Sorina and Veganism

Sorina is a final year high school student. She's passionate about nutrition and sport. She loves taking care of both her body and soul, and she strongly believes that those two elements play one of the biggest roles in our overall well-being.

Her plan for the future is to become a therapist and help others be the healthiest version of themselves, starting with their mindset.

Today we'll find out more about her vegan experience, learn about veganism, explore some of the reasons to ditch animal products and pieces of advice on how to do so.

When did you decide to go vegan and why?

"I went vegan 2 years ago and the story of "why I decided to go vegan" is actually very funny. I was volunteering for an event and one of my colleagues told me that she doesn't eat meat because she loves animals. I remember thinking 'Oh my God...I also love animals....how can I eat them??'

The day after, I started my vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and I think if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here today. She inspired me to give up meat and pick up empathy. Since then, my life changed for the better!"

What was the most difficult part during the process of transition?

"Personally, the process of transition wasn't a long one, I gave up meat overnight and I continued eating cheese and eggs for a month. I can honestly say it was quite an easy task because I tried to focus on what I can incorporate in my diet, rather than what I have to stop eating.

Something that helped me stick to my goal and become vegan is thinking of how many lives I saved and that maybe, a cow who was supposed to become steak is happy in a sanctuary, eating grass and playing with other cows."

What do you enjoy the most about being vegan?

"My favourite part about being vegan is being able to save animals and influence others to do the same. Since I became vegan, some of my friends started being more conscious about their choices too: some turned vegetarian, some quit dairy, some stopped wearing fur and buying leather.

It's one of the best feelings when I see that people want to do better, they take small steps and seeing them putting more effort in towards this cause, and me being one of the people who motivated them is something that keeps me going!"

What do your friends and family think about it?

"My family was, surprisingly, very supportive. When I told them that I wanted to try to be vegan, they didn't try to convince me not to do it. My mom and dad did everything they could to make it easy for me to be vegan. When we went shopping they always got me vegan alternatives for meat and diary, we started cooking vegan recipes and we documented ourselves more about the vegan lifestyle."

What are some benefits of this diet?

"Definitely, the biggest benefit was the impact it had on my health. I can't say I was a sick child or that I had major health issues, but since I became vegan I noticed a lot of things happened to me: my skin was brighter, healthier looking, my hair was growing faster, my relationship with food has improved because I became more thoughtful about what I put into my body and so many other changes. Overall, I noticed that veganism had an amazing impact over me and I would never go back to being an omnivore."

What are some important sources of inspiration for you?

"The people I look up to for inspiration are:

• Earthling Ed - vegan activist

• Marius Mitrache - vegan bodybuilder

• Deliric - vegan Romanian rapper

• Billie Eilish - vegan singer

Those are the people I really admire and who keep me motivated. They are proof that we can live in a cruelty-free world and still enjoy life and pursue our dreams and passions."

Any advice for those who try to change their diet and become vegetarian/vegan?

"It's worth it! All the effort and hard work, all the hours spent researching, all the headaches after trying to find cruelty free make up and vegan leather are important! You are not only saving animals but also contributing to the fight against climate change.

Together we can make the world a kinder place for all beings! It's okay if you make mistakes along the way or if you can't be a full-time vegan, baby steps matter and every little change matters! Don't get discouraged and always strive for progress!"