Thinking about changing your diet?
Steve Evans tells his story about why and how he became vegetarian...

I became vegetarian when I was 31, it seemed to be the answer to many global issues like climate change and food shortages in the third world. Of course I also didn’t want to be contributing to the mass slaughter of animals, I wanted to be healthier and it felt nice to live with a clear conscience.

Straight away I felt much cleaner, it was like a car having an oil change, my engine was running better. It was only about a month later that I became vegan and that was like having a new air filter! My body was running even more smoothly, it was a very noticeable change and I became more aware of how the body works.

Some people think that it was a very quick change from meat eater to vegan and I suppose it was but I did read up about vegan nutrition and I had vegan colleagues who had influenced my decision but definitely not in a pushy way.

More than ten years on, my reasons for this lifestyle haven’t changed and of course it’s easier these days than it ever has been to buy vegan food out and about. I’ve competed in bike races, triathlons etc and keep very fit. Being vegan helps me with my fitness not hinders me as some would suggest.

I would say to anyone thinking about changing their diet – investigate the reasons then just try it. The vegan diet suits everyone, we’re all built the same, it will benefit anyone who makes that choice. If you discount it without trying it, it could be the worst mistake you make without even knowing you’ve made it!