I was diagnosed with long Covid at the beginning of 2021. It was a huge relief to know why I had been having so many health issues, including brain fog and panic attacks. The diagnosis was the beginning of a journey that would take me to a life-changing decision about what I eat.
I was told that it was very likely that I caught Covid before the tests were available. I am fortunate to have a brilliant and caring GP who listens to me and provides me with support. He helped me understand that I needed to take a break to recover from my illness.
I spoke to two friends who helped me with my recovery after my diagnosis. A few years ago, one of them became a vegan to manage her own health issues. She suggested that I try a plant-based diet to help reduce inflammation in my body, which was causing me pain, contributing to the deep fatigue, and harming my mental health. I became a vegan because of that.
I have always been curious about vegan food but never thought I would like it. I don't know if any women of colour or Muslims are vegan. This was one of the reasons I had never really explored it. You can't be what you can't see.
In the west, veganism is seen as a luxury for the white middle classes, and in this country it is hard to find someone who doesn't fit into these categories. I think people are deterred from exploring vegan because of the elitism associated with it.
It is often more expensive to buy fresh vegetables and fruit than it is to rely on fast food or processed food, especially for people and families on budgets or struggling with the cost of living. There is so much judgement heaped on people over the food they consume in the UK, it is linked to class. I am seeing this more clearly.
Shaista is at the Happy Friday vegan kitchen. The photograph is of Neetu Singh.
This is one of the reasons why vegan people are often portrayed as being without humor or joy, and with their entire personality reducible to what they eat. We are portrayed as people who spend a lot of time making their own yogurt, trying out new ways to cook on Sunday. Oh and, of course, winding up the likes of Piers Morgan. I have no problem with the latter accusation.
Forget the stereotypes. Changing my mind about vegan has changed my life in many ways. I have more energy, sleep better, feel less stressed, and the panic attacks have stopped. I have resumed counseling, which is helping my recovery.
I don't believe anyone can wish away Covid or any other illness through a change in lifestyle or vegan diet. I believe that we can create healthier and more equal societies if everyone is aware of how they eat and live.
There has been a big increase in the number of people in the UK who are exploring a vegan lifestyle. More than 20% of children in the UK are either already vegan or would like to be in the future.
According to a recent report from the University of Illinois, food production contributes around 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions; animal-based foods are estimated to produce twice the emissions of plant-based ones. There are so many arguments in favor of changing our diet.
I am at the beginning of my vegan journey. Being vegan doesn't require spending a lot of money or shopping in fancy places. It requires being organised and planning meals. I am learning how to eat well on a budget and reading new recipes. A lot of the food I have grown up eating is vegan or can be adapted to be so.
Changing my mind about vegan has introduced me to a community of people who are on the same path as me. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Shaista is a Labour member of the Oxford city council.
