I've been asked most of these by folks considering taking the plunge. I can't claim to be a world expert and you may disagree with my answers. If you have got a better response or a question of your own please mail it in

What is a vegan?

Someone who tries to avoid using animal products eg meat or animal by-products eg dairy, eggs for food, clothing eg fur, silk, wool or any other uses

Why vegan rather than vegetarian?

There is a great deal of cruelty in the production of dairy and eggs. And the environmental impact is similar to meat production. For more information see the page on Animal Farming.

Aren't all vegans skinny and weak?

No! Check out the Famous Vegans page for proof!

Where do you get your protein?

Plenty of protein available in plant foods-even potatoes. But if you're elderly or slimming you can boost levels with beans (soya, chickpeas, kidney etc), lentils.

Do you have to take supplements?

Yes B12 if you are not eating fortified foods. The Vegan Society produces a cost price supplement that guarantees sufficient B12.

Do you read ingredients labels all the time?

Don't have to if the Vegan Society Sunflower Trademark is on the label-its presence guarantees the product has no animal ingredients or testing. If no trademark, yes you'll need to check the ingredients list.

How can you give up cheese?

By understanding the inherent cruelty of the dairy industry. In addition most cheese is not even vegetarian as rennet is produced from calfs stomach. There's vegan substitutes available see the Cheese article.

Isn't it natural to eat animals?

Maybe but that doesn't make it right.

Can you eat chips from chip shops?

As long as they are fried in vegetable oil- most chipppies will happily let you know, some have it written up on the wall.

What about eating out?

Most restaurants cater for vegans and either indicate suitable items on the menu or will accommodate a vegan diet off menu. If you've got any doubts try and contact them before hand.

What about eating out abroad?

Vegan passport available from the Vegan Society makes life much easier. Also check out Happy Cow and Veggie Heaven websites on Links page that have international listings of restaurants.

Isn't it hard work being a vegan?

Takes a little practise initially. But you can decide how far you want to take things. And you'll more than likely be far too busy enjoying your new diet to feel hard done by.

What about chocolate?

No worries- vegan chocolate readily available in most health food shops and some supermarkets.

Isn't petrol not vegan?

I guess it is not vegan being composed of dead animals. But being vegan is about trying to avoid animal products and by products.With the emphasis on trying. For most of us its supremely difficult to completely avoid the direct/ indirect use of petrol. But for ethical and environmental reasons we can keep on trying.

What if I don't like the taste of soya milk?

Try a range of different brands. If you can't find one of them thats ok then try rice milk or nut milk instead.

Why don't you eat honey?

Because I don't like bees to suffer-see the Animal Farming article.

Isn't it cruel to eat vegetables?

I guess it depends on your definition of cruelty. People who answer yes choose to be fruitarians. I am not fruitarian. I try to limit the suffering I perpetuate by being vegan. It is easy for me to be vegan and remain healthy. I believe it is possible to be fruitarian and be healthy but of the people I have met who were fruitarian most of them ended up rather unwell. So I guess I'm a lazy coward on this issue.

Did you have to throw your shoes away?

No I gave them to a charity shop but there is an argument that even recycling them in this way perpetuates the perception that leather is ok. Some people wear them until they are worn out then replace them with vegan footwear. Others do as I did, others give their footwear a burial. You're on your own with your own conscience with this one.

How do you pronounce vegan?

At last an easy one! Vee-gun.

Where does the word vegan come from?

First and last two letters of vegetarian.

Are there any famous people who are vegan?

Lots! A few are listed in the famous vegans article.

Does your Mum worry about you?

Yes, but I've done all I can to show her just how healthy and wholesome being vegan can be. She still worries and I keep on trying to prove my point- hello Mum!