Celebrity Veggies - Part II
In part II of Celebrity Veggies Dawn chats to Jenny Seagrove, an English actress whose credits include: A Woman of Substance, A Local Hero, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and the BBC drama Judge John Deed. Jenny is also a campaigner for deregulation of the nutritional remedy industry.
Why veggie? It was a slow build up. I have always been passionate about animals and when I was much younger I married an Indian who at that time was vegetarian. We ate a lot of South Indian vegetarian food which was absolutely delicious so that was what got me into it as well as becoming aware of the plight of the animals. That is what keeps me vegan.
Difficulties: Sometimes it is hard to find enough to eat when you go to foreign countries. This country is fantastic as is India and the Middle East, but European countries tend to be backward about vegetarian food. More people are tuned into now though, which is great.
Misconceptions: Some people like to view us as new age cranks. It’s just the majority feeling threatened by a smaller group and not wanting their consciences pricked. I find it extraordinary that people don’t associate what’s on their plate with where it comes from. They don’t want to in all truth. I think some people see vegetarians as being slightly eccentric and wishy washy do gooders. Actually we are most passionate than meat eaters in the main. We are becoming less misconceived.
New World Perception: My perception changes every day. I am continually appalled at the extent of cruelty to animals, people and plants. I think the world is becoming so thoughtless and lacking in compassion, but then there is a balance in life and I think more people are becoming thoughtful to balance it. I just never meet them!
Societal Education: I think society is appallingly educated about nutrition and animal welfare. Doctors are not trained properly in nutrition. I am gobsmacked that many doctors and nutritionists believe you can get a good balanced diet from supermarket foods. With the soil depletion, freezing, chilling, processing and the over farming most of us don’t get enough of the nutrients that we need. People are totally ignorant about what is good for you and convenience is everything. We need to cook from the ground up and listen to our bodies.
An Inspiration: My partner became vegetarian for a while because he watched a thing about an abattoir, but he couldn’t cope because he hates vegetables and he wasn’t getting a balanced diet because of that. I am sad to say he has gone back to eating meat but at least it is organic. I didn’t push him, I don’t believe in being a Nazi instructor.
Fence sitters advice: Just do it! Read magazines like Tonic and Viva as there are a lot of recipes in there on how to balance your food. Look for inventive ways of enjoying your food. If you feel low on protein reach out for the nuts. Soy is not great because it can influence your thyroid and hormones. Also make sure you get a good multivitamin like Garden of Life Living Nutrients.
