How did you become vegan

I became vegan in January 2016 but there was a lot leading up to that point and why I chose to do Veganuary. I remember the exact moment when I made the connection between that 'meat' that was on my plate to a living animal. I was sitting eating my dinner much to my horror now it was lamb at the time. I took one bite immedate spat it out and said to my husband that I'm eating flesh from another living breathing feeling being. From then onwards I progressively changed the way I thought and felt about food and now I'm where I am today.

Q&A with Lorna

What sort of food vegans doesn't eat?

In As a vegan, we choose not to eat/wear.use anything that comes from an animal and that includes honey/leather/wool and so on. It's about being against any form of animal abuse/cruelty and animal exploitation. We can thrive and be healthier and happier on a plant-based diet. There are incredible alternatives out there. So essentially there is no reason to consume animal products.

How difficult can it be having a vegan life, especially holiday time?

In the beginning, it can be difficult, well more of an adjustment. Like anything lifestyle change there is an adjustment period. Personally, I find it easy, there is always something to eat and most meals can be adapted into a vegan-friendly option. And what better way to create awareness about veganism and the importance of all life during a Christmas meal, I love to create meals that are tastier and healthier and show people how easy it can be.

Have you always enjoyed baking?

Since as far as I can remember I have always loved to cook and bake. Going vegan has only made that passion stronger.

What inspired you to be a vegan baker?

l Like most people, I like a treat and a little indulgence from time to time and as a vegan, I wanted to transform traditional cakes and desserts into delicious treats. I guess it's another form of awareness that you can still have your cake and eat it without using animals derived products.

What substitutions do you use for more traditional baking ingredients?

A lot of people are very surprised when I explain the ingredients, I don't use any unusual or weird sounding substitutes. Baking is somewhat a science so when you mix certain ingredients together, for example, plant-based MYLK and vinegar, it creates something similar to what eggs would in a cake. I use flours and raising agents just like any other and instead of using butter, eggs and milk I use oils, plant mylk and vinegar.

What are some lessons you’ve learned about running a vegan business?

Just the word ‘vegan' quite often gets either a negative reaction or some simply do not know what it means. It has given me a wonderful platform to create awareness about veganism and to share it with people. It gets a conversation started and that's when change starts to happen. Most importantly it spreads the message of how veganism is beneficial for your health, the future wellbeing of our plant and animals. For me, that has been an incredible experience.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a vegan?

Whatever your choices are for going vegan, keep that goal in sight. Like any lifestyle change, it takes some getting used to. Vegucating myself has been one of the most important things for me, the more information I find out, the more I want to know, so do your own research. It's not just about a diet, it's a lifestyle choice every single day. There will be slip ups and that's okay, we're not perfect but you are making a conscious effort for the animals, your health and the environment, that's what matters. Being a vegan also doesn't mean you're 100% healthy, you can pretty much get every kind of junk food nowadays, vegucate yourself on nutrients, vitamins, what foods you need more or less of. And listen to what your body is telling you. You're not "giving" anything up. If your favourite food is pizza, guess what, you still get to eat that and it's delicious.

Lorna's suggestions

To read more about the vegan lifestyle and get more inspiration:

The Vegan Society: One world, many lives, our choice

Viva: Be kind to all kind

PETA UK: Animals are not ours to eat, wear or experiment on

Veganuary: Why?

Documentaries:

Conspiracy: The Sustainability Secret