Vegan experiences give a lot of people a new awareness of life

1)What did you do for your project and why?

To make a difference, L. and I followed a vegan diet that consisted of only plant-derived foods for one week. The reasons for this decision were to prevent the exploitation of animals, to protect the environment and to improve our health. Well-planned vegan food is rich in protein, iron,calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
We asked ourselves what our bodies needed if we left out eggs, meat and dairy products.
Vitamin  B12 keeps the body's nerves and blood cells healthy, but it only occurs naturally in animal products, so we needed a Vitamin B12 supplement. Good vegan iron sources are for example sunflower seeds, raisins, and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin C-rich foods  (red peppers, citrus, and broccoli) aid iron absorption. 

 

2) What was easy?

The first day was easy, because I like fruits and vegetables. For breakfast I drank a fruit smoothie with bananas, pineapple and coconut. For lunch I ate a delicious veggie pizza with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and corn  (http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/category/specialdiets/vegan/#PMxs4gyMjBdhKEeE.97).  In the evening I made a salad consisting of lettuce, cucumber, corn, onions, red beans and leek.

 

3) What was difficult?

For me, the hardest thing was to live without milk and eggs. I like eating cheese, yogurt and drinking milk for breakfast. I don't eat many eggs, but I learned that they are hidden in other foods. For example eggs are sometimes ingredients in pasta, bread and cookies. Even gummi bears were not allowed, because the gelatin is of animal origin. Soy milk as a substitute is expensive.

 

4) What were the results of your project and what were your personal insights?

We enjoyed eating vegan food. It made us happy to protect animals and the environment. The colors of the ingredients are nice looking, but it was difficult for us to buy all of these things. I don`t like tofu and soy milk very much and they are rather expensive, so I will continue eating butter and milk. Vegan food certainly helps the animals, but you should also remember that many clothes as down jackets, shoes, handbags etc. are made from material derived from animals as well. If possible you should not use these materials either.

 

5) Would you do it again?

 

Yes, we would do it again, but only for some weeks.

 

6) Finally, how did it make a difference?

The project made me think. Before, I had not been aware that animal products were included almost everywhere. Now I'm more aware of what I eat and what I wear. I will think about it in the future..

 

Recipe: Wraps with fruit and vegetables

These are easy to make. A wrap encloses the food, so you can include more things than in a sandwich. Heat the tortilla in a pan, if you`d like it warm. Whatever tortilla you use, lay it on a plate or on a clean cutting board. Divide the wrap into three dough sheet parts. Place the fillings in the middle of each part and fold it to a "bag".

Fillings you can use:

vegetables:

• lettuce of all kinds

• spinach

• sprouts

• pepper

• broccoli

• tomatoes

• olives

• mushrooms

 fruits:

• bits of pear

• apples

• grapes

• raisins

• and anything else you like.

   

  

   

Salt and pepper are common choices, but don`t forget other fresh or dried herbs and spices, like basil, oregano, cinnamon or chili powder.

  For a restaurant look, slice the wrap in half diagonally.

 

                                                         Enjoy your meal