Claudia Zandri

It all started around the fifth month of my pregnancy when a friend posted a video on social media

about the maltreatment of a cow in an intensive breeding farm in France and from that precise moment on I decided than never, ever again would I eat meat from an intensive breeding farm or from any breeding farm that I didn't know, little did I know that very soon I would stop eating meat completely.

My choice was influenced by my condition at that time, I was expecting and knew that soon I'd have to take care of a defenceless creature and so I asked myself why not take care of the animals too who can't defend themselves from man?  

Since I was small I loved animals and my dream was to become a vet so for me it was easy to eat cruelty-free, I was actually enthusiastic.

The biggest “fear“ at the start of this magical journey is: “can you live without meat?” seeing as I was reared eating protein mostly from animals and with my Father being a hunter and my Mother an excellent cook I was almost incredulous that in this world a vegetable based diet could exist, let's just say I was very ignorant.

Thankfully my brothers wife is vegetarian and helped me lots with the choice of food and combination of cereals, legumes, fruit and vegetables.

The only thing I miss about my previous Life before becoming vegan is the fact that I can no longer eat with a light heart at family meals or with friends (omnivores) because each time the protein etc. discussion comes up and so I absolutely don't miss anything from an omnivore diet but I do miss tranquility at mealtimes.

It's been 4 years since I've eaten meat and dairy products and my Mother still tries to put a spoke in the wheel, but the important thing is not to have to make others happy, including your parents, but to stay well yourself and be at peace with all the creatures of this earth.

Whoever wants to start eliminating meat, I would advise to try a course of vegan cooking, so that your palate and your eyes can fall in love with this special diet