Iβve been semi-Vegetarian since I was a teenager (I still ate chicken and, once in a blue moon, turkey and fish), after reading a combination ofFit for Life and a science fiction novel that for the life of me, I canβt remember the name of. Fit for Life explained the physical absurdities of meat eating to me and provided plenty of practical, logical explanations and advice that made a hell of a lot of sense. The science fiction novel was about people from another planet visiting Earth and being horrified that we still hadnβt evolved to a point where we no longer ate animals. They believed that this was why we couldnβt communicate telepathically like they could – we were stunting our own spirituality. Stop laughing!! It was a really good book!!“Isn’t being Vegetarian enough? Why do you have to be Vegan too? Is it some sort of cult or something??!!”
ANYWAY… fast forward to 2011… I chose complete Vegetarianism at the beginning of 2011 after deciding I was fed up with feeling like a hypocrite every time I ate chicken. Then in September 2011, I saw graphic footage of the live export trade and began researching and lobbying and discovering…
I had always been interested in the health and spiritual benefits of veganism, but not enough to stop eating dairy. I LOVED cheese and I didn’t really see what the harm was. Those cows need to be milked, right? I intended for this blog to be largely uplifting and inspirational because thereβs more than enough negativity in this world, but for my friends and family to understand why I chose to follow a Vegan lifestyle, I linked this video and this fact sheet, which showed me all I needed to know. After seeing this, and after a few sleepless nights and angry rants about the lies we are constantly fed by the meat and dairy industries and our own governments, all in the name of revenue, I came to accept that I couldnβt ever chow down on my beloved cheese again without seeing 700,000 calves in my mind.
On a more positive note, Iβve lost weight without even trying, feel fantastic physically, feel happier spiritually, am teaching myself how to cook, have discovered a ton of new and exciting foods, and seem to have cured my own chronic eczema! YAY!
The Aliens would be SO proudβ¦
79 Comments on Why Vegan, Sparkles?
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Tamas
November 17, 2011 at 10:15 am (13 years ago)Didn’t realise you upgraded to your own domain and a full blog, awesome! π
vegansparkles
November 17, 2011 at 12:09 pm (13 years ago)hehe, I even used my first Plug In! Proud? π
Tamas
November 17, 2011 at 12:22 pm (13 years ago)Absolutely! π
Zoe
November 17, 2011 at 1:18 pm (13 years ago)Vegan! Congrats Bex – I’ve not made the full plunge into non-dairy and non-eggs etc. I’ll be sure to get some recipes off you to encourage some more healthy vegan choices.
vegansparkles
November 17, 2011 at 7:41 pm (13 years ago)Yep, give it a go, Zozo! I only post the ones that work. π
noggie
November 19, 2011 at 10:23 am (13 years ago)great web page my dear, so inspirational, and im glad you found what was right for you:):)xxx
vegansparkles
November 21, 2011 at 1:45 pm (13 years ago)Thank you, Noggie Princess! π xxx
Stephen McInnes
December 15, 2011 at 10:48 am (13 years ago)Hi! Great Blog! I’ve been a Vegan for three years, I did so, first for weight loss reason’s. My G.P.suggested it. Now it’s a way-of-life for me. I’ve gone from a starting weight of 215k.g, yes 215k.g. to 90k.g. am now free of type 2 Diabetes exercise like crazy. Most importantly for me it makes me feel clean on the ‘inside’ and mentally very positive. An all round very positive result.
vegansparkles
December 15, 2011 at 4:45 pm (13 years ago)WOW, what a fantastic weight loss! Congratulations, and it’s so exciting to hear that a GP suggested the idea! I know exactly what you mean about the health and mental benefits. I could never go back now! π
Healthy Party Girl
January 7, 2012 at 4:52 pm (13 years ago)Hello fellow Perth Vegan! Whilst I don’t live there anymore it’s nice to see a familiar location π Thanks for following.
vegansparkles
January 13, 2012 at 10:10 am (13 years ago)Helloooooo there! I love the name of your blog! π
Ali @ whatalididnext
January 11, 2012 at 4:12 am (13 years ago)Hi there – just found your blog and love it!
I am a newish vegan, and have also found that my chronic excema (my hands were so bad I couldnt touch anything without gloves) has disappeared.
I am over in New Zealand and most of the blogs I read are from the states – great to find smething more local π
vegansparkles
January 11, 2012 at 8:50 am (13 years ago)Oh, thank you so much, Ali – you just made my day! π I’ll be checking up on your blog to see what cool veganish things NZ is up to!
Another thing for eczema and dry skin I’ve been trying lately is coconut oil. It’s really been helping to keep my skin hydrated. You might want to give it a try – you can buy it in your local, friendly health food shop.
shanapowell
January 12, 2012 at 9:40 pm (13 years ago)Love the blog! I definitely want to check out that Fit For Life book!
vegansparkles
January 13, 2012 at 10:07 am (13 years ago)Thank you so much! π And yes, get your hands on a copy! It’s quite old now, and the food combining part is outdated, but there are some fantastic points in it.
dessertduches819
January 13, 2012 at 5:23 am (13 years ago)I love your blog and your message! I’ve been a vegetarian for almost two years, and now I’m transitioning into veganism for better health and for my love of animals. I saw you liked my most recent post about a vegan-friendly Winesday. Check back when you can, I’m going to be putting up more vegan-friendly desserts and meals π Thanks for the inspiration!
vegansparkles
January 13, 2012 at 10:09 am (13 years ago)Thank you so much! π Yes, I am partial to a Winesday as well, and love the Yellow Tail Shiraz.
I will definitely be over to your blog regularly and reading up on your vegan creations. Cheers!
Lala
February 2, 2012 at 11:02 pm (13 years ago)Love your reasons for making the switch to an all vegan diet. I want to but I am trying to make it a concrete decision–as in if my dear Mom makes fish, I have to refuse.
I have heard TONS about a vegan diet clearing up skin problems. I for one have had acne throughout my life and tried every treatment possible from the doctor. But when I avoid dairy, guess what happens? Skin clears up. Hmmm.
In for Fit for LIfe II they say dairy is disease CAUSING. I can’t forget that quote!
vegansparkles
February 3, 2012 at 5:20 pm (13 years ago)That’s right, Lala – dairy is completely unhealthy for humans. I just saw on your blog that you’re starting a two week trial – fantastic news! All the best with it and just shout if you need any help. Check out my ‘links & info’ page too, for heaps of great info and resources. π
expressingellipses
February 4, 2012 at 8:01 am (13 years ago)I enjoyed reading this and will definitely find a copy of that book π
vegansparkles
February 9, 2012 at 3:22 pm (13 years ago)Check out ‘Skinny Bitch’ too, if you haven’t already, for a more modern take. π
Chick Pea
February 7, 2012 at 6:38 pm (13 years ago)Hi Rebecca : )
I am so happy that I stumbled upon your blog!! Thank you so much for providing such helpful info! I am moving up to Perth in a few weeks to study at Endeavour and the reviews you have done on vegan friendly cafe’s is heaven sent!! I am so excited to give them all a try and can’t wait to see what other treasures can be uncovered – keep up the great work!!
love & light
Chick Pea
vegansparkles
February 7, 2012 at 8:21 pm (13 years ago)Thanks so much, Chick Pea! π Wishing you all the best for your move! Please let me know if you uncover any other treasures – I’d love to hear about them.
Chick Pea
February 7, 2012 at 9:06 pm (13 years ago)If you haven’t already heard of Kris Carr and the Crazy Sexy Diet revolution – I think you might like it ; )
Thanks for the warm wishes – it’s a very exciting time!!
ruth
February 8, 2012 at 4:52 pm (13 years ago)congrats on the fab blog and Veganism! Your story is eerily like mine, vego for 6 years then heard about the Live Trade issue through Four Corners (dog bless Animals Australia), went to a protest and got handed a flyer about Veganism. Up to that point I thought I was doing so much goodness in the world being vego but that AA video on bobby calves took me on a journey towards Veganism I am so thankful for (despite the many tears shed watching Earthlings and other docos for the first time!) My eczema too cleared up and my husband has now totally embraced Veganism yey π looking forward to reading about more of your delicious recipes and Perth-related Veganism π
vegansparkles
February 9, 2012 at 3:20 pm (13 years ago)Thank you so much, Ruth! π
Yes, I too have watched Earthlings and Food Inc. and a heap of other documentaries in the past few months and shed countless tears, but I’m so happy to be on the vegan journey now, and hope to provide a support and help to others to make the transition. I only wish I’d known the truth sooner!
vegancharlie
February 27, 2012 at 1:47 am (13 years ago)Hi! I enjoy reading your blog so I picked you for the versatile blogger award. You can collect it here:
http://theadventuresofvegancharlie.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/versatile-blogger-award/
vegansparkles
March 6, 2012 at 9:43 am (13 years ago)Thank you so much! π
Koren Helbig
March 21, 2012 at 5:17 pm (13 years ago)Hi! A belated little note to let you know we loved your blog so much we nominated it for a Versatile Blogger Award. Pop over here if you want to check out our other nominations: http://nofoodwithaface.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/versatile-blogger-award/
xx Alana and Koren
vegansparkles
March 21, 2012 at 5:33 pm (13 years ago)Ohhh, thank you both so much!! π xx
My Plant Based Family
May 16, 2012 at 11:02 pm (12 years ago)Awards may be old hat by now but I nominated you for the Liebster Award. You can see the details at http://myplantbasedfamily.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/the-liebster-award/
I can’t wait to try the taco bowls from the VVP!
vegansparkles
May 17, 2012 at 8:50 am (12 years ago)eeeeeeekkk, thank you so much, Holly!! π I’m heading over to check it out right meow! xx
BijaPoo
May 29, 2012 at 5:30 am (12 years ago)Just a quick note to say thank you for the work you put into your blog. I don’t know about the awards, but if I did I would surely nominate yours for one. In lieu of that, I hope merely acknowledging what you do will suffice. Keep it up! http://12for2012.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/lr7-3-vegan-weeks-not-really-counting/
More Than Greens
May 31, 2012 at 3:45 am (12 years ago)Looks like youβve been flooded with award nominations but surely you can never have too many! Hereβs another one β Iβve nominated you for the Food Stories Award for Excellence in Storytelling. You can see the post here: http://morethangreens.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/bloggiversaries-and-award-nominations/
http://foodstoriesblog.com/food-stories-award/
* Vegan Sparkles *
May 31, 2012 at 9:36 am (12 years ago)WHOOHOO!! Never too many!! hehe π Thank you so much, Sarah! You just made my day! xx
More Than Greens
May 31, 2012 at 6:36 pm (12 years ago)I’m glad to hear that. Enjoy nominating and good luck! =)
Fred
June 1, 2012 at 9:16 pm (12 years ago)Hi Rebecca, Bex, and Sparkles in unison, thanks for posting your great recipes. Got to try the toasted banana bread + passion fruit spread!
Maybe the SciFi novel you are referring to is Arthur C. Clarke’s “Childhood’ End”. Do you remember the chapter where the aliens (“overlords”) make the entire audience experience the pain a bull was perceiving in a bullfight? A.C. Clarke mentions the idea of a future where everyone eats a plant-based diet in other books as well, e.g. in “3001”. Hope our world ends up taking the same route.
* Vegan Sparkles *
June 5, 2012 at 1:52 pm (12 years ago)Oooh, I’m not sure, Fred. I just looked it up on Wiki and I don’t think that was it but it has been a long time since I read the book I am talking about. I’ll get Childhood’s End out of the library and check. Thank you for the suggestion – it sounds like an interesting read even if it’s not the same book. I don’t remember the bull part but I remember the aliens sitting down to dinner with humans and being utterly horrified and repulsed when the humans served up dead animals for dinner. I hope our world ends up taking the same route too, and soon!
Fred
June 5, 2012 at 2:26 pm (12 years ago)Hi Bex, the scene you are mentioning (aliens sitting down to dinner with humans and being alienated [pun intended] by humans eating dead animals) is not in “Childhood’s End”, because… No, I will not spoil it for you. No “vegan content”, but also pretty good: A. C. Clarke’s “Rendezvous with Rama” (only this one, not the sequels).
—————Again, thanks for sharing your recipes. I made and loved the banana bread. Too bad I did not find passion fruit pulp here in Germany — replaced it by jam and more lemon juice.
* Vegan Sparkles *
June 10, 2012 at 5:35 pm (12 years ago)My pleasure and thanks for the recommendations. π
Mike
June 21, 2012 at 2:05 pm (12 years ago)Nice blog, Bex!.
Veganism is, to me the non-negotiable moral baseline (a line I stole from Gary Francione!).
I don’t usually follow recipes, but the mushroom and cashew soup looks really tasty.
Best wishes
Mike
* Vegan Sparkles *
June 21, 2012 at 2:18 pm (12 years ago)Thanks Mike! π
kloe
February 3, 2013 at 7:47 pm (12 years ago)Hey there,
Just wanted to let you know that your blog is really inspiring me to give vegan ism a try! I’ve been considering it for a while now; but I think equipped with your amazing recipes, I should definitely take a chance!
thanks for finally giving me that motivation π
I’m also passionate about cooking and nutrition, and I love finding fellow Aussie bloggers who I can relate to!
keep up the great work π
kloe x
* Vegan Sparkles *
February 6, 2013 at 10:48 am (12 years ago)Ohhh I’m so happy to hear that, Kloe! You just made my day and I’m so happy you found me. π
Veganism can be a lot of fun and it definitely opened up a whole new world of creativity for me, so hopefully it will do the same for you. Thankfully Australian vegan products and cafes are becoming a whole lot easier to find. One day we might even have amazing WholeFoods stores like the US! I live in hope! π
xx
Becky
April 5, 2013 at 8:51 pm (12 years ago)Hellooo, I have βnomβinated you for the βvery inspiring blog awardβ. Love your blog you can see the post here β http://veghotpot.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/blogger-awards-thank-yous-and-nominations/ π No pressure to take part! Just passing on the love x
* Vegan Sparkles *
April 10, 2013 at 8:13 pm (12 years ago)Nawww, thank you so much, Becky!! π xxx
Claire // This is Lifeblood
April 12, 2013 at 10:51 am (12 years ago)Your site is GORGEOUS! And you are hilarious. Love it!! x
* Vegan Sparkles *
April 14, 2013 at 3:20 pm (12 years ago)haha, thanks so much, Claire! So great to have you here. π
peaceloveandsmoothies
April 29, 2013 at 7:31 am (11 years ago)What an inspiring about page! It brought a smile to my face.
* Vegan Sparkles *
April 29, 2013 at 5:09 pm (11 years ago)Nawww, thank you so much! It’s so lovely to have you here. π
Sarah
May 8, 2013 at 12:46 pm (11 years ago)Great blog! Would love to have you write a food column or recipe article for our magazine if you ever feel inspired! http://www.sanomag.com.au
* Vegan Sparkles *
May 9, 2013 at 2:29 pm (11 years ago)Fabulous! Thanks Sarah. π
Katie (A Fork in Hand)
May 24, 2013 at 3:31 am (11 years ago)A little blog love coming your way – I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award! You can check it out in my latest post. Thank you for the tasty recipes and for brightening my day so often with your positive, sparkling attitude.
* Vegan Sparkles *
May 27, 2013 at 7:31 pm (11 years ago)Oh wow, thank you so much, Katie! π Heading over to check it out now! x
Jill Miller
June 23, 2013 at 7:15 pm (11 years ago)Hi Bec, I just came across your blog and love it. I was a huge meat eater (at least a steak for dinner 5 times a week), but since I travelled to India last year I am nearly 100% vegetarian and feeling fantastic for it. And since then I have started to fill my mind body and spirit with lots of love. I have created a blog to share ways to love yourself more, which I thought you may be interested in too. Its http://www.JustLoveYourself.com. I can’t wait to read more of your posts.
Jill
* Vegan Sparkles *
June 24, 2013 at 3:49 pm (11 years ago)Hi Jill! Thank you, welcome, and it’s so funny how many people I know who became veg after visiting India. I’m thrilled to hear you feel fantastic for it and love the sound of your blog! Heading over to check it out now. xx
Ian McDonald
July 15, 2013 at 12:16 am (11 years ago)Am suitably jealous of the awards!
I’ve just finished a 30-minute internet radio show about Science Fiction and Animals.
I did not come across anything that might have been your novel – it’s amazing how often science fiction asks questions about how we relate to other animals, so often that even though I interviewed the experts and spent ages corralling examples, I keep finding out about new examples.
Anyway, if you are interested in sci-fi as well as veganism, both of the popular TV kind and the obscure novels kind, you might enjoy listening to The Vegan Option: Science Fiction and Animals while you are cooking up something fantastic.
When I make a show I pick a topic, research it, and find the experts and the people with the interesting stories.
One of the experts I talked for this show is Australian vegan activist Tara Lomax – know her? Her veganism has really changed the way she understands some of the movies she studies.
Anyway, hope the show is of interest!
* Vegan Sparkles *
July 15, 2013 at 4:57 pm (11 years ago)Oh wow, Ian, my inner Sci-Fi Geek is jumping for joy! π
Thank you for finding me and for sharing – I can’t wait to listen in and to check out what other cool stuff you’ve got happening over there.
I haven’t heard of Tara before but I’ll look her up too.
Courtney Thorn
July 15, 2013 at 6:19 am (11 years ago)Hello! I love your blog! I recently discovered it and have been exploring and reading. I am currently completing my certification in plant based nutrition from ecornell and and looking into holistic health coaching programs. Do you mind telling me which program your are completing your training through? I love meeting other people who are vegans and also into holistic coaching! Great job with the site!
Thank!
* Vegan Sparkles *
July 15, 2013 at 4:47 pm (11 years ago)Hi Courtney! Welcome! So lovely to have you here. π
I’m currently studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York and loving every moment!
Gary Patterson
August 12, 2013 at 7:20 am (11 years ago)Hi Bex, I love your website. Recipes I’ve tried have always succeeded. Why do I feel sure that you once published a tomatoe ketchup recipe? My imagination? I tried your search window with no results. If you have one please send it along to the above email address. Thank you for your time. Gary
* Vegan Sparkles *
August 14, 2013 at 4:10 pm (11 years ago)Hi Gary! Thanks so much and it’s so lovely to have you here. π
hhhmmm, tomato ketchup… I can’t remember that one but perhaps it’s a sign that I need to make it! Stay tuned!
Alicia Curtis
October 8, 2013 at 8:16 pm (11 years ago)A foodie vegan in Perth! I’m in love!
Love the website, recipes and philosophy Rebecca. Look forward to reading more and sharing your recipes and website with my networks.
* Vegan Sparkles *
October 22, 2013 at 2:55 pm (11 years ago)Thank you, Alicia, and it’s so lovely to have you here. π
Yvone
October 11, 2013 at 10:55 am (11 years ago)I too found Fit For Life the best way to understand beings..animal and human..I read it many many..too many years ago!!…and I wish more were interested in learning more…but each journey is their own…would love you to find the name of the book re:aliens…as I have long held belief of what you wrote.Love and brown rice…Yvone π
* Vegan Sparkles *
October 22, 2013 at 2:56 pm (11 years ago)I will find it again one day, Yvone! π x
Candice
November 15, 2013 at 9:15 am (11 years ago)Hi,
I’m pretty sure I saw in an advert thingie on fb, that you are doing vegan fruit mince pies & that they needed to be ordered before a certain date? If so, I would love to order some, but can’t seem to find this ad now?
Kind regards
Candice
* Vegan Sparkles *
November 16, 2013 at 12:44 pm (11 years ago)Hi Candice, I think it must have been an ad from someone else, but I’m pretty sure Loving Hut could sort you out. π
Celeste
November 18, 2013 at 8:03 am (11 years ago)I love what you’re about and your writing style is fun and engaging! Celeste π
* Vegan Sparkles *
November 20, 2013 at 8:35 am (11 years ago)Thanks so much, Celeste, and it’s so lovely to have you here. π x
Michelle Connell
November 18, 2013 at 3:13 pm (11 years ago)Hi Bec,
Nice to meet you. I work with your mum and she pointed me in your direction. Im a vegetarian (have been for 11 years). Id love to go vegan but didnt know where to start or what food I could eat that actually tasted good (im fussy) and without it costing us a fortune. So this website is amazing. Ill be studying it.
Id love to know the name of that sci fi book! Id love to read it.
* Vegan Sparkles *
November 20, 2013 at 8:35 am (11 years ago)Hi Michelle! So lovely to have you here and please just shout if I can be of any extra help with your desire to go vegan. π
And I’d love to remember the name of the book, too! One of these days the universe will send it back to me, I’m sure of it. π
Rachel Whaley
November 25, 2013 at 12:48 am (11 years ago)I am new to your site and wonder if you are on the metric system. I saw another site from Australia that required me to convert all measurements in the recipes. When you say 1 cup – I assume I can use my American standard measuring cup, is that correct? Thanks!!
My first foray will be the cashew cream mushroom soup which I intend to use in my green bean casserole.
* Vegan Sparkles *
November 25, 2013 at 10:32 am (11 years ago)Hi Rachel and welcome! π Yes the standard American measuring cup can be used for all recipes on this site. Enjoy your casserole – I’m yet to try the cashew cream of mushroom soup + green bean casserole combo but I’ve had so many rave reviews from readers and it sounds divine. Happy Holidays! x
Rachel Whaley
December 8, 2013 at 12:16 am (11 years ago)Well the cashew cream of mushroom soup was a huge hit at Thanksgiving (in the green bean casserole) and leftovers of the soup were just great. My first time making cashew cream! Can’t wait to try more recipes. Thanks.
* Vegan Sparkles *
December 9, 2013 at 1:52 pm (11 years ago)Oh fantastic, great to hear it, Rachel! π x
Maggie
January 17, 2014 at 6:12 am (11 years ago)Was the book called The City of Pearl?
* Vegan Sparkles *
January 19, 2014 at 4:57 pm (11 years ago)I just googled The City of Pearl and I’m not sure but I’m very excited to track a copy down and find out! Thanks Maggie! x