As a school, there are two topics of conversation that probably frequent our classrooms above all others: climate change and food. Vegetarianism encompasses both of these issues, but how realistic is it really to stop eating meat? And would we even want to? We spoke to 3 Godolphin girls to find out.
Interviewed by Ines Elliott Granger, answered by Livia Bonte-Friedheim, Zoe Prokopiou and Dahlia Levin.
LIVIA - VEGAN
How long have you been a vegan?
I've been a vegetarian for 3 years and vegan for 2.
Did you go straight from eating meat to being a vegan? How was the transition?
Because I went from being a meat eater to vegetarian to vegan, the transition was very comfortable and wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
Why did you decide to be a vegan?
I watched lots of videos on how animals are treated in the meat, dairy, egg industry etc, and these videos bothered me a lot. I realised that I didn't really need to eat these animal products and after I watched these videos, I didn't really want to either.
What's your vegan staple?
The best burrito you will ever eat! It consists of BBQ flavoured chickpeas, avocado, hummus, lettuce and tofu.
Have you found it difficult to eat school lunches?
It really depends on the day, some days it is relatively easy to find a hot or cold meal I can eat, but some days it can be a little harder, but I've never had to skip lunch because there was nothing to eat.
ZOE - VEGETARIAN
How old were you when you stopped eating meat?
I stopped when I was 13.
What/who motivated you to be a vegetarian?
Probably my love for animals, my worries about climate change and my willingness to try a challenging but rewarding new lifestyle!
Did you straight from being a 'carnivore' to vegetarian?
I started out pescatarian because I loved calamari, but after researching overfishing, I decided it just wasn't worth it and stopped eating fish too after 2 years.
Have you felt restricted since becoming a vegetarian?
Definitely not! In fact. I definitely think more about what I eat because I have to plan my meals a bit better and I have tried different cuisines and been a bit more adventurous. It's also great living in London because there are so many veggie options!
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to go veggie?
Just have a go and see how you find it! Some people find it easier to transition gradually and others (like me) just went straight into it and never went back!
DAHLIA - PESCATARIAN
When did you make the transition?
Only about a year ago but I've loved it!
Why did you choose to stop eating meat?
Animal welfare was the main reason for doing so but since I started this new diet, I've loved the thought of eating 'cleaner' as I can trust that what I eat is fresh.
Does your family eat meat? If so, does it make things difficult?
They all do but my Mum likes making/eating vegetarian food at home so I usually have something to eat but if not, I like making my own food (eg Stir fries or curries).
If everyone stopped eating meat, what do you think would happen?
If it were an overnight action, I think it would hugely affect farmers' income and suppliers, in general, in a negative way. Also, health could be impacted as people may not know suitable alternatives to maintain a balanced diet.
Any restaurant recommendations?
The gate, Farmacy, Sagar and Wagamama (has lots of veggie options!)
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