I have been a herbivore since I was about 8 years old, which came as quite a shock to my family. While they knew I was an animal lover I didn’t tend to make any decisions that my older sister hadn’t made first. And that seemed like quite a big one.
Fastforward 14 years and I’m at University perusing the dullest careers fair you could possibly imagine when I decide to chat to the Armed Forces representatives. I’ve always thought it would be fun to be a fighter pilot. Mostly I just like the idea of flying planes. I try to explain this to the representative from the Royal Air Force, who is kindly taking me very seriously. After telling him how much I think I’d enjoy almost all the aspects he has described I tentatively explain that I don’t think I’d be entirely ok with actually having to kill someone…”is there still a place for someone who wants to be a fighter pilot but won’t actually fight?” He hesitates. My friend Alix is standing next to me and leans in to tell him (whispering the last word in case anyone might hear) “She’s a vegetarian…” Well doesn’t that say it all.
Over the last two years I have been cutting down significantly on dairy and processed foods and feel much better for it. I try to keep a varied diet that focuses on fruit, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and organic ingredients, but I’m not always super strict about this. My intentions are good, but I’m still trying to get the hang of life without cheese. I wonder if there is such a thing. Everything in moderation…except meat.
H o l l y 's a H e r b i v o r e 