Stuart is Veganuary’s Development Officer. Despite being a long-time environmentalist, it was only in 2017 that Stuart realised the best way to help the planet was to change his diet. He went from an omnivorous diet to a plant-based one overnight. Stuart is passionate about cooking, nature and exercise.
Despite considering myself an environmentalist, I was an omnivore until 2017. Though it had begun to dawn on me that the best way to help the planet was to change to a vegan diet, I went a long time without acting. I believed the shift to a plant based diet would be too difficult to comprehend.
My moment of epiphany came when I watched the film Vegucated and realised that vegans could be imperfect, messy people who make mistakes – just like me! I was inspired by the message that journeying towards veganism, no matter how successful your transition, would still reduce your impact on animals and the planet. It helped me to see veganism as a set of broad principles rather than a rather scary rule-book.
My move to veganism reinvigorated my love of cooking, and now I get unreasonably excited about seasonal local veg. I also train for endurance exercise and take part in two or three marathons, triathlons or long distance cycles each year. I’m interested in how a vegan diet can be used to improve performance, and how one can build strength while plant-based.
I become very animated when I talk about my passions: hiking, open water swimming, live music, literature, running, food, cycling and of course Strictly Come Dancing. If a friend shows even the slightest bit of interest in any of the above, I’ll usually drag them along to an event.
I’m very sociable and enjoy the diverse communities that grow when people share their passions. Being part of a supportive vegan community is important to me, and I’m glad to be part of the Veganuary team which helps that community go from strength to strength.