Jot

I was at a dinner with family and friends when someone recommended I watch What The Health, knowing I was into fitness and searching for ways to help my mum, who at the time was struggling with serious health issues – constant pain, no cartilage in her knees, spinal discomfort, and barely able to move without calling me for help just to turn in bed.

Out of curiosity, I watched it the next day. As someone who values learning, I was open and it shook me. I started questioning if what we eat could really be that bad. So I followed it up with Cowspiracy. That’s when the environmental impact hit me. I learned that animal agriculture produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transport combined. And that a single 100g beef patty uses up the same amount of water as two months of daily showers. I realised I was composting, saving water, turning off lights, driving less, but one burger was undoing all of that. I couldn’t justify it anymore.

I had only one concern, could I even build muscle as a vegan? I was into fitness and thought I might have to give that up. Then I watched The Game Changers and everything changed. Seeing elite athletes like Patrik Baboumian, Novak Djokovic, and Lewis Hamilton perform at the highest level on a plant-based diet gave me an adrenaline rush. I stayed up all night researching, reading peer-reviewed studies, diving deep into sports nutrition, muscle building, and the truth about the food industry.

By the next morning, I was done. I walked into the living room and told my mum and brother, “I’m going vegan.” My brother said, “It’s just a phase.” (He went vegetarian a month later. Vegan three months after that. ) My mum took a week to transition her diet to one without animal products. And over the next two years, our extended family, from cousins to grandparents in their 70s, all made the switch too.

Today, my mum is healthy, pain-free, active, and living with purpose. She rescues pigeons, volunteers at sanctuaries and Salvos, and stands for the animals every day. Now, everyone in my family is vegan and active in the movement.

We co-run the Melbourne team of We The Free, a global animal rights community focused on effective street outreach and education. We’re building a supportive, welcoming vegan community right here in Australia. I also run Green Fit Co., a sustainably made clothing brand that speaks for animals and stands for justice (@greenfitco.au).

Through fitness, fashion, and activism, I aim to show that you can live your values, thrive physically, and make a difference. If you’re doing the Vegan Easy Challenge, know that I’ve been where you are, full of questions, doubts, and hopes. This journey changed my life, my family’s lives, and it can change yours too. If you ever need support, have a question, or just want to chat, feel free to DM me anytime. And if you’re in Melbourne, come say hi! Whether you want to get active for the animals or just join us for a delicious meal at one of the city’s many fully vegan spots, you’re always welcome, (join us on Facebook at WTF:Melbourne).