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Meet the Super Vegans of Shanghai!

2017-04-14 ShanghaiWOWeng

Just as the average Chinese individual decides to glutton on pork (far more than their American counterparts where consumption on a per-capita basis for China is 89 pounds while the U.S. is 60 pounds), we see a sharp rise in the number of vegans in the country. Yes, the words 'Veganism' and 'Chinese' are no longer mutually exclusive. The country is home to more than 50 million people who have chosen the rational path that leads to better health, protection of the environment and of course, minimization of animal suffering. This number is far larger than the headcount of vegans in the U.S. at the moment - which ironically is quoted as the birthplace of modern veganism. 


Here is a compilation (in random order) of a few individuals in our own city of Shanghai who are willing to make the bold move of not just being vegan, but being an advocate for the movement in their own unique way. 


YAMIZ BACHKHAZ

Self-defense trainer, J-FIT

Vegan for 10 months


Why did you choose to become a vegan?

I have been on many different diets, and I’m always trying to progress that by finding the healthiest possible one to turn into the fittest lifestyle.


What has been the biggest result?

I always love to learn, and teach myself something new. So I felt that if I changed the way I eat and switch to a different lifestyle, I would learn a lot. With this, learned more about nutrition, and overall health. I have more energy, I am stronger, and healthier than ever. My body feels light, and always feels good after a meal. I wake up early every morning ready to go about my day. My skin has cleared up, I got rid of stubborn fat, I exercise less and see better results through this lifestyle.


How have you managed difficulties?

I feel that making my own food, manages all the difficulties in dealing with the problem of trusting the places you eat out at. Communication is key with restaurant staff, in order to avoid any disappointment, confusion, or errors. Don’t eat sheep balls by mistake.


Any advice for aspiring Vegans?

Yes, if you love yourself, you should be willing to do whatever it takes to be healthy. No excuses.


BORRETT

TRX Trainer at J-FIT,

Vegan for 5 months



Why did you choose to become a vegan?

Sometimes life chooses for you. You fall in love with a vegan, you turn vegan. 


What has been the biggest result?

I experienced the greatest result to be in the way I listen to my body and it's needs. Also, defining the difference between what is nutritional and what is simply an unhealthy lust for food. 


How have you managed difficulties?

I have to be vigilant in my new thinking pattern and also stay educated on what really goes into certain foods, especially when eating out. Never assume that anyone will take responsibility or even care about your vegan lifestyle - you have to make the effort.


Any advice for aspiring vegans?

It could be considered a sacrifice in lifestyle at the first glance, but with time it will prove itself to be the most rewarding decision you’ll make.


TEC

Founder of VeganRunner Club Shanghai

Technical Consultant at Pansafe Software

Vegan for more than 4 years

 


Why did you choose to become a vegan?

During my first half marathon in December 2011, myocardial spasm almost killed me. I didn't want to die at the ripe age of 41. So I made a decision to salvage myself with a vegan diet after reading “The China Study” by Dr. Campbell in October 2012. When my health improved with a vegan diet, I studied the link between more animal rights and the environment.  It is common sense, being vegan means do no harm. I took the leap and became a vegan somewhere in the second half of 2013.


What has been the biggest result?

My health has been greatly improved, especially, heart disease. The people around me were beginning to pay attention to my vegan diet and my love for running In 2016, in my third vegan year, a significant breakthrough came: my full marathon PB (Personal Best result) was 3 hours and 15 minutes, and inspired by this, we founded the VeganRunner Club in 2014, which has grown beyond my expectations.


How have you managed difficulties? 

Power of being vegan is that you attain inner peace. So, being vegan itself did not bring any personal difficulties to me. But maybe it brings some inconvenience to the work environment and my relationship with others. But with the growth in the movement, this situation is gradually improving.


Any advice for aspiring Vegans?

Learn more about vegan nutrition, exercise and spiritual practice, and when you become more and more powerful, you will be aware of your inner delightful changing. Congratulations, Vegans! You did IT!  


RIPLEY FRANCES

Co-founder of Cat-Kind,

Vegan for 6 years 

 


Why did you choose to become a vegan?

I did it for ethical reasons.


What has been the biggest result? 

As well as feeling happier with my ethical choices, it has helped me to stick to a healthier and more thoughtful diet. 


How have you managed difficulties?

In the UK, it is easier to get vegan products in store. It was a bit hard to adjust at first to China but having vegan friends and groups really helps with new ideas to find or supplement products. 


Any advice for aspiring Vegans? 

Don't think of it as giving up the things you like but instead finding ways to enjoy them without cruelty. 


ASHER MARAD

Co-founder of Govegan!

Vegan for 4 years 

 


Why did you choose to become a vegan?

My first step to a plant based diet were for health and fitness reasons. I just love fitness activities, specially building muscles. I realized that muscles repair is faster with a plant based diet, which means I'm able to go back to the gym more often and hit those muscles once again!  Science shows very clearly that a plant based diet improves our lives in so many aspects, it was a no-brainer. 


What has been the biggest result?

My biggest results in the journey was that I was able to look beyond myself, after a year being vegan. I studied more about other aspects such as animal agriculture and environmental issues that comes along with us consuming animal product.  My compassion and feelings for other beings changed completely. I was able to make the connection - understanding that there is no different between a dog, chicken, cow or a pig.  


How have you managed difficulties?

Understating that avoiding animal products in my life is beneficial to this planet, just makes me feel awesome. I always look at the bigger picture - the reason why I do what I do. I look at the issue from the victim’s eyes and not mine. Just by doing that, all the difficulties that come along with a plant based diet are minors compare to to the outcome consequences of consuming it.


Any advice for aspiring Vegans?

Always learn more in every aspect that got to do with veganism. Learning more about it puts you in a strong position in debates and stronger position to your yourself. Knowledge is power! Keep it real


JAY

Founder of J-FIT fitness academy

Vegan since age 8

 


Why did you choose to become a vegan?

I was born intolerant to animal products, so my family became vegan to accommodate me and they did not like the idea of killing animals.


What has been the biggest result?

Through being vegan most of my life, I was always super healthy. Fitness wise, I was able to play ice hockey on the national team and could skate 3 hours in a row and have enough energy to outperform any player. As I grew older and my goals changed, so did my body - it's tough to gain huge muscle mass as being vegan I have had a body fat percentage of 5% and below. For my whole life, my metabolism has been very high. This however provides me with constant energy and speedy recovery time. In terms of a physical results, I now have developed a new diet that works for my body and put on 13kg of muscle mass on under 1 year.


How have you managed difficulties?

I was very lucky to have parents in the health industry so I was taught many techniques to maintain a lifestyle from a young age but, I was bullied a lot and mocked for being vegan. I got used to it and used the negative attacks as positive energy to prove others wrong.

Any advice for aspiring Vegans?

Education, education, education. Teach yourself, Google, and when you don't know something Google again. I always suggest that people learn about how the body works first - why we need certain nutrients, and then go vegan. It can be super healthy when done right but at the same time if done wrong it can be very unhealthy too. There is so much information out there and hundreds of different views and opinions on what is good and what is not. Learn and try new things until you find what works best for your body. And don't believe everything people say, always question what they know and where it comes from and make sure there is information to back it.


FORREST SONG

Founder, VeggieDorm

 Vegan for 4 years



Why did you choose to become a vegan?

I love animals, the Earth, and my health. I do not keep it a secret as I intend to inspire those around me to be aware and take responsibility for the impact of their choices.


What has been the biggest result?

I have developed a sense of gratitude and duty for preserving the world as we know. I feel enlightened and have a vision of what I can do to make the planet a better place to be in. 


How have you managed difficulties?

I loved eating meat before, so when I made the decision to be a vegan, I had to confront my temptations for consuming meat. It was an interesting period for a year and I gradually changed my habit. I learned more about nutrition, livestock and environment protection, which strengthened my determination. I also learned how to cook, which helped to solve many health problems related to my stomach.


Any advice for aspiring vegan?

Be grateful for what you learn about veganism, such as health improvement, environmental protection, animal rights, self consciousness, etc. Be a perpetual leaner to understand more on the world and human beings. Do not try to persuade people to go vegan by words but by action and attitude with grace and a caring heart.


CECILIA

Project coordinator, Good Food Road Show

Vegan for a year

 


Why did you choose to become a vegan?

At the beginning, it was about my health. After learning more about the true cost of livestock & animal agriculture, it was more about the animal rights and the environment. Then I thought: “why do we need to eat the other beings on the earth that results in such suffering, when I can eat just plants and thrive?”


What has been the biggest result?

I'm healthier as a vegan. It is a healthier lifestyle. 


How have you managed difficulties?

The biggest difficulty is having to explain to your family and friends. I'm lucky that I do a volunteer job such like writing articles and translating articles. I post the articles to my family and friends from time to time. 


Any advice for aspiring Vegans? 

Just be yourself. Do not be afraid to tell your family and friends that you are vegan. Eat healthy and exercise - vegans are healthy and full of enthusiasm. Vegans are ethical people. Your family and friends will understand this lifestyle eventually.


ABDOURAHAMANE LY

Founder, Tofanyi

Vegan for a year

 


Why did you choose to be vegan?

My wife was vegetarian and introduced me to some books on animal rights, from then I gave up meat about a year before I became vegan. We both decided that being vegetarian was still participating in harmful practices against animals and was also bad for your health so decided to go vegan.


What has been the biggest result?

I feel like I'm healthier and have way more energy than before when I was a vegetarian. My mood has also improved.


How have you managed difficulties?

I have found that the biggest problem has been people's attitudes to vegans, when I go out with non vegans they often spend the entire meal encouraging me to eat meat. I deal with this by giving them more information on veganism and encouraging them to learn for themselves.


Any advice for aspiring vegans?

Just do it! It isn't as hard as people think and you will feel much better for it. Make sure you are not put off by other people's opinions and research vegan nutrition to make sure you get everything you need.


SOPHIE TSUEI

Chief Happiness Officer, Fengqu.com (A cross-border e-retailer), Founder, Mentor Me (NPO)

Vegan for 1 yr

 


Why did you choose to become a vegan?

After years of practicing meditations, someday one year ago, I decided to become a vegan. It was a very natural process and I transformed immediately. I could feel the calling from the heart that I did not want to eat meat anymore. 


What has been the biggest result?

The change of fueling [food] has made a significant impact on my body, from metabolism – from my alimentary system to geminal system. I feel more energetic at life & work, and am more aware of maintaining inner peace and observing surroundings. 

How have you managed difficulties?


Not much, but I would say that it is challenging to have dinner with people who are not vegans. Luckily during the past year, I have met some like-minded friends who are vegans or vegetarians, also turned some friends into occasional vegetarians. 


Any advice for aspiring Vegans?

Listen to your inner voice, your body & mind, and keep up with this compassionate diet, Shanghai!  


LIN ZHANG

Founder of the social network ‘All the Veg*n Ladies’

Vegan for over 4 years 



Why did you choose to become a vegan?

My family would always call our dog Pepe (a black and white Shitzu/Maltese mix) by many different nicknames. We would call him our little bunny, because of the way that he pounced and his love of baby carrots. We would call him our little skunk because of well, puppy smells (he’s also named after a cartoon skunk). We would also call him our little cow, simply because of the colors of his soft, and fluffy fur. One day during high school, my psychology teacher put on the documentary Food Inc. during class. I was mortified by the slaughterhouse footage. Cows being hung from their two back feet on a belt being slowly transported to their death - wait, cows… Pepe looks like a cow. This is where my fancy steak dinner came from? This is how they treat them? How can anybody treat a cute animal like that? What if it were Pepe being hung by the feet?! Pepe is the same color as the cow being brutally slashed open. That day, I knew that I could no longer eat meat. After phases of pescetarianism, vegetarianism, and "falling off the wagon," I came across the documentary called Earthlings where more than just the topic of meat was discussed. Dairy farms, animal testing, fur, and more - my eyes were being opened as I was presented the information on the cruel practices. I knew that I could no longer take part in any of this cruelty and before the documentary concluded, I went vegan. 


What has been the biggest result?

*Lady topic* While I didn't go vegan for health reasons, something that going vegan has helped me with greatly is my menstrual cycle. Before I went vegan, I would get black-out, vomit inducing, fetal-position-rolling period cramps. Let me tell you, they were bad. I blacked out once while driving from the pain - not good. Since going vegan, these period pains have decreased significantly. Most months, I get no cramps at all. Oh, and aunt flow doesn’t visit for quiet as long anymore. *Lady topic over* 


How have you managed difficulties?

To me, being vegan itself isn't difficult. Straying away from products that involve hurting another living creature is not something that is challenging if it is being done for reasons other than yourself. However, family members are definitely something that I find hard to deal with. When I am talking to family members, usually my elders, I get very emotional because it's hard for me to understand how otherwise compassionate and caring people can't make the connection. Having a support system of likeminded friends and a great community definitely helps me manage this issue by allowing me to vent and by offering me advice. 


Any advice for aspiring Vegans?

Find other vegans! Whether its recipes that you are struggling with, social gatherings that are deterring you from going vegan, a question as to whether or not a product is vegan or not, other vegans can help you! Also, don't forget why you went or wanted to go vegan in the first place. I know that there were a few times when other people have said enough to make me question my choices but at the end of the day, it's not about me, or them. There are other living beings in part of these decisions that we make everyday and unfortunately, they are voiceless and too often forgotten. 


About the author:

 

EVE [SAMYUKTHA] 

Engineer [polymer research] in the automotive sector 

 Founder of the community platform ‘Vegans of Shanghai’

Vegan for 4 years



Why did you choose to become a vegan?

I became vegan after being cured of cognitive dissonance in early 2013 [commonly know as the ‘meat paradox’ – where one cares for animals, but also exploits & eats them]. 


What has been the biggest result?

The most impactful results from being vegan for 4 years is that I have saved 6,079,294 gallons of water & 26,426 lbs of grains from being wasted, prevented 4,088 square meter of forest land from being cleared up, reduced 13,286 lbs of CO2 by weight from being released into the atmosphere & saved 1,460 animals from being killed [Source: vegancalculator.com, Cowspiracy.com/facts].


How have you managed difficulties?

There are no difficulties in eating vegan or buying vegan wear. It requires some level of planning, but that is true for any behavioral change one makes. The unique challenge of being vegan, I would say is to be able look at the brighter side of humanity after discovering how we torture our fellow earthlings for that one burger or a bucket of fried chicken or a fashionable leather purse. The only way to stay positive amidst all the sadness or horror is reaching out to those who are as compassionate as you are and work towards making a change together. 


Any advice for aspiring Vegans?

Be vocal. Be bold. Lead by example. Don’t give up, the animals need you. Change will follow, it always does.


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