I was recently in a ‘music’ retail outlet. A nice piece of music was playing so I approached the counter to enquire what cd it was. The Counter Assistant didn’t know, so she called the Music Department. The person on the other end of the line didn’t know either. Whoever put the cd on was now at lunch.
One potential sale = lost.
I’m no Branson or Blundy but I have had a reasonable amount of experience in retail – specifically music retail, and one of the fundamentals we knew as Sales Assistants when I was working in the industry was playing it sells it. That is why the major record labels made deals with the music retailers that involved torturing the floor staff with relentless repeats of the latest airbrushed Classical Crossover group in the mornings (“They make classical music hot!”) and then the latest Top 40 compilation in the afternoons – more often than not they shared distributor. And we, the tortured coal-faced minions of the retail giant, saw the results of this.
It’s a no brainer: Play it, customer enquires, a conversation pursues; that translates into a sale. A human interaction!
The particular retailer I had my recent lacklustre experience with is an endangered species, amongst thousands of peers currently crying out to the Australian masses to save their souls, because, the poor loves standing behind counters all over the nation are in fear of their jobs and the future of their industry. Bless.
Gerry Harvey is throwing his arms up in a tizzy over international on-line competition, Record companies are lighting cigars and nostalgically looking out from the wheelhouse just waiting for the water to rise, The depressing demise of the bookstore, and come to think of it, just about any store not owned by Coles or Wesfarmers; it's enough to mmake the tear ducts a little moist.
After decades of 400% mark ups and patronising marketing campaigns, the bricks and mortar retailers need the help of the people. They want us to feel sorry for the industry – for the people – the unemployment, and just forget about the convenience, the discounts, the speed and accessibility of everything via our on-line service providers, and just come back as loyal customers.
In my empirical shopping experience, with bemusing irony, an overwhelming majority of retailers just.don’t.get.it. Retailers still have an edge – a differentiation – and in these troubled times you would think they’d be appealing to any scrap of edge they can cling to – but they are not.
The differentiation I am talking about is the people.
The one and only reason people need be motivated to walk into any retail outlet in this era, is the fact that as a customer, we can enter a store with any assortment of needs, attitudes and questions, and have confidence in our retailers that they value us enough to give us brilliant, personalised service tailored specifically for us as individuals. There is nothing else. You can meet the on-line competitors’ price, I don’t care. If I remember my last experience in your store to be mediocre at best, and usually that is primarily the Sales Assistant’s responsibility, I am not returning. I do not patronise businesses or support brands that do not respect me when I am handing over my hard earned money.
Beyond the tiny oversight of detail of my music retailer mate, I can create a painfully long list of negative or luke-warm experiences I have had with retailers in the last twelve months. Pouty teenagers staring at their nails behind the counter not acknowledging you; Overzealous, contrived, scripted greetings like “Welcome to [insert underwear retailer name here], I’m [Mandy] , may I assist you with anything today?”; The sweaty, desperate “pounce” approach (That you usually get in tiny boutiques where the Sales Assistant has a “help me” smile so forced it looks like the sides of her mouth might start bleeding any minute, as you feel the controlling stare of the owner through the crack in the door of the backroom); and what has become my most common interaction lately; the burdened slow-mo swipe of the check-out people who have obviously been told to “make conversation” but been given zero training on how to make that a comfortable and pleasant experience for both customer and service person, because I have had the same conversation with the same check-out person at my local supermarket at least a dozen times this year. It goes:
Me: “Hey, how are you going?”
Him: “Oh, ok I guess”
Me: (trying to make light) “As good as you can be, hey!”
Him: “Well, I’ve been here for like, five hours and still have another three to go, plus they didn’t give me one of the coffee breaks I was supposed to have”
Me: (All in my head) Well, doesn’t that suck sweetheart. You have a job. That must be really awful for you, getting paid, in this time of economic uncertainty. And wow, eight whole hours? Love, are you ok? Can I get you a milk crate to sit on? We should speak to management about this travesty! Man up for Christ’s sake.
So, as you can see a really enjoyable five minutes at the check-out with grumpy. And he’s not the only one.
There are, of course, retailers who do service well. The recent exceptional experiences I have had have been at Suzanne Grae, (where I trained, and believe they still have one of the best customer service training programs in the country) Hyundai have wonderful after sales service, The Good Guys realy are...good guys, and Tamarind restaurant in Cairns.
They are the only service experiences I can think of that I have had inside twelve months that left me motivated to share my positive experience with other people.
In a dying industry, that just isn’t good enough. Retailers and those in the service industry need to shift their focus away from the bottom line and realise the importance and power of people: staff and customers.
A positive interaction with another person can really make someone’s day. What’s more, if the service is delivered, not with the redundant ideal that “the customer is always right” (an over and mis-used term that creates subservient, apologetic service people, not peers participating in a positive experience for both parties), rather the notion that “this must result in the customer’s best interest”, only a positive flow-through effect can occur.
It is simple, yet retailers are too busy clambering to shore and watching profits drop, to stick their head up for long enough to notice that hey, the people out on the battlefield – the people who put the cash in your registers, and put up with rude and sometime weird customers, are looking for leaders to guide them through this mire, to say to them that they are appreciated and believed in, that they are worth investing in, for the greater good of the company’s collective future success.
There seems to be a vast separation between the people at the top and the people on the shop floor. This filters down through the company culture where the end (Sell!) is not connected to the means (serve). Based on personal experience there are very few retail brands that are connected to what it is like to be a customer or they have lost total grip on the behaviours of their floor staff. Either way it is not good news. I say this because the amount of simple, common errors I see people making every time I walk into a store are conducive with staff that have given up, been forgotten about or been hypnotised into soulless grinning desperados that repel the casual shopper, not convert them into manic consumer beasts swiping their credit card at your POS with vigour, as they seem to expect. Let alone loyal repeat customers.
All you have to do is offer your staff training, support and incentive to convert them into champions of your brand. For someone who can experience the worst in human interactions through whinging customers, feeling the varicose veins growing in the backs of their knees as they stand on hard concrete all day and takes home a pitiful wage for the privilege “We must make budget!” just doesn’t cut it. If people selling the product believe not only in the product, but the brand, that enthusiasm spills out into the customer base, and makes it far more pleasant for everyone involved.
Staff need to be empowered. There is nothing more aggravating than attempting to return an item and have a poor young girl apologise that she’ll have to wait for the Manager to return from lunch as she is not authorised to do returns. Service delivery fail and a public way of telling your staff and customers that you have.zero.faith.in.your.staff. What kind of return do you think that investment is going to give you?
Another example is rigid return policies. Using Suzanne Grae as an example again, I remember having the most flexible returns policy to work with. If a customer wasn’t happy, they could bring it back; “No problem!” Some retailers put all sorts of restrictions on their returns policies to avoid losing money, but all it is does is take away the power of closing a sale from your staff. There were countless amounts of times a sale was about to walk out the door, when we were able to say confidently “If you get it home and change your mind, just hold onto your receipt and bring it back…No problems!”, almost every single time the customer bought the item because they had peace of mind about the purchase. And how many returns did that equate to? Nowhere near enough for the company to want to change that policy.
This of course reduces the opportunity for customers to be disgruntled before the sale has even taken place, and reduces the likelihood of complaints and the need for your staff to go into conflict resolution mode – another skill that staff need to be empowered with to execute effectively.
An investment in your people will equal happier customers. Happier customers equals return customers. Return customer equals a better chance at survival. It must make sense that what is best for the customer is also best for the brand. It is so obvious - Yet hardly anyone is doing it!!!
I for one, do not want to see bricks and mortar shops crumble. I want to try clothes on before I buy them. I want to browse, roam, stumble upon the tangible, feel, see, smell, hear the shopping experience. I am a human that wants human interaction. And I know I’m not the only one. But if the human interaction has been reduced to one of indignation, desperation or even hostility, then give me one other reason, why I should you give you, the service provider, my money?
Friday, July 27, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Vegan recipes - Potato & Broccoli cakes w spicy tomato & lentil sauce
Ingredients:
POTATO CAKES
4 x med potatoes
1 small broccoli
1 cup breadcrumbs
Salt & pepper
A handful of whatever fresh herbs you have - I used rosemary & parsley
1 large onion diced
1 clove of garlic diced
Olive oil
SAUCE
1 cup lentil mix - I used a soup mix w red lentils, mung beans, pinto beans, yellow & green split peas, barley & kidney beans
Can of tomatoes
1 table spoon tomato paste
2 cups vege stock
More herbs - I used basil, oregano & parsley
1 teaspoon of chilli
Method:
Boil potatoes until just tender , not sloppy
Dice the broccoli and add it in with potatoes with less than a minute to go
Drain, mash
Stir in half the diced onion, half the garlic, salt & pepper, & herbs
Leave in pot to cool once all mixed in
Sauce:
Fry up remaining onion & garlic in some oil
Add soup mix, stir
Add vege stock , bring to boil then let simmer, covered for 30 mins, check & stir occasionally
Back to potato cakes:
Scoop up table spoons , roll in bread crumbs and into patties. Place in fridge.
Back to sauce:
Stir in tom paste, herbs, canned tomatoes, salt & pepper & chilli then leave to simmer again for aprox 20 mins.
Fry up cakes in olive oil on medium until golden.
Serve on a bed of the sauce.
This is nice with garlic bread also. I make my garlic sauce with olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper, lemon rind & parsley whizzed together.
Yum!
POTATO CAKES
4 x med potatoes
1 small broccoli
1 cup breadcrumbs
Salt & pepper
A handful of whatever fresh herbs you have - I used rosemary & parsley
1 large onion diced
1 clove of garlic diced
Olive oil
SAUCE
1 cup lentil mix - I used a soup mix w red lentils, mung beans, pinto beans, yellow & green split peas, barley & kidney beans
Can of tomatoes
1 table spoon tomato paste
2 cups vege stock
More herbs - I used basil, oregano & parsley
1 teaspoon of chilli
Method:
Boil potatoes until just tender , not sloppy
Dice the broccoli and add it in with potatoes with less than a minute to go
Drain, mash
Stir in half the diced onion, half the garlic, salt & pepper, & herbs
Leave in pot to cool once all mixed in
Sauce:
Fry up remaining onion & garlic in some oil
Add soup mix, stir
Add vege stock , bring to boil then let simmer, covered for 30 mins, check & stir occasionally
Back to potato cakes:
Scoop up table spoons , roll in bread crumbs and into patties. Place in fridge.
Back to sauce:
Stir in tom paste, herbs, canned tomatoes, salt & pepper & chilli then leave to simmer again for aprox 20 mins.
Fry up cakes in olive oil on medium until golden.
Serve on a bed of the sauce.
This is nice with garlic bread also. I make my garlic sauce with olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper, lemon rind & parsley whizzed together.
Yum!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
My vegan challenge – Week Two
G’day Vegan-curious’ and RSPCA lovers,
Well, week two is now over so I’m half way through my challenge! Yay for me!
I’ve also hit the half-way mark on my goal of raising $1,000.00 for RSPCA QLD, which I’m stoked about. People have been so generous – I’m really grateful for the support of me and my personal challenge, but more so their willingness to support such a great charity. Well done team :)
This week, people have been less aggressive in their enquiries regarding my health, and I’ve had far more encouraging words of support from friends, family and colleagues…mixed with the occasional passing grimace.
FAQs from this week:
How’s your health?/Aren’t you dead yet?
Very well, thank you for your concern. I’m still feeling healthy and good. My weight has remained the same since losing 3 kilos in the first week, which was to be expected. My indulgences have been potato chips and I’m eating a fair bit of bread so I’m remaining nice and plump.
I am breaking out – my skin is doing all sorts of interesting things, due to the toxins ridding my body, so that’s all good. I’m sure it will pass soon.
With the upping of lentils and legumes in my diet, I’m finding my digestion is running really well – I used to have the occasional stomach pain, bloating, other issues with bowel movements I don’t need to go into..and I have not had any of those occurrences in the last fortnight.
Now with the image of my bowel movements in your head (you’re welcome), let’s quickly move on.
My energy levels are better than I can ever remember. Being something I’ve always struggled with, that is huge for me.
Is it hard to eat out?
Not…really. I had my first test on Friday when a morning tea was held at work. Sandwiches, cakes, quiches…all looked yum. To make things that little more cruel, our boss had the catering done by Sassafras – one my favourite places to eat – who do all organic food. Normally I’d even be smashing the chicken sandwiches guilt free (I often avoid chicken from establishments unless they guarantee it is organic. I eat most chicken at home and purchase my meat from the Meat-ing Place or Wray Organics to get this guarantee for myself) but there wasn’t a single thing on the table that didn’t have butter, milk or eggs in it. Poor me. Moving on…
Not…really. Living in Brisbane is probably one challenge for a vegan (and I’d love to hear from Brisbane-dwelling vegans on their favourite places to eat).
You can’t go into a pub for example and have any vegan option available other than hot chips. That was the case when I was vegetarian also – only my options were stretched as far and wide as wedges and sour cream, and in really posh places, perhaps a cheese plate. That’s just lazy-chef-syndrome as far as I’m concerned.
It further highlights my concern that we are over producing animals on superfluously large scales just because the mainstream is of the mind that meat and dairy has to be on every item on the menu. The mass-production of animals and animal products that contribute to many of our increasingly critical environmental and health problems, come down to this. And the only thing that will curb it is people power. Eating establishments, supermarkets and food producers wont make a shift unless the customer demands it. End lecture.
Not…really. I’ve eaten out three times this week. I’ve basically found my hippie-vegan heaven in Govinda’s in Elizabeth Street. I go to Atma yoga at lunch time and get a free vegan lunch at Govindas afterwards! Score! Doesn’t get better than that. And let me tell you – non-vegans dig this lunch. It’s plentiful, tasty and cheap. Yum yum.
I was also taken to the Tibetan Kitchen on a dinner date last night, which was thoroughly enjoyable.
I’ve been given some tips for some great places in West End, which I’ll head to soon.
Is it hard to keep up?/Are you missing anything?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t missing cheese. Infact, I’ve realised how much I actually eat! But all that means for me is I’m losing a bit of excess dairy fat and I will enjoy it so much more when I go back to it for a cheeky indulgence rather than chowing down on it like my life depends on it every other night. I was a bit gross, now I think about it.
When I get hungry I have had the occasional craving but as long as I keep a snack nearby I’m ok on that front. Once I’ve actually eaten a bit I’m over it. The only thing I really miss eating is fish.
What are you eating?
I’ve only referred to the vegan cookbook once and that was to make some quinoa and lentil burgers one night – they rocked. Everything else has been my recipe.
Week Two dinner menu
Monday: Roasted vegetable pasta + garlic bread
Tuesday: Pan fried tempeh w vegan potato salad, almond beans, roasted pumpkin & minted beetroot + bruschetta
Wednesday: Quinoa & lentil burgers w paw paw salsa
(Recipe courtesy 500 Vegan Dishes book)
Thursday: Creamy vegetable pie
Friday: Tibetan Kitchen
Saturday: Vegan pizza (haven't made it yet...but here's my antipasti starter:)
Week two wrap up
I like the way veganism makes me feel. I’m also more motivated by knowing I’m raising money for charity. It’s keeping me honest! But I’m looking forward to nailing some fish and chips at the end of the month :)
This week’s top donation was made by none other than my lovverrrr. Top bloke. He was true to his word and donated more than $3.00 in order to claim a tax deduction, and more than $100 so Corey didn’t make him look like a louse. Swooooon.
If you would like to support the RSPCA QLD, please click here.
Well, week two is now over so I’m half way through my challenge! Yay for me!
I’ve also hit the half-way mark on my goal of raising $1,000.00 for RSPCA QLD, which I’m stoked about. People have been so generous – I’m really grateful for the support of me and my personal challenge, but more so their willingness to support such a great charity. Well done team :)
This week, people have been less aggressive in their enquiries regarding my health, and I’ve had far more encouraging words of support from friends, family and colleagues…mixed with the occasional passing grimace.
FAQs from this week:
How’s your health?/Aren’t you dead yet?
Very well, thank you for your concern. I’m still feeling healthy and good. My weight has remained the same since losing 3 kilos in the first week, which was to be expected. My indulgences have been potato chips and I’m eating a fair bit of bread so I’m remaining nice and plump.
I am breaking out – my skin is doing all sorts of interesting things, due to the toxins ridding my body, so that’s all good. I’m sure it will pass soon.
With the upping of lentils and legumes in my diet, I’m finding my digestion is running really well – I used to have the occasional stomach pain, bloating, other issues with bowel movements I don’t need to go into..and I have not had any of those occurrences in the last fortnight.
Now with the image of my bowel movements in your head (you’re welcome), let’s quickly move on.
My energy levels are better than I can ever remember. Being something I’ve always struggled with, that is huge for me.
Is it hard to eat out?
Not…really. I had my first test on Friday when a morning tea was held at work. Sandwiches, cakes, quiches…all looked yum. To make things that little more cruel, our boss had the catering done by Sassafras – one my favourite places to eat – who do all organic food. Normally I’d even be smashing the chicken sandwiches guilt free (I often avoid chicken from establishments unless they guarantee it is organic. I eat most chicken at home and purchase my meat from the Meat-ing Place or Wray Organics to get this guarantee for myself) but there wasn’t a single thing on the table that didn’t have butter, milk or eggs in it. Poor me. Moving on…
Not…really. Living in Brisbane is probably one challenge for a vegan (and I’d love to hear from Brisbane-dwelling vegans on their favourite places to eat).
You can’t go into a pub for example and have any vegan option available other than hot chips. That was the case when I was vegetarian also – only my options were stretched as far and wide as wedges and sour cream, and in really posh places, perhaps a cheese plate. That’s just lazy-chef-syndrome as far as I’m concerned.
It further highlights my concern that we are over producing animals on superfluously large scales just because the mainstream is of the mind that meat and dairy has to be on every item on the menu. The mass-production of animals and animal products that contribute to many of our increasingly critical environmental and health problems, come down to this. And the only thing that will curb it is people power. Eating establishments, supermarkets and food producers wont make a shift unless the customer demands it. End lecture.
Not…really. I’ve eaten out three times this week. I’ve basically found my hippie-vegan heaven in Govinda’s in Elizabeth Street. I go to Atma yoga at lunch time and get a free vegan lunch at Govindas afterwards! Score! Doesn’t get better than that. And let me tell you – non-vegans dig this lunch. It’s plentiful, tasty and cheap. Yum yum.
I was also taken to the Tibetan Kitchen on a dinner date last night, which was thoroughly enjoyable.
I’ve been given some tips for some great places in West End, which I’ll head to soon.
Is it hard to keep up?/Are you missing anything?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t missing cheese. Infact, I’ve realised how much I actually eat! But all that means for me is I’m losing a bit of excess dairy fat and I will enjoy it so much more when I go back to it for a cheeky indulgence rather than chowing down on it like my life depends on it every other night. I was a bit gross, now I think about it.
When I get hungry I have had the occasional craving but as long as I keep a snack nearby I’m ok on that front. Once I’ve actually eaten a bit I’m over it. The only thing I really miss eating is fish.
What are you eating?
I’ve only referred to the vegan cookbook once and that was to make some quinoa and lentil burgers one night – they rocked. Everything else has been my recipe.
Week Two dinner menu
Monday: Roasted vegetable pasta + garlic bread
Tuesday: Pan fried tempeh w vegan potato salad, almond beans, roasted pumpkin & minted beetroot + bruschetta
Wednesday: Quinoa & lentil burgers w paw paw salsa
(Recipe courtesy 500 Vegan Dishes book)
Thursday: Creamy vegetable pie
Friday: Tibetan Kitchen
Saturday: Vegan pizza (haven't made it yet...but here's my antipasti starter:)
Week two wrap up
I like the way veganism makes me feel. I’m also more motivated by knowing I’m raising money for charity. It’s keeping me honest! But I’m looking forward to nailing some fish and chips at the end of the month :)
This week’s top donation was made by none other than my lovverrrr. Top bloke. He was true to his word and donated more than $3.00 in order to claim a tax deduction, and more than $100 so Corey didn’t make him look like a louse. Swooooon.
If you would like to support the RSPCA QLD, please click here.
Monday, July 9, 2012
My vegan challenge - Week One
This is my first “report” on my month as a vegan.
So far I have really enjoyed it and I have already learned so much about food…and people!
Going vegan is not as massive a stretch for me as what it would be for many other people. I was vegetarian for a couple of years, and I am very conscientious about healthy food and humane animal products. I already refuse to buy anything but organic eggs, chicken & cheese, and I extend that all other meat when I can afford it. I am increasingly avoiding pork due to nutritional & animal welfare concerns.
I am a try-hard foodie and I love to cook, so the first obvious appeal of this challenge was to stretch my capabilities in the kitchen and try some new dishes I might not have otherwise.
This week I have used all my own recipes, and I will share them with you (soon). I have purchased a vegan cookbook though, and I am sure I’ll be reaching for it in the very near future!
The reaction of others has been interesting to say the least. I thought I was doing this for myself but I am blown away at how many people are varying from fascinated to appalled to bemused to highly opinionated about my temporary food choices.
I’ve been on repeat all week with people who, looking around my face with cautious intrigue like I’m some weird science experiment , poke and prod me with questions about the logistics, the health, the food itself, and heaven forbid, what I’m depriving my poor partner of whilst the main cook of the house goes off on this crazy grain nibbling rampage, as if they expect to next see me crouching in a field with a hunk of grass hanging out of mouth, having abandoned home to live with a family of rabbits.
Already I am exhausted on behalf of permanent vegans who must have these conversations with omnivores on a regular basis! It is turning into a bit of social intrigue project for me, to be exposed to how foreign eating naturally is to people! I’m tilting my head back at them in the same confusion in which they are looking at me!
So, to avoid clogging up the call centre, here are my responses to this week's FAQs:
Where will you get all your calcium from?
Broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, spinach, tofu, tempeh, sardines*, salmon*, brazil nuts, almond, sesame seeds, tahini. (*Not me this month, but you can)
Where do you get your iron from?
Almonds, edamame (soybeans), lentils, spinach, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, prunes, chickpeas, lima beans, pinto beans, tahini, beetroot leaves, kidney beans, potato, peas, raisins, watermelon, bok choy, brussel sprouts, apricots, bulgur.
Where do you get your protein from?
Just about any kind of nut, legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh, baked beans on toast, soy products, peanut butter, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), quinoa, sunflower seeds, whole wheat bread, brown rice, broccoli, potato, mushrooms, seitan.
What do you actually eat?!
Week One Menu:
Monday
Breakfast: Avocado & tomato on grain toast
Lunch: Garden salad
Snacks & drinks: Apple, mixed nuts, banana, rosehip & ginger tea, chamomile tea
Dinner: Potato & broccoli cakes with a spicy tomato & lentil sauce + garlic bread
Tuesday
Breakfast: Banana & berry smoothie
Lunch: Left over dinner
Snacks & drinks: Date & coconut rolls, popcorn
Dinner: Falafels w homemade tabouleh & salad
Wednesday
Breakfast: Porridge w cinnamon, brown sugar & raisins
Lunch: Left over dinner
Snacks & drinks: Carmen’s muesli bar (a little cheat, it had honey in it), Mandarin, mixed nuts, Rosehip & ginger tea, Little Creatures Pale Ale
Dinner: Vegetable samosas (my friend’s Mum’s recipe – I wont publish it because even though I like my version, I know I don't do it justice) w sweet chilli dipping sauce & salad
Thursday
Breakfast: Banana & berry smoothie
Lunch: More samosas
Snacks & drinks: mandarin, mixed nuts
Dinner: Zuchini, pea & mint soup + garlic croutons
Friday
Breakfast: Banana & berry smoothie
Lunch: Left over dinner
Snacks & drinks: Muesli bar, mixed nuts, long black coffee, rosehip & ginger tea, popcorn, chilli potato chips
Dinner: Marinated tofu & salad rice paper rolls w hoisin & chilli sauce
Saturday
Breakfast: Multigrain toast w cashew butter & celery
Lunch: Salad sandwich on multigrain w avocado
Snacks & drinks: mixed nuts, fresh juice from juice bar
Dinner: Vege Fajitas w homemade tortillas, rice & refried beans
Sunday
Breakfast: Long black coffee, multigrain toast w avocado & tomato
Lunch: 3 different salads, beans & bread (provided at a seminar I attended)
Snacks & drinks: fruit, roobis tea
Dinner: Tofu & vegetable stir fry
Do you take supplements?/You’re taking supplements, right?/Well, just make sure you take some supplements!
It is different in every individual case. I was taking iron supplements before I started this diet as I have been borderline with iron. However, based on my past experience, I was in fact iron deficient before I went vegetarian six years ago. Not long into my vegetarian diet, my iron levels actually increased and remained healthy for quite some time. So I empirically know that a lack of meat in my diet wont send me down a rapid shute straight to anaemia. I am continuing on the supplements I have as I would if I were still eating meat. I am not taking any other supplement.
How do you live vegan when you live with a die-heard meat-eater?
My partner and I have had several interesting and positive conversations about this challenge. I am not “inflicting” it on him by any means. To start, he gets a good meat fix at lunch everyday.
When I plan a meal I also think of how I can incorporate some meat into it for him, if he wants it. I did add some bacon into his soup the other night, and some chicken into his fajitas, which he was very grateful for!
For the first couple of meals he was more than happy to have them as they were, and I have to say I am very lucky to have such an open-minded partner who is happy to have the occasional vegetarian meal, and more so trusts me to make a delicious meal sans animal anything.
One of the most frustrating conversations I can have is with someone who just cannot comprehend the possibility of an enjoyable meal without meat. There is a massive misconception out there that food can’t be exciting and satisfying unless meat is involved. Men, in particular, are downright convinced they will keel over and die if there’s no meat on their plate at night. I’m sorry, but it is simply ignorant, misinformed, narrow-minded and buying into the...
Marketing of Meat
Of all people, my meat-loving man was the person who posed to reflect on just how successful the Beef, Lamb & Pork industries have been in convincing the mainstream that we simply cannot get vital nutrients such as iron and protein from anywhere but their products. That’s not facts people – That’s marketing.
Take a closer look at what is being fed to you, to influence you what you feed your family. You might just discover a whole new world of culinary pleasure that rocks your world, and makes you, and the world a little bit healthier!
I’m not attempting to preach anything, and I'm a lover of variety. I know why people don't want to give up meat and dairy, nor have time to care about the ingredients list when it's cheap and the kids are screaming. I'm just discussing my observations and insights. I am of course a meat eater and the end of the month I will be back eating meat, but even in doing so, I will be ensuring my products are fresh, local, humane and organic wherever possible. If you want help on how to find humane animal products check out this resource from RSPCA.
Week One wrap-up
I am thoroughly enjoying this little adventure so far. It seems to have a positive domino effect in ways such as; because the food isn’t heavy, whilst it does fill me up, I’m burning it off quicker, making me hungrier more often. Whilst some people probably see this as reason enough not to take this route, it have forced me into eating smaller meals more often which is a very healthy way to refuel.
I have lost 3 kilos already. Don’t be alarmed, this probably also because I haven’t been drinking as much as I would normally. The lighter meals mean that when I have had a beer it has gone straight to my head and I’ve opted out of the second. So it is having a very healthy effect on my lifestyle overall.
I am sleeping much better and feeling a lot more alert and positive. I mostly feel proud and strong within myself for challenging myself and sticking with it (so far!)
Yes, I know I’m only one week in. Perhaps next week I’ll just fill the page with big growls and incoherent rants about cheeseburgers, but for now, I’m happily rolling with it.
Catch ya next week.
Please donate to RSCPA QLD if you so feel the urge!
Thank you for reading :)
This week’s blog was brought to you by the top donator for the week: Miss Mallory Peak!
Bloody generous and all round top chick.
Thank you so much!
So far I have really enjoyed it and I have already learned so much about food…and people!
Going vegan is not as massive a stretch for me as what it would be for many other people. I was vegetarian for a couple of years, and I am very conscientious about healthy food and humane animal products. I already refuse to buy anything but organic eggs, chicken & cheese, and I extend that all other meat when I can afford it. I am increasingly avoiding pork due to nutritional & animal welfare concerns.
I am a try-hard foodie and I love to cook, so the first obvious appeal of this challenge was to stretch my capabilities in the kitchen and try some new dishes I might not have otherwise.
This week I have used all my own recipes, and I will share them with you (soon). I have purchased a vegan cookbook though, and I am sure I’ll be reaching for it in the very near future!
The reaction of others has been interesting to say the least. I thought I was doing this for myself but I am blown away at how many people are varying from fascinated to appalled to bemused to highly opinionated about my temporary food choices.
I’ve been on repeat all week with people who, looking around my face with cautious intrigue like I’m some weird science experiment , poke and prod me with questions about the logistics, the health, the food itself, and heaven forbid, what I’m depriving my poor partner of whilst the main cook of the house goes off on this crazy grain nibbling rampage, as if they expect to next see me crouching in a field with a hunk of grass hanging out of mouth, having abandoned home to live with a family of rabbits.
Already I am exhausted on behalf of permanent vegans who must have these conversations with omnivores on a regular basis! It is turning into a bit of social intrigue project for me, to be exposed to how foreign eating naturally is to people! I’m tilting my head back at them in the same confusion in which they are looking at me!
So, to avoid clogging up the call centre, here are my responses to this week's FAQs:
Where will you get all your calcium from?
Broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, spinach, tofu, tempeh, sardines*, salmon*, brazil nuts, almond, sesame seeds, tahini. (*Not me this month, but you can)
Where do you get your iron from?
Almonds, edamame (soybeans), lentils, spinach, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, prunes, chickpeas, lima beans, pinto beans, tahini, beetroot leaves, kidney beans, potato, peas, raisins, watermelon, bok choy, brussel sprouts, apricots, bulgur.
Where do you get your protein from?
Just about any kind of nut, legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh, baked beans on toast, soy products, peanut butter, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), quinoa, sunflower seeds, whole wheat bread, brown rice, broccoli, potato, mushrooms, seitan.
What do you actually eat?!
Week One Menu:
Monday
Breakfast: Avocado & tomato on grain toast
Lunch: Garden salad
Snacks & drinks: Apple, mixed nuts, banana, rosehip & ginger tea, chamomile tea
Dinner: Potato & broccoli cakes with a spicy tomato & lentil sauce + garlic bread
Tuesday
Breakfast: Banana & berry smoothie
Lunch: Left over dinner
Snacks & drinks: Date & coconut rolls, popcorn
Dinner: Falafels w homemade tabouleh & salad
Wednesday
Breakfast: Porridge w cinnamon, brown sugar & raisins
Lunch: Left over dinner
Snacks & drinks: Carmen’s muesli bar (a little cheat, it had honey in it), Mandarin, mixed nuts, Rosehip & ginger tea, Little Creatures Pale Ale
Dinner: Vegetable samosas (my friend’s Mum’s recipe – I wont publish it because even though I like my version, I know I don't do it justice) w sweet chilli dipping sauce & salad
Thursday
Breakfast: Banana & berry smoothie
Lunch: More samosas
Snacks & drinks: mandarin, mixed nuts
Dinner: Zuchini, pea & mint soup + garlic croutons
Friday
Breakfast: Banana & berry smoothie
Lunch: Left over dinner
Snacks & drinks: Muesli bar, mixed nuts, long black coffee, rosehip & ginger tea, popcorn, chilli potato chips
Dinner: Marinated tofu & salad rice paper rolls w hoisin & chilli sauce
Saturday
Breakfast: Multigrain toast w cashew butter & celery
Lunch: Salad sandwich on multigrain w avocado
Snacks & drinks: mixed nuts, fresh juice from juice bar
Dinner: Vege Fajitas w homemade tortillas, rice & refried beans
Sunday
Breakfast: Long black coffee, multigrain toast w avocado & tomato
Lunch: 3 different salads, beans & bread (provided at a seminar I attended)
Snacks & drinks: fruit, roobis tea
Dinner: Tofu & vegetable stir fry
Do you take supplements?/You’re taking supplements, right?/Well, just make sure you take some supplements!
It is different in every individual case. I was taking iron supplements before I started this diet as I have been borderline with iron. However, based on my past experience, I was in fact iron deficient before I went vegetarian six years ago. Not long into my vegetarian diet, my iron levels actually increased and remained healthy for quite some time. So I empirically know that a lack of meat in my diet wont send me down a rapid shute straight to anaemia. I am continuing on the supplements I have as I would if I were still eating meat. I am not taking any other supplement.
How do you live vegan when you live with a die-heard meat-eater?
My partner and I have had several interesting and positive conversations about this challenge. I am not “inflicting” it on him by any means. To start, he gets a good meat fix at lunch everyday.
When I plan a meal I also think of how I can incorporate some meat into it for him, if he wants it. I did add some bacon into his soup the other night, and some chicken into his fajitas, which he was very grateful for!
For the first couple of meals he was more than happy to have them as they were, and I have to say I am very lucky to have such an open-minded partner who is happy to have the occasional vegetarian meal, and more so trusts me to make a delicious meal sans animal anything.
One of the most frustrating conversations I can have is with someone who just cannot comprehend the possibility of an enjoyable meal without meat. There is a massive misconception out there that food can’t be exciting and satisfying unless meat is involved. Men, in particular, are downright convinced they will keel over and die if there’s no meat on their plate at night. I’m sorry, but it is simply ignorant, misinformed, narrow-minded and buying into the...
Marketing of Meat
Of all people, my meat-loving man was the person who posed to reflect on just how successful the Beef, Lamb & Pork industries have been in convincing the mainstream that we simply cannot get vital nutrients such as iron and protein from anywhere but their products. That’s not facts people – That’s marketing.
Take a closer look at what is being fed to you, to influence you what you feed your family. You might just discover a whole new world of culinary pleasure that rocks your world, and makes you, and the world a little bit healthier!
I’m not attempting to preach anything, and I'm a lover of variety. I know why people don't want to give up meat and dairy, nor have time to care about the ingredients list when it's cheap and the kids are screaming. I'm just discussing my observations and insights. I am of course a meat eater and the end of the month I will be back eating meat, but even in doing so, I will be ensuring my products are fresh, local, humane and organic wherever possible. If you want help on how to find humane animal products check out this resource from RSPCA.
Week One wrap-up
I am thoroughly enjoying this little adventure so far. It seems to have a positive domino effect in ways such as; because the food isn’t heavy, whilst it does fill me up, I’m burning it off quicker, making me hungrier more often. Whilst some people probably see this as reason enough not to take this route, it have forced me into eating smaller meals more often which is a very healthy way to refuel.
I have lost 3 kilos already. Don’t be alarmed, this probably also because I haven’t been drinking as much as I would normally. The lighter meals mean that when I have had a beer it has gone straight to my head and I’ve opted out of the second. So it is having a very healthy effect on my lifestyle overall.
I am sleeping much better and feeling a lot more alert and positive. I mostly feel proud and strong within myself for challenging myself and sticking with it (so far!)
Yes, I know I’m only one week in. Perhaps next week I’ll just fill the page with big growls and incoherent rants about cheeseburgers, but for now, I’m happily rolling with it.
Catch ya next week.
Please donate to RSCPA QLD if you so feel the urge!
Thank you for reading :)
This week’s blog was brought to you by the top donator for the week: Miss Mallory Peak!
Bloody generous and all round top chick.
Thank you so much!
My vegan challenge
Hello there,
I am embarking on my first personal challenge and that is to go vegan for one month after signing up to 100things.
So, after adding 46 items to my bucket list, I scrolled down to see where I could start. There were only a couple of things that were within my capabilities and budget right now, so I started with Number 40 – “Go vegan for a month”.
I’m seven days into it and so far really enjoying it.
Again, inspired by Sebastian’s journey, I thought if there were a way I could raise money for charity whilst doing it, I would, but I didn’t know where to start.
The obvious charity for this particular challenge was animal welfare, and being a lover of animals, passionate advocate for animal protection and a former volunteer at RSPCA QLD, it was an easy decision.
I contacted RSPCA QLD who were very helpful and prompt in pointing me in the right direction. They suggested Everyday Hero to set up my campaign. Perfect!
So, one week into my one month challenge I’m not only working toward a personal goal, but I’m raising money for a much-deserving, hard-working charity I am absolutely passionate about.
I am now blogging to accompany the challenge and share what it’s like being an omnivore foodie temporarily living as a vegan.
You can view my 100things list here and you can donate to RSPCA QLD here.
My goal is $1,000.00. I thought I’d keep it realistic for my first crack. Basically if all of my facebook friends donate $5 each – I’ll reach my goal (hint hint/no pressure ;) ).
For those interested I’ll also be keeping a photo diary, sharing recipes and my overall thoughts and experience on my blog.
Thanks for your interest!
Wish me happy Vegananing!
Mon
I am embarking on my first personal challenge and that is to go vegan for one month after signing up to 100things.
So, after adding 46 items to my bucket list, I scrolled down to see where I could start. There were only a couple of things that were within my capabilities and budget right now, so I started with Number 40 – “Go vegan for a month”.
I’m seven days into it and so far really enjoying it.
Again, inspired by Sebastian’s journey, I thought if there were a way I could raise money for charity whilst doing it, I would, but I didn’t know where to start.
The obvious charity for this particular challenge was animal welfare, and being a lover of animals, passionate advocate for animal protection and a former volunteer at RSPCA QLD, it was an easy decision.
I contacted RSPCA QLD who were very helpful and prompt in pointing me in the right direction. They suggested Everyday Hero to set up my campaign. Perfect!
So, one week into my one month challenge I’m not only working toward a personal goal, but I’m raising money for a much-deserving, hard-working charity I am absolutely passionate about.
I am now blogging to accompany the challenge and share what it’s like being an omnivore foodie temporarily living as a vegan.
You can view my 100things list here and you can donate to RSPCA QLD here.
My goal is $1,000.00. I thought I’d keep it realistic for my first crack. Basically if all of my facebook friends donate $5 each – I’ll reach my goal (hint hint/no pressure ;) ).
For those interested I’ll also be keeping a photo diary, sharing recipes and my overall thoughts and experience on my blog.
Thanks for your interest!
Wish me happy Vegananing!
Mon
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