Shakira about to eat

Our May climate hero

Good Food team

Published: June 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM

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In this series, meet everyday heroes making a real difference – this month we talk to Shakira, a student who decided to adopt a vegan diet from the age of 14

'Going plant-based changed my life'

Shakira is a radiotherapy student at London South Bank University. She turned vegan aged 14 and loves getting creative in the kitchen adapting her family recipes.

Shakira cooking

When I switched to a plant-based diet, veganism wasn’t as popular as it is now. It was a struggle to find foods and it made me more adventurous – I ate things I wouldn’t have before. It also got me into being a creative cook. I’m of Pakistani and Jamaican heritage, two cultures that traditionally eat a lot of meat. However, you can tweak any Pakistani curry to make it vegan-friendly. Even with Caribbean dishes there’s a lot where you can omit the meat – for example an oxtail stew made with kidney and cannellini beans. When I cook a big batch of plant-based curry, my family will give it a go. I made Christmas dinner with two versions of mash (one with almond milk, one with cow’s milk) and vegan trimmings, using maple syrup instead of honey to glaze the carrots. I’m Muslim, and at Ramadan it can be difficult going to community iftars where the only thing you can eat is rice and samosas. It’s exciting to think about how I get some protein and enough nutrients in the iftar meals I make myself. When I was 16, I became a lifeguard at Sparkhill Pool in Birmingham. It’s very community-focused with a diverse group of lifeguards and instructors. It’s a really good job to have when you’re young – it teaches you teamwork. There is a bit of a connection with a plant-based diet – I did lifeguarding because it was healthy, and veganism is good for me, too. My original motivation was animal welfare, but now I’m vegan for all-round health, and there’s also the climate angle (studies have shown plant-based diets have less environmental impact than meat and dairy). There are lots of different reasons for becoming vegan; if someone just wants to do it, that’s valid as well.

Plate of stuffed peppers

How to switch to a plant-based diet

Be easy on yourself. Don’t think that if you can’t stick rigorously to a plant-based diet that you can’t be vegan. You’re only human!
Educate yourself about veganism first to see if you really want to do it. Consider the different types of veganism – there are raw vegans, junk food vegans, people who seek plant-based substitutes of meat and dairy foods they ate previously, and others who want to stick to vegetables, legumes and pulses.
Thought is needed about whether you are getting the right nutrients after giving up animal products. You may need to consider taking a multivitamin and B12 supplement. Make sure to look for a vegan option.

More plant-based inspiration...

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Crispy tofu recipes
Plant-based diet
Vegan one-pots
Plant food recipes
Chris Packham on veganism, sustainability and his love for nature

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