Jay McGuiness talks being vegetarian, his favourite go-to dishes and why everyone should get involved in the World Meat Free Week.
It’s no secret that meat production alone is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and the number will only go up due to increasing world population. That’s why the World Meat Free Week charity are encouraging people to go vegetarian for at least one meal a week. Globally, this easy swap saves greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to enough electricity to charge your mobile phone for two years. We spoke to one of the charity’s most active supporters, singer-songwriter Jay McGuiness, to find out why people should get involved and have at least one meat-free meal a week.
How did you get involved with the World Meat Free Week and why?
It happened this year after I started being a bit more vocal about being a vegetarian and they (World Meat Free Week – WMFW) explained to me what they’re doing. It just seemed like an amazing thing to get involved in as it’s something that I care about and I think one of the reasons I took my time before discussing me being vegetarian was because I didn’t feel like I want to beat people on the head with it. And WMFW is an easy, simple way to ease yourself slowly into vegetarian or vegan food.
Why do you think it’s important people get involved with the WMFW?
We think each meal is supposed to be meat and two veg but actually there are plenty of meals that don’t need meat in them. And I think for the younger generation it’s slowly starting to seep into their consciousness. It’s just like a slow shift of gear where people need to realise that they don’t have to eat meat for every meal of the day every day and it’s nothing out of the ordinary. And one meal a week is a good place to start.
How did you become a vegetarian?
When I was 13 one of my best friends was a vegetarian and we were learning about diets at school and it was the first time I learned what exactly vegetarianism was. The first immediate reason for me was just that I loved animals and didn’t want to eat them. After school I got into the car with my four siblings and just said to my mum: “Mum, I’m going to be a vegetarian!” and she asked me what was I going to eat and I just said: “Chips!” From then on she was always amazing and supportive and made me a little side meal. She took a lot of burden from me and it was never an issue. When I got older and learned about the effects of meat production on the world, I thought I’m glad that I made that decision back when I was a child.
What has been most challenging about being a vegetarian?
I didn’t really miss any foods because as a kid you just kind of eat anything your parents give to you. When I got older and got in the band and we travelled, some countries where around five, 10 or even 20 years behind in terms of vegetarian options. South America was really tough because they’ve got a very long and strong tradition of serving lots of different meats and options in Germany were quite limited too. But there were loads of other countries like India and Japan that had mountains of amazing veggie food. As much as there are challenges, it’s also fun.
What are your best tips on how people can cut down on meat?
Stick to what you know. Unless you’re really adventurous and you’re going vegetarian to really shake up your life and be experimental, then go wild. Otherwise, stick to what you’re comfortable with. If you like spaghetti Bolognese, switch out the mince meat for a veggie alternative. If you like a fry up in the morning, maybe just go for a veggie sausage. Pick out one meal when you’re going to do it and then just do it.
What are some easy swaps that people can make?
If I have people round for a football match and usually we would be eating chicken wings and chips, I make cauliflower wings instead. I just fry a whole cauliflower and throw in lots of hot sauce and people absolutely love this snack.
Do you have any other go-to dishes that you love?
I really like making Thai food. With Asian-bowl type of dishes you can just throw in anything you like. You can have rice or chickpeas or lentils, different veg and tofu or seitan. And you can do that with British stews as well – just leave in all the root vegetables until they’re done and then add whatever meat alternative you like.
What do you want to say to people who think they can’t go meat-free even for a meal?
You don’t have to believe in yourself because I do. You don’t have to announce to the whole world that you’re going veggie or vegan and gluten- and soy- and everything-free. All you have to do is pick one meal and just have a go at it and just make something you like. And hopefully you’ll enjoy.
You can pledge your support on World Meat Free Week’s website.
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