‘It felt like my body was singing!’
She’s been a vegan for five years, since giving Beyoncé’s 21-day vegan challenge a try – and Sarah-Jane Crawford says she’s never looked back.
“During those three weeks, I started doing lots of research and finding all these amazing vegan alternatives to eat. Then I saw some films on animal welfare and they made such an impact on me,” she explains. “It makes me feel so good to know that every day I’m doing something that’s not impacting animal welfare or the carbon footprint.”
The radio host, 36, who is expecting a baby in August with her partner, football manager Brian Barry-Murphy, says she’s noticed so many benefits to the way she feels since giving up meat and dairy.
“When I first went vegan, it felt like my body was singing. I felt like I had taken a mad happy pill! It was the best I’ve ever felt. My body is more used to it now, but it’s so nice to never get that groggy feeling I used to get after eating something that disagreed with me. Meat and dairy are the main things that go off, so it makes sense that vegans don’t get that feeling.”
The star also gave up alcohol almost two years ago, admitting, “I couldn’t take the hangovers, and mentally and physically I wanted to be healthier and more positive. I felt so much better after four or five weeks.” But as a self-confessed junk food lover, Sarah-Jane – who has partnered with Galaxy Vegan to promote their new range – admits that one of the things she was worried about when switching to a plant-based diet was being able to get her fast-food fix.
“I love junk food, I grew up having birthday parties in McDonald’s,” she laughs. “But so many fast food and burger chains now do vegan options which is great, and loads of restaurant chains do great vegan options. I’d say to anyone thinking about going vegan, look at what you love and don’t want to give up and then research vegan alternatives. There are so many delicious options these days, you really don’t need to miss out!”
● Galaxy Vegan chocolate bars are available to buy now
‘It was like I’d taken a mad happy pill’