Living with a Vegan

Written by a non-vegan.

Image by Usman Yousaf | Unsplash

10/10 would recommend. Whatever your dietary preferences; vegan, veggie, flexitarian, or meat lover— living with a vegan will open your eyes (and taste buds) to a whole new eating experience.

Now, I’m not about to suggest that you take on a vegan lifestyle. It’s 2021, eat what you want! It’s your body. You know what your body likes and dislikes.

I’m merely sharing my experience, in hopes that you might rethink veganism, because — I must admit — it’s pretty delicious.

So, I gave up red meat a couple of years back; I was on holiday in Thailand, indulging in their fresh fish dishes, and noticed my body loves it! I never felt like I over-ate, I slept better and had more energy. I eventually gave up chicken and fish too because, to be honest, I never could cook it right and I didn’t wanna make myself sick (again). This turned my guilty pleasures into; chocolate, ice cream, greek yogurt, cheese, and … (basically — dairy).

I once stayed with a vegan girl, from Airbnb, for a month. Having never even tried a vegan meal, I dived right into vegan dining with an open mind and a hungry belly. This girl knew how to sell it! We started with some good ol’ comfort food! Pizza, burgers & wedges, cup muffins, sushi, etc. And we didn’t miss out on any dairy ingredients thanks to all the tasty alternatives available. (Vegan Mayonnaise tastes the same, if not better! I swear!)

Once she had me hooked on the junk food, she started to introduce the healthier, more common meals. Like curries, roasted veggies, fried noodles, and salads — Let me tell you, vegans know how to make a salad fancy! She added almost every ingredient she had and even made a dressing out of hummus! HUMMUS! Who would have thought?! (Not me hey)

I have since acquired a vegan flatmate who allows me to eat what I like but positively influences me by stocking our fridge full of fresh and colorful delights, sharing her vegan chocolate, or offering to cook me some incredible dinners. (I appreciate this kind of bribery)

Wanting to return the favor and I use the fruit and veggie ‘restriction’ as an opportunity to get creative and cook something mouth-watering and flavourful that we can both enjoy. (Spices help me a lot, also Pinterest)

Overall, I’m very thankful to have shared these experiences with vegans who have gently swayed my perspective on their appetizing food and lifestyle. I’m only but an amateur vegan chef, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it (and my body enjoys it too!)

So if you’re looking for a vegan flatmate, they’re quite easy to find actually. I suggest leaving a trial of carrots or tomatoes behind you and either they or their dog will eventually follow you. Or Facebook groups. (both work well)

WARNING: May cause you to fall in love with fruits and vegetables (guilty)