Kia ora, Hello and Guten Tag!
I am sooo happy that you are here! My name is Jana. I am originally from Germany and at the moment I live in Aotearoa New Zealand. On this blog I’m mostly sharing my vegan and gluten-free recipes.
Since my arrival in my current home New Zealand, I have found my passion for cooking and baking again. And such a passion just has to be shared 🙂
Vegan and gluten-free?
I’ve been vegan for quite a while. I haven’t noted down the day but it was some time in early 1998. Yes, I am “old”, he he. And in between, for several reasons, I was only 99% vegan. I might talk about this in a post some time.
A few years ago I developed a gluten intolerance. At first I thought that I would hardly have anything to eat. But that was so far from the truth! My diet is now healthier, more colourful and more nutritious than ever before!
But there is more!
You may have noticed the little word “mostly” further up. I am mostly sharing my vegan and gluten-free recipes. Actually there is so much more to talk about. With adopting a vegan lifestyle I also changed my perspective on the ethical impact that comes along with the consumption of animals and animal products, but also the disadvantage for the environment and health.
One often reads about how the vegan diet reduces carbon emissions. But is it enough? Earth Overshoot Day comes earlier every year. That means, humanity is using more than their share of mother nature’s resources, and at a faster pace.
Have you calculated your own carbon footprint yet? You can do it with the free carbon footprint calculator. I did it myself. With a rather sobering realisation:
“A vegan lifestyle is not enough to create a positive effect on climate change.”
I already live a very conscious lifestyle. Food is mostly bought seasonally and locally. I buy most of my stuff second hand and would call myself a minimal consumption refuser.
Why the big carbon footprint? Because sometimes I travel by plane and I drive a car. Room for improvement? Heck, yes!
That is why I don’t want to only share vegan and gluten-free recipes on my blog. I also want to share experience, tips and suggestions for a more sustainable life. For many years now I have been doing my best and I keep improving myself. If we all join in, we might be able to change things for the better.
But it is also important to remember that we can’t blame only individual consumers. It is important to engage politically and demand responsibility from big corporations, who are the main contributors of emissions [source].
And the recipes?
All my recipes are vegan, gluten-free and without oil as much as possible. My favourite sweeteners are dried fruits such as dates and coconut sugar. You won’t find chemical sweeteners that put a twist into your tongue when trying to pronounce them.
And yes, it is still a sugar. That’s why I recommend using it as with all things in life – with balance. A well balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle after all 🙂
What else do I do?
Traveling by bicycle whenever possible. Rock climbing and bouldering. Splashing about in the ocean. Playing guitar. Spoiling my adopted rescue roosters (I might write a post about this too). Being a cat mum. De-clutter the house – minimalism is my motto.
Where else can you find me?
You can find me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. I’m looking forward to seeing you there and to have a dialogue with conscious, loving people like you. With you, the world is such a better place!
And if you would like to see more photos from my travels and excursions, you can find a selection here.
With love,
Jana 🙂 <3
