully executed stout. On the use of nitrogen bubbles give this stout range of releases under the Urban
nose is an aroma of red summer fruits it's thick, creamy head and smooth Farmhouse name. Old Export Stout is
including raspberries and redcurrants mouthfeel. Its appearance and taste is rich with chocolate, tobacco and soft
with an undertone of roasted coffee very similar to the Irish counterpart, yet orange on the nose. The thick and
beans. Smooth and silky in the mouth with a greater depth of flavour amidst creamy taste is laced with coffee and
with flavours of mocha and dark roasted notes of bitter cacao and dark dark chocolate which leads to a dry,
chocolate. chocolate. earthy finish.

Moor Beer Co’s unfined ‘natural’ beers Camden Town Brewery do not use any Redchurch Brewery beers are all vegan
do not contain isinglass cask finings. finings in their beer. friendly.
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 Animals through
the lens

Photographer, director and writer Maria Slough

talks to Vegan Life about her hope that her
imagery will change hearts and minds

102
M
aria uses words, photography people as a child. We went out to lunch free products. For the Crystal Grotto
and film to promote her and my late father’s friend ordered lamb shot we needed a feather effect around
strong vegan values across and I remember sitting at the table and the eye. We had a long discussion
an enormous variety of media outlets. thinking I’m going to pass out because I about it and we were photographing
Maria is a dedicated animal ambassador suddenly realised what was happening. Virginia Mckenna’s granddaughter at
and has worked closely with many I went vegan about five years ago. I the time, and we had a discussion
animal charities; most recently, in believe that my body was born to be about whether we needed to include
collaboration with Animals Asia, she vegan. the acrylic feathers in the shot. I had a
created a collection called Under the slight issue with wondering whether I
Asian Moon, which tells the story of Do you think that your core was saying it was okay to use feathers.
rehabilitated bears which have lived values are represented in your Just like the fake fur argument it does
through the unimaginable torture in photography? show people that you don’t have to use
bear bile farms. However, Maria aims My core value is that a life is a life and down or feathers or fur to get the effect.
to stand up for what she believes in, I believe that an ant, or a beetle, or a I am known as a photographer who is a
through her creative activism, in the moth, or a cow has as much right to vegan and is passionate about animal
commercial world as well as her work their life as we do to ours. welfare but I don’t think I’m known as
with charities to educate a wider a vegan photographer. I don’t want
audience about animal injustices In the professional world, it is an to come out of the commercial world
around the world. Maria spoke to incredible challenge because as a because this is where you are going to
Vegan Life about her exhibition and commercial photographer I can be change people’s minds and challenge
what she hopes to achieve through her flown anywhere around the world and them.
photography. asked to do anything and my work is
very diverse. In that instance, as far as Best thing about photographing
Did you grow up vegan? my core values being represented, I animals?
No I didn’t. I grew up as a vegetarian. I believe in leading by example. I’m not Well there is such a difference. Having
gave up meat just before I was nine and going to attack someone if they are spent so much time photographing
my moment of realisation still brings me eating a plate of meat, because it won’t people and some very high profile
to tears. I grew up in a family of animals work. In fact, nine times out of ten, they people, I think the most amazing
but my parents allowed me my own are attacking me for not having meat thing about the animals is that the
journey, to make my own decision. I was or cheese on my plate. When I work on communication is different between
in the Cotswolds with a family friend any celebrity shots, or beauty shots, you. As a commercial photographer you
and I had been spending all my time in which I’m in control of, I tend to work give people direction but with animals
the fields with the baby lambs, as I just with two or three makeup artists and I you have to have more trust because
gravitated towards animals rather than use artists who only use vegan, cruelty- they have to get used to you and your

103
 Exhibition and it was 30 black and white
photos to raise awareness for animal
related charities through the image of
a picture of a relationship between an
animal and a person. We had such a lot
of varied people and varied charities.
So I suppose from a personal view the
self-portrait, because I’ve since lost Star,
is a favourite and that picture is really
treasured because it represents the
incredible bond we shared.

I don’t want to come

out of the commercial
world because this is
where you are going to
change people’s minds
and challenge them.
Can you tell us a little bit about
your recent project in China?
I support a handful of charities; I’m the
patron for Labrador Rescue England
and I have supported Animals Asia
smell. When I was in China in March, in Have you got a favourite and the Farm Animal Sanctuaries for
the Animals Asia Chengdu sanctuary, picture? a long time. Obviously, for Animals
there are only bear carers there so they Thinking about my favourite image is Asia you have to travel. So I went out
don’t have visitors or people traipsing a really difficult one. Commercially, in March and took my Labrador’s vet
through the bear’s home. I just sat there one of my favourites is the shot of Lily with me — so I took my photographs
for three to five hours every day and Travers because the colours worked and he got to go and do heart scans
the curious ones came over and I knew beautifully. Lily Travers, who was and work with the veterinary team out
they were the ones which were going to modelling, is incredible in front of the there. I went with a view to come back
give you the shot. They totally played camera and I harnessed the natural with a set of photographs and then
up to the camera, get a bit excited and light just as I wanted to. I do use studio Calumet photographic wanted me to
pose. The best thing is that it is such a lighting but my forte is working with exhibit the photos in their flagship store
privilege; I feel that if an animal trusts what nature gives us in terms of light as on Drummond Street. It’s called Under
me enough to come close enough to much as possible. an Asian Moon. It is just the rescued
connect with me as a photographer bears with their stories underneath and
and give me the shot, to me that’s the Personally, I did an exhibition a couple then there is a quad of black and white
biggest honour. of years ago called The Pawtraits pictures of the disused cages. There

104
 image. I feel that when I take a picture,
a little piece of me goes down the lens
and into the picture. I think that a little
bit of me is in every picture I take. Really
concentrating on and honing that skill
gave me the confidence to stand up and
start directing. I’ve done a short film
about Born Free on Kenya Airwaves and
I have written and directed the Road to
Freedom. It’s a dramatic interpretation
of the life inside a bile farm and we
should be putting that out later this
year. I’m hoping that my directing will
go from strength to strength and it
will always go hand in hand with my
photography.

I feel that when I take

is a picture in there called the Road negative effect as much as a positive
a picture, a little piece
to Freedom which is two images put effect. I think you need a balance of of me goes down the lens
together of a bear walking away from a both. I made the decision to show how
pile of disused cages. It is symbolic of beautiful these bears are and how they and into the picture.
them walking away from the life which recover. They use their limbs again,
they have had. stretch out and play. I wanted to let What are your hopes for the
people be captured by that before they future?
What did you hope to achieve learn the back stories. I would say that I believe that the path
with the exhibition? to a peaceful society must surely begin
The point of it was to let people know You have also started directing, with how we treat animals. If we can't
that it goes on. People have been how has the transition from show kindness and compassion and
into the bile farms and Animals Asia photography to directing been? respect for the life of an animal, how
have photographs of the bears in their I’ve always wanted to direct but I guess can we ever hope to care for each other?
cages. I think that kind of imagery I never had the courage to bite the This is something I hope our future
is so powerful and so needed when bullet and say I’m going to direct now. generations will learn.
it’s placed in a certain way, but I find Working on photography has made me
sometimes it can make people turn a very instinctive photographer. I have
the page. They can sometimes have a a passion for capturing and framing an

105
 Summer in
Stockholm
Mallory Imler Powell thinks that the Capital of Scandinavia
offers more than meatballs and smoked salmon

F
or the uninitiated, Stockholm’s centuries-old ochre buildings of Gamla by Animal Rights of Sweden found that
summer days—up to 20 hours Stan, one of Europe’s best-preserved nearly one in ten Swedes identified as
of sunlight—are luxuriously, medieval city centers, line the small, vegetarian or vegan; among 18-29-year-
disorientingly long. One loses track central island of this urban archipelago. olds and students, 20 per cent identified
of time, wakes up too early, eats too Neighborhoods throughout the city’s as vegetarian or vegan.
late, forgets to sleep. But the lingering surrounding islands offer a diversity of
days lend themselves to exploring the architecture, history, art, demographics, Maximillian Lundin—a former fine
fourteen islands that comprise the city. and general vibe. dining “meat chef” who became vegan
With one-third of the Stockholm’s area three years ago and in 2016 launched
consisting of public or greenspace and The cultural and corporate capital of a sustainable, vegan chain called
another third of waterways, Sweden’s Scandinavia might be the vegan hub of The Plant—has observed Sweden’s
capital is one of the world’s cleanest the region, as well. Stockholm’s vibrant evolution towards meat-free options. He
and greenest. Its subway system is and expanding vegan scene reflects describes a shift away from a militant,
renowned for its public art, and at the the country’s growing trend towards moralistic vegan rhetoric of the 80s
other end of the historical spectrum, the animal-free food choices. A 2017 poll and 90s to the current discourse which
106
emphasizes benefits of plant-based west to Falafelbaren for house-made,
foods. This change in tone, combined organic falafel and delicious “secret
with a greater understanding of the sauces. The food here is excellent, so
pitfalls of the animal industry, Lundin it’s best to dine with at least one other
says, has motivated a growing number person in order to share the pita, the
of Swedes to make food choices that bowl, and the sweet potato fries—all
“decrease harm and increase health at large portions—but be sure to get your
the same time.” own glass of mint lemonade. Or, for
Italian, try Feca, a no-frills joint with a
Vegan travelers in Stockholm will full vegan menu including a “chicken”,
therefore find an abundance of options curry, and banana pizza.
in restaurants, grocery stores, and retail West Sodermalm is also worth a visit,
shops. Virtually every café offers non- especially on Saturdays when the
dairy milk for your fika (coffee break), vendors of Hornstull Market sell antique
and menus generally indicate vegetarian lighters and old-fashioned face shaves
and vegan dishes. For eating in, grocery alongside food trucks with vegan
stores standardly stock everything from burritos and tacos. Just up the hill from
non-dairy yogurts to vegan Swedish the market is the vegetarian Rio Bar
meatballs. and Bistro, with a full café as well as
organic beers and wines. Its crispy tofu
Stockholm is especially easy to navigate sandwich, with fresh greens and pickled
for English-speaking travelers. In 2014, red onions stuffed into a crunchy
Sweden ranked third in the world for baguette, is brightly flavored and filling
English proficiency among non-native Sofo but not too heavy.
speakers, and it’s safe to assume that The SoFo district of Sodermalm is a
wherever you are in Stockholm, you’ll prime spot for a day of strolling and Nearby is a second, smaller location of
find someone who speaks English. grazing: Abundant vegan options Goodstore, as well as second location of
punctuate streets of vintage shops, Delivore, this one serving vegan hotdogs
Sodermalm creative boutiques, and bookstores and milkshakes. The location will be
This island of Stockholm is arguably (such as Konst-ig, the country’s leading converted to a full-service restaurant in
the most vegan-friendly land mass art book seller). Inquire in any SoFo late 2017.
in the city, housing several distinct business for a handy map of the
neighborhoods with excellent options neighborhood.
for food and sightseeing.
In SoFo you’ll find the main location of
In north Solderman, be sure to try Goodstore, a fully vegan grocery that
Hermans, an establishment vegan buffet also houses Delivore, a café offering pre-
with lush garden seating (including made sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
hammocks) overlooking the water and The triple-decker salami sandwich,
city. The venue is perfect for an early packaged in a convenience-store style
but lingering lunch of grains, salads, hot triangle box, is a stand-out faux-meat
dishes, and house-made ale. Students option for eating on-the-go, especially
get half-off the buffet price when at its price of 49 SEK (around £4.50),
ordering a drink. Weekend brunch can and Delivore’s croissant takes the prize South Sodermalm hosts the equally
be jam-packed, so consider stopping by for the best vegan croissant this writer thoughtful but “fast” and “slow”
on a weekday. has ever tasted—so flaky and buttery it extremes of the Stockholm’s vegan
could easily pass for original. restaurant scene. At the “fast” end,
After lunch, walk down to Fotografiska, Lundin’s sustainable enterprise, The
the city’s impeccably curated Nearby, Matapoteket employs a pun Plant, serves 100% organic “food that
photography museum. Its café / bar to describe its approach to healthy works” and demonstrates obvious
and restaurant (the latter open only in cuisine: “Mat” is Swedish for food, while consideration of every detail, down
the fall and winter months) offer plant- “apoteket” is Swedish for “pharmacy.” to the burger wrappers printed with
focused options with spectacular views, This raw, vegan enterprise offers a full a repeating pattern of the company
perfect for a post-museum drink or café menu along with “peace pizza”, logo and food machinery. The Plant’s
upscale dinner. nutless wraps, large salads, and a cheezy burger and hammer burger offer
display case bulging with truffles and distinct, rich flavors without feeling
If the restaurant is closed or you’re treats. processed or falling apart, and a side
looking for a more casual option, head of roasted potatoes with mayo and

107
 pickles eradicate any desire for fried southwestern fare, margaritas, and live artworks alongside engaging temporary
carbohydrates. A second location of The music. For lunch, try Hermitage, a small exhibits, and its restaurant provides
Plant is set to open at the Royal Institute but popular vegetarian and vegan buffet vegan options with beautiful views.
of Art in August 2017. with international influences.
Of course, no visit to Stockholm
At the “slow” end of the spectrum is Vasastan is complete without visiting The
the all-vegan Växthuset, a fine-dining On the island just north of Gamla Stan ABBA Museum, after which you can
establishment housed in a nightclub is the neighborhood of Vasastan, home complement your pop sensibilities by
complex under a bridge. The five- to two notable options for Asian cuisine. checking out the nearby Vasamuseet,
course set menu is designed to occupy Vietnamese bistro Minh Mat (a play on Sweden’s maritime museum. Here
at least of a couple of hours, while a “min mat”, or “my food” in Swedish) you’ll find the Vasa warship, which
three-dish set menu, daily specials, remarkably offers a noodle dish called sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and
and a al carte options provide flexible cau lao that seems to be available in is the most intact 17th century ship
choices. Knowledgeable, amiable only two cities in the world: Stockholm, ever salvaged. On the same island,
servers explain each dish as it’s served; somehow, and the Vietnamese city, Djurgården, you’ll also find Skansen
many include local and seasonal Hoi An, where the dish originated and (the world’s oldest open-air museum,
products like lentils from nearby remains iconic. The cau lao noodles with buildings, people in costume & a
Gotland (served in decadent oat and fried wontons at Minh Mat are zoo with Nordic animals), Gröna Lund
cream and topped with grilled white inexplicably accurate, while the subtle, amusement park, and the Biologiska
asparagus and freshly shaved truffle) layered aromatics of their spring rolls Museet (which houses large-scale
and “Stockholmstempeh” (made with and other vegan dishes taste equally dioramas of Swedish wildlife and
yellow peas by a local provider). To loyal to their home-country equivalents. habitats within an 1893 building
quench your thirst, consider a paired The menu is available in English inspired by medieval Nordic churches).
wine menus, a crafty cocktail, or a frozen with clearly-marked vegan options.
margarita. Be sure to make reservations Reservations will be necessary at this Experiencing Stockholm’s waterways
for your dining experience at Växthuset popular spot. by boat is another essential activity
—both to ensure a table and to avoid for your summer visit. Strömma and
the cover fee to the club complex— and Red Sightseeing offer boat, bus, and
leave extra time to find the somewhat combination tours.
hidden entrance. After the meal, those
so inclined can find their groove among
a selection of indoor and outdoor dance
spaces.

Gamla Stan
Walking through historic Gamla Stan,
where the city was founded in 1252,
is practically required for visitors to
Stockholm. In addition to the old- For fresh, family-style Chinese cuisine,
world charm of winding, cobblestone Lao Wai’s all-vegan menu includes
streets, Gamla Stan’s sightseeing vegetable favorites like water spinach
highlights include The Nobel Museum, sautéed in garlic and chilis as well as
the national cathedral, and the Royal a variety of fresh tofu and mock meat
Palace, and a plethora of shops and dishes.
cafes.
Literary and architectural types will also
appreciate Stockholm’s iconic public
library, Stadsbiblioteket, designed
Swedish architect Gunna Asplund.

More to Do
Stockholm’s museum line-up is strong,
and most museum cafes have vegan
options. Don’t miss Moderna Museet,
which is set on a hill and greets visitors
with a whimsical, large-scale sculpture
While in Gamla Stan, grab dinner at and water piece. The museum displays
Geronimo’s, known for their vegan a permanent collection of iconic
108
 You’re not
ve g a n , Are you?
Comedian Jake Yapp shares his holiday
survival kit with us
The Vegan Survival Kit Peanut Butter If you have the barebones and the deluxe
If you can’t get hold of vegan margarine, pack, the world is your… ew. Anyway, you
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it’ll accompany most things but I’m not can eat like a benevolent king or queen.
being vegan in Britain in 2017 is a piece above mixing it with a little hot sauce You really won’t miss much.
of slightly overly-dense cake. And while and some oil to make a down-and-dirty
the likes of Germany and Switzerland are satay style sauce for pasta or noodles or After all that preparation, we were so
blazing trails in Europe, some countries vegetables, if I’m really desperate. spoiled for choice at our resort. Fabulous
consider veganism acceptable grounds grilled vegetables, satisfying savoury rice
for deportation. In France, brave outposts Smoked Almonds dishes, delicious breads, salads, and the
like the lovely and gleekingly-amazing These can make a GREAT star filling in a absolute best tomatoes and watermelon I
Deborah Pivain at The Gentle Gourmet sandwich, with lettuce and tomato or, have ever tasted. I would go again just for
(who was indirectly responsible for me frankly, on their own. them.
taking the plunge) are paving the way in
the face of yawnsome meat-zealots who Nutritional Yeast Flakes Spike, our little boy, incidentally, had fully
look at you as if you’ve just spat on the Ignore the idiotic squealings of your taken on board our warning that we’d be
Tricolore when you ask if there’s an option carnivorous friends (they eat BOWELS, eating a lot of chips and insisted on chips
without meat, cheese, eggs or (they seem for goodness’ sakes) and sprinkle these every day. Twice a day. How that boy
to consider this something separate) ham. on everything - cheeseless pizzas, pasta, didn’t end up with rickets is a mystery to
baked potatoes, chips… me, although he did pipe up one day ‘Oh!
We were lucky enough to get a holiday These chips don’t taste right. They need
this year — our first proper one in years Coconut Milk Powder some flakes…’ That boy is vegan to the
— and we opted for a package holiday in This is the most amazing, versatile CORE. He’s pictured behind our survival kit
Kos. With a 4-year-old in tow, we wanted ingredient. Yes, you can add it to coffee in Greece, with a cakehole rammed with
something as hassle-free as possible, and for a slightly odd experience, but you can basil tofu… And, fine, yes, he’s watching
decided to go for all-inclusive. dilute it for cereal in the mornings, or use something on a tablet computer. I am not
it with the peanut butter for satay sauces going for Parent of the Year.
Dreading the limited choice of food we’d and because it’s dehydrated, you can
probably be facing, we decided to take a travel light and it won’t go
Vegan Survival Kit. I remember I used to off. You can get other milks
walk around with at least some of these in powdered form, and I
options in my bag in the UK five or six have yet to try soy milk… if
years ago. And I’m still not afraid to take you’ve tried it, let me know!
a jar of vegan mayo into a burger bar if I’m @jakeyapp on twitter.
I have to endure another bloody grilled
Portobello mushroom. The Deluxe Vegan
Anyway, here’s a barebones survival kit, Survival Pack
and a deluxe for if you have access to a
fridge, like, say, a minibar… Vegan Mayo
Vegan Margarine
The Barebones Vegan Survival Taifun Tofu - Basil Or
Pack Smoked

109
 ®

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111 111111
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112
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 OUR
We love to see pictures of you reading your
magazine, cooking a vegan feast or spreading the
vegan message far and wide. Our editor has picked
a few favourites.

PICKS
To be featured tag @veganlife_mag on Instagram or
@veganlifemagazine on facebook.

Alternatively, you can send your pictures to:

[email protected]

@london_afro_vegan

Angel Davis @mucyluir Bryony Roberts

Michelle Duck @veganlauralou @welshveganfitnessblogger @juliajeury

@theracheldays @jlffl @jennyedw4rds @barefootfoto

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